Author's Note:

Here it is, the first part of the Dewford arc. I know it's kinda quick going straight from the Rustboro arc to Dewford but there really isn't room to fill out a chapter in between them, everything I could've thought of ended up being filler and, I didn't want filler. On to the chapter, it's a pretty easy settle after the gym battle and like hinted at the end of last chapter, I'm putting distance between the two gyms so they don't get repetitive and it'll also be some nice character growth of Ash, not wanting to rush straight in. One of the group also gets a new Pokémon this chapter, and whilst on Dewford, every member who currently has a Pokémon, will get at least one more. We also get to introduce a rival for both Ash and May, back in Johto a few thought I gave this character to much insight, but this is why. The chapter itself is pretty sure, shortest of Hoenn so far but that's how it goes sometimes. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin.

Chapter twelve: Beach Day

Ash took a deep breath. Salt water and sunshine built the open sea. Water as far as his eye could see.

They left Rustboro a few days back and travelled back south towards Petalburg. Before leaving, they switched their team around. It didn't take them nearly as long thanks to having an idea of how-to transverse the forest. Finding an old dock at the south exit, where they met Mr Briney. A friendly sailor who offered them a ride across the water towards Dewford island. He was currently on the open top deck of the boat, his Wingull, Peecko, perched on his shoulder.

Looking around the open water and boat, he took in the full group.

Taillow was flying high over the water, clearly enjoying the chance to spread her wings... he just hoped she didn't pick a fight with a wild Gyarados or any other Pokémon for that matter. Murkrow and Crobat were also high in the air, the poison bat further ahead while Murkrow seemed to be following the previous flock leader, although she wasn't moving as freely around the air.

Over on the far side of the boat, Pikachu was playing tag with Phanpy, Granbull, Duskull, Cacnea, Sudowoodo and Max. Treecko was off to the side, relaxing on the ridge overlooking the water, with his twig rolling in his mouth. Ever since he sent Meganium back to the lab, he's been even more distant.

Serena was overlooking the ocean with both Sylveon and May stood, each of them holding their respective bug type Pokémon. Hitmontop wasn't too far away, but he was kicking the air. It was difficult to see if he was training, frustrated or just trying to damage something... knowing the fighting type, it was probably a combination of all three. Stantler was also stood, overlooking the ocean but she was with Dugtrio and a bit further away.

Brock was sat close to Ash himself. He had Lotad sat on top of his head and Slakoth spread out over his legs. He was brushing his normal type as May's Torchic ran circles around him. Sighing to himself, he stood up and walked across the deck.

May made a point about her favouritism back when she caught Poochyena but that hardly seems to have changed. Every moment she has Silcoon with her, even if her other Pokémon were resting within their Pokéballs. Occasionally, he noticed Poochyena forcing her attention by bringing stuff to play with but that has made it even worst for the fire type. He isn't nearly as pushy and seems to always get the blunt end of the stick with her.

He made his way over to the two girls and leaned against the rail. On the far-off ocean he caught sight of a series of dark blue fins sticking out of the water, with a single one leading the group, with some sort of mark on it, clearly the leader. Intrigued by the new Pokémon, he pulled out his Pokedex:

Sharpedo, The Brutal Pokémon. The final evolved form of Carvanha. This Pokémon is known as the Bully of the Sea. Any ship entering the waters Sharpedo calls home will be attacked-no exceptions. When Sharpedo's are present, other predator's such as Tentacruel and Gyarados move elsewhere

"Man, I hope that's not true," Serena muttered, as she walked over with May, "I don't like our chances against that many Sharpedo."

"Don't worry, young missy. I've been travelling these routes for generations," Mr Briney called out from the top deck, "their territory is lined out by those rocks. They may seem scary but most Sharpedo just want to live in peace and won't go out of their way to pick a fight, if not needed."

"At least there's no Tentacruel or Tentacool," May sighed, "those are the worst."

"I wouldn't let Misty hear ya say that, Tentacruel was always her go to partner," Serena smiled, "they made a great team together."

May rolled her eyes at the comment. He wasn't sure why, but she seemed to hate the entire Tentacruel line. While he has some bad memories with certain Pokémon, such as a certain Fearow, just outside of Pallet Town, but he'd never think of dismissing an entire species because of one bad experience.

"Alright May, I think we need to talk," he spoke up, "I know what you said, about not liking Pokémon until recently but this has to stop."

"What has to stop?" she asked.

"Your attitude," he replied, "where are your Pokémon anyway?"

"Silcoon is right here," she scoffed, "and Poochyena is playing with Max and the others. I don't see you with them despite most of your team there."

"And Torchic?" he asked.

"He's..." she mused, scanning around the boat. Stopping once more, "by Brock. Running around, happy as anything."

"But you're not there, your never there for Torchic. I can't remember a single time you spent with Torchic and no-one else," he replied, "he has to practically beg Brock to play with him since he is likely to give attention to him. He knows he won't have that from you."

"You really should be nicer to him, May," Serena interjected, "you undoubtedly show favouritism to Silcoon still, despite saying you'd overcome that when you caught Poochyena. It's not a one-time thing and over."

"What do you know about it?" she asked, turning to the side.

"Well we never showed any of our Pokémon favouritism, May," Ash sighed, shaking his head, "but if you don't show Torchic the slightest bit of respect... then there will come a time that you need him and he'll likely answer with exactly what he was shown."

"Land-ho!" Mr Briney called out. Turning towards the direction they were travelling; he saw a beach-island with a tall mountain on the back quickly approaching. Reaching for his belt, he began recalling most of his team, "now you kids have my contact number so when you're ready to leave to Dewford, just give us a call and I'll be right over. Remember that the journey to Slateport should take longer, however."

"Thanks sir," Ash smiled, having recalled his team before the others, "we're gonna explore the island some so it might be a week or two, though."

"Ah, that's fine me lad," he heartly laughed.

"But I think for the rest of today we should spend it at the Dewford beach," Serena interjected, "we can rest up at the Pokémon centre and then tomorrow stock up on supplies and head out."

"I wouldn't mind a beach day," Brock added, "and I bet our Pokémon would love it. They deserve a break after the Rustboro gym and showcase."

"Well if everyone else wants to, I'm happy to," the raven-haired boy smiled.

Ash stood outside the Pokémon centre with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, a bag with towels and beach gear packed inside. Having left his backpack in the room, he was dressed in blue swim shorts with Brock stood next to him, dressed in dark green swim shorts. Max was already playing on the beach with Lotad by his side, in lighter-green swim shorts. The bright sun sparkled over the golden sand, as they looked across to hardly anyone was close by, but some shack-houses could be seen scattered around. A far cry from the city life they recently left.

"Man, it's nice to be back on a beach," he sighed, stretching his arms up, "what's it been? Since Cianwood?"

"Probably," Brock smiled, "or at least the whirl islands. Northern Johto wasn't exactly tropical."

"Now we just need to wait for the girls," he smiled, "I can't wait to see what sort of Pokémon we might find here on Dewford."

"Patience is a virtue, young one," Brock smirked, "I would've thought you'd have learnt that by now. With deciding to wait on your gym battle until we've explored the island some."

"Yeah, yeah," he smiled, rolling his eyes, "so what do you know of the island?"

"It's a prime tourist location and rated for the best beach in Hoenn," he shrugged, "as for the rest the of the island, there's some sort of jungle or swamp further in and a cave to the north. I'd imagine that we'd have some common water types in the ocean, maybe a few we haven't seen before native to Hoenn."

"And then some cool rock or ground types in the cave," he shrugged, "maybe even a steel or fighting type. Or dark. Depends on what the cave is like."

"Probably some Zubat's as well," Brock smiled, a light chuckle in his voice, "but I'd imagine the jungle will have some interesting grass types, along with flying types. Of course, if it's a swamp it could also have more land-based water types."

"Man! I can't wait to get to exploring the island!" Ash exclaimed.

"Well today we'll just be enjoying the beach, mister," the angelic voice echoed behind. He turned around and his mouth dropped at the sight before him. May was stood in a one-piece orange swimsuit but the part that truly caught his attention was the girl stood beside her.

Serena was dressed in a two-piece white bikini with pink framed sunglasses placed on her medium length golden locks. His bottom lip trembled at the sight as his teeth sunk down to stop it moving. She smirked at him before approaching, pecking his cheek, and locking her hand within his.

"Damn," he uttered, barely above a whisper.

"You've seen me in a bikini before, Ash," she whispered, in a hushed voice. The blur of May running past briefly distracted his blank stare at Serena.

"Come on everyone, we need to find a good spot on the beach," May declared.

Leading the way across the beach. He soon felt his girlfriend tugging on his arm and his feet almost tripped up over themselves as he tried to keep up with her. As he looked around, he saw Max running alongside with Lotad in his arms. His cheeks burst bright red as he looked away and out towards the ocean.

They soon came to a stop and he looked out across the beach. Hundreds of people and Pokémon were spread out, either playing, sunbathing or out in the water. A few lifeguard towers were stood on the sandy plains. With open shacks lining the back as a sort of street, filled with different food vendors and good shops or general tourist attractions.

Tossing his Pokéballs up into the air, in a flash of light his team along with Brock's, Serena's and May's all appeared in a row. The brunette girl ran off with her Silcoon in her arms, as her other two Pokémon ran beside her. Max took off with Lotad, Pikachu, Phanpy, Granbull, Duskull, Treecko, Sylveon, Cacnea, Cascoon, Dugtrio, Stantler and Sudowoodo. A beach ball in hand and they made a massive circle, hitting it towards each other. Brock smiled, Slakoth dangling from around his neck and walked over, setting up a couple towels nearby. He took one, brushing his normal type as Crobat roosted beside him. Taillow took off with a mighty flap of her wings, with Murkrow following shortly behind. Hitmontop seemed to be scanning the crowd ahead.

"Now Hitmontop, don't go around picking any fights," she instructed him, "today is about relaxing, not training."

He grumbled something incoherent, walking away in a humph.

"And that goes for you to, mister," she turned towards Ash, "come on, I need your help with something."

Before he had chance to respond, she was already pulling along the beach. It didn't take them long to reach a clear patch of sand where she grabbed one of the towels, spreading it out. She tossed him a bottle of some kind and dropped down onto her stomach as he struggled not to drop it. Taking a look at the bottle, once it was secure in his hands, he saw it was sunscreen. Looking down at her she had a book resting by her head.

"Hurry up, or do I need to draw you a map?" she asked, the flirty tone of voice which makes his heart explode, "I need you to put sunscreen on my back."

"O-okay," he stuttered, kneeling down beside her. Squeezing out some sun cream onto his hands, he cautiously reached down, starting at her shoulders, using the last of his willpower to focus on the back of her head and not further below.

"And don't forget to do the back of my legs too," she added, in an almost sing-songy tone.

"Y-your legs?" he asked, slowly massaging her shoulders, "b-but couldn't you have done them yourself?"

"I could've," she smirked, "but the idea of having you do my back came to me whilst I did my chest and stomach in the room. Then I thought about doing my legs but then I thought that I'd get you to do them as well... so tell me, do I get to apply the sun-screen to your back?"

"I-erm-no," he stuttered, his hands moving to rub sunscreen onto the back of her neck and upper back, "Brock had this spray which I used instead."

"Shame," she pouted, "I would've loved to massage those broad shoulders of yours... maybe I'll save that idea for when we're alone at night."

"Hehehe," he chuckled nervously, his hands moving down to her lower back, "c-can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she smiled. Pushing herself up with her elbows, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "if you can keep your words long enough to ask."

"W-well," he stuttered. Removing his hands to apply more sun-screen for her legs, "w-why are you acting like this? In public, I mean."

"That is quite simple, Ashy," she answered, in her flirty voice, "we're on a beach surrounded by beautiful women. I need to make sure I keep your attention on me and not anyone else. Not to mention, I don't want any guys looking at me, so having you put sun screan on is a good deterrent."

Silently, he lowered his hands onto her long leg. Slowly rubbing his hands up and down, applying the sunscreen as he tried not to focus on her behind. He quickly moved on to the other leg. Rolling his lips into his mouth and biting down. His eyes floating to the top, looking out over the water. Unsure how he'd ever be able to tell her that the behind has to be the part that truly grabs his attention... if past actions have been anything to go by, she seems to think it's her chest area and of course, he finds all of her attractive but-

"There, done," he declared, standing back up. She quickly followed suit and loosely wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a quick peck.

"Have fun and don't get into too much trouble," she instructed, "if you need me, you know where I am."

He smiled as she laid back down on her towel, grabbing the book. She appeared to be a couple of pages in already and from what he could gather, it was about the history of showcases and how they started in the Kalos region. Not wanting remain stood over her or just watching her as the golden sun bounced off her shining skin. Shaking his head, he turned towards the group of Pokémon and Max, where they were knocking the ball to each other.

As he walked across the beach, his attention was drawn to the sky. Taillow was locked in combat with some random flying type, the same species that he saw high in the sky when they first flew from Lilycove to Littleroot. Despite it looking like a typical aerial clash, it was clear his own bird was winning.

The opponent was a small, white feathered bird Pokémon. It's head made up a large portion of it's body, and it appeared to lack a neck. It had thin, simplistic eyes, two triangular tufts on top of it's head, and an orange beak with a hooked, black tip. Three blue-tipped feathers give it a fan-like tail and it's small, orange feet appeared to have webbed toes. It had long, flat wings with light blue stripes near the tips. He took out his Pokedex to scan it:

Wingull, The Seagull Pokémon. Wingull has the habit of carrying prey and valuables in its beak and hiding them in all sorts of locations. This Pokémon rides the winds and flies as if it were skating across the sky. Unlike other flying types, Wingull are able to rest in the middle of the ocean with ease

He smirked at the sight of his Taillow winning the battle already. Even when she's meant to relax, she still picks fights with others. Maybe he should've warned her about it, like how Serena did Hitmontop. Turning straight ahead, he entered a short sprint to reach the rest of the group and join in the ball game.

She smiled as she finished the chapter on Palermo. Placing the book down on the towel she looked up over the sea. Part of her wanted to take a dip but without anyone to go with, it's much less inviting. Sighing, her mind wondered back to the chapter.

Apparently, Palermo was the first ever Kalos Queen about forty-five years ago and won the title at the age of fifteen. She defined what the role meant and in one way or another, has been involved in the showcase circuit ever since. The five-year rule for each queen was directly inspired by her, who stood down after a five-year run of being undefeated. Believing it was in the communities best interest to have a new face and role model. Everything that is a part of the current circuit, in one way or another, came from her. It was really interesting; she couldn't wait to read the next chapter on Aria or the one about Monsieur Pierre.

Rolling back onto her back, she laid down and picked up the book, holding it over her face as she felt her stomach go warm and fuzzy under the sun. Flicking the sunglasses down over her eyes because of the bright orange sun overhead, she tried to focus on the next page.

"Help! Help!" a female voice cried out.

Putting the book down on the towel, she looked around to see who it was... to no-avail. Realising it wasn't exactly her physical hearing which picked it up, she closed her eyes. Sending out a weak pulse of esp, she waited for a response. Since she didn't know who it was, she couldn't contact them directly.

"Please..." the voice appeared again, "I can't... breath."

With her eyes closed, she quickly made her way across the beach. It was easy enough to dodge the others on the beach, the weak pulse acted like sonar so she could easily move without distraction. It was really useful that she had sunglasses on, otherwise it might've raised questions about why she was walking with her eyes closed. It didn't take long for her to reach the destination as the water washed over her feet.

Opening her eyes, she looked down to see the weak waves washing over the sand and her feet. Looking around, she was right beside a cliffside and a good distance away from any of the other beach goers. By her feet, flopping on the floor was a fish Pokémon, which held a strange resemblance to Magikarp in body shape. However, it was more shabby and old-looking with a light brown body covered in dark, irregular spots. It had a large, deep set eye on other top side of its face, and presumably one on the other side. With big, pink lips. Almost like someone covered it in makeup, but not trying to do a good job. The tail and pectoral fins were dull blue and tattered in appearance. The dorsal fin was triangular with a hole in the middle.

She bent down and picked the small Pokémon up. Walking into the water, once deep enough she let it go and swim around, disappearing out of sight. Closing her eyes, she sent out another wave of esp, "hello. Are you still there?"

"I am," the voice replied, "thank you, for helping me, I mean."

"It's no bother, I'm just happy I could help," she replied, a smile forming on her face, "I'm Serena, by the way."

"I'm Feebas," she replied, "but I suppose you knew that already."

"Actually, I didn't," she shook her head, "I'm not exactly from around these parts. I'm travelling with friends of mine and you're the first Feebas I've met."

"Oh... erm, do you want to swim or something?" she asked. Serena slowly opened her eyes to see the fish swimming closer to the surface.

"Sure," she smiled, walking further into the water. Feebas smoothly floated around her as she got to the point where the water reached her stomach. Kicking off from the sandy-underwater, she began swimming out into the water, "so what happened to you? How did you end up on the beach?"

"Well... my mother was a Milotic, my father a Gyarados," Feebas replied, "but I never really knew them. You see, with my species, they lay hundreds of eggs at once, deep on the oceans floor. The father is meant to stand guard until we hatch and see's us off out into the wild."

"I'm sorry, little one," she apologised, "I didn't really know my father either. For a long time, I thought he had died but-"

"But what?" Feebas asked.

"It doesn't matter," she shook her head, "so what happened?"

"Well I hatched, and he saw me off... he seemed angry," Feebas explained, "really angry."

"Gyarados usually are," Serena noted.

"In the school that I hatched in... I was one of three Feebas, over a hundred Magikarp," she sighed, "a hundred siblings that I'll never see."

"Never say never," she sighed, "if you just keep swimming, you never know what'll happen. If you just travel around, you never know when you'll encounter one of them... I don't have any siblings, really... from what I've seen, I might be lucky."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well... my boyfriend has a twin brother and they... weren't always on the best of terms," she explained, "and when they recently started seeing eye to eye, his brother decided to just and leave, heading to the other side of the world. Thousands of miles away."

"Right now, I feel like an only child," she replied, "so what's a boyfriend?"

"That's... a little complicated to explain," she replied, "it's sort of like the relationship your mum and dad have with each other but... just steps behind."

"Oh, okay," she nodded, "that doesn't really make sense to me, but I think I'll take your advice and just keep swimming. Maybe then I can find a sibling."

"Ya know, if you don't mind, you could travel around with me," Serena offered, "we might not be your brother's or sister's but along with all our Pokémon, we make a pretty big group. Thinking about it, we're like one big family."

"That... would be pretty nice, actually," she replied, "so how would I come with you?"

"I'd catch you in a Pokéball. It's a device which makes transporting Pokémon anywhere easy, actually, hold on a sec," she explained, turning towards the beach, she realised they swam out further than she first thought. Closing her eyes, she sent out a stronger wave, "hey Ash. I need you to bring my Pokedex and a spare Pokéball to the waterfront. I'll explain when I meet you there."

She turned back towards the brown-scaled fish, swimming around her.

"Come on Feebas, I'll introduce you to my boyfriend and I'll catch you at the same time," she encouraged, swimming back towards the shore. A smile spread on her lips as she saw the fish swimming beside her. Just like with Kingdra and Dewgong, there's something special about swimming side-by-side with water types. It's a similar feeling to performing on stage with her team, a massive difference to contests where she was just watching on the side-lines.

Reaching the higher floor, she exited the swim and walked the rest of the way. She couldn't help but inwardly smirk at her boyfriend's reaction as she walked up towards him. Stopping just in front, she leaned forward and pecked his cheek, snapping him out of the trace.

"Y-you needed these," he stuttered, holding out .

"Hello, Serena's boyfriend," Feebas' mental voice echoed.

"Thank you, Ashy," she replied, accepting the empty Pokéball and her pink Pokedex. She embraced him with a hug, slyly moving her head over to his ear with a giddiness floating in her stomach, "now don't go too far, I might need you to reapply that sunscreen. It could've washed off in the water."

"Serena, your boyfriend is being incredibly rude," she commented, "he's just completely ignoring me."

"Hehehe, actually Feebas, that's because he can't hear your inner voice like I can," she chuckled, "but he is able to hear your physical speech."

"Oh..." she replied, popping up out of the water, "hello Serena's boyfriend. Nice to meet you."

"Hello," he smiled, turning towards the water, "nice to meet you, I'm Ash," he turned back to Serena, "s-so do you need anything else?"

"I could walk out of the water again, I really liked seeing your reaction when it happened," she smirked, a flirtatious tone in her voice, "but other than that, no. I can handle it from here, if you want to get back to the others."

His cute, flushed cheeks burned bright red. If she didn't know any better, she'd have thought he'd been burnt by the sun. He stumbled over his own feet as he attempted to walk back with the little composure he had left. Even if a small part of her felt bad for teasing him, it was also something she couldn't resist. She turned back to the water and sat down, Feebas swimming up close to her.

"How come your boyfriend can't communicate like this?" she asked.

"It's not a common trait for humans," she replied, "you seem to have a lot of experience with it, though. How come?"

"Well I've met a few Pokémon on the sea floor that talked this way," she explained, "when I was washed up on the beach, I could hardly breathe in that small amount of water so I couldn't scream out. I felt that was my best chance and it worked. So how does this travel thing work?"

"So, I'll use this Pokéball to catch you, it makes it easier for you to travel around," she explained, holding the device up for her, "and I'll be your trainer."

"Okay," she nodded, "let's do this!"

Smiling down at the fish, she enlarged the device in her hand. Reaching down, she tapped it against the brown-scale fish Pokémon, and it popped open, a red light engulfed her, and she was sucked inside. It weakly wiggled a couple of times before dinging. Smiling at the result, she stood up and scanned her:

Feebas, The Fish Pokémon. They look ragged, so no one catches them. They look like they'd taste bad, so predators won't eat them. And their numbers continue to grow. Living deep under the sea, they are rarely seen by humans unless they trust them

Type: Water

Ability: Oblivious

Hidden Ability: Adaptability (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)

Gender: Female

Nature: Quiet (Note: This nature could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)

Move(s): Splash, Tackle, Fail

Pressing the middle button once more, it burst open and a red light released her newly caught pure water type. She smiled at the sight of her swimming around in an excited manner. Reaching down, she rubbed her on the head.

"So how did you find it?" she asked.

"It was good, a little weird but better than trying to find someplace to rest on the sea floor," she replied, "can we go back swimming again?"

"Of course," Serena smiled. Using her psychic abilities, she levitated the devices back to her towel spread out on the beach. Turning back towards the water, she walking back into with the brown-scale fish Pokémon swimming by her side.

May sat down on a towel and brushed her Silcoon with a brush, she looked out across the beach. Her eyes briefly looked over to Ash and Serena, who were stood off by the water edge. She couldn't quite make out what they were doing but she rolled her eyes and continued to scan the beach.

While she comforted her bug type, she caught sight of her Torchic and Poochyena. They were locked in some sort of combat, running next to each other. Her starter was launching out embers in a chance to knock the dark type away. While he swerved side to side, trying to tackle her starter down.

She might've had a crush on Ash when they first met but she isn't some lovesick puppy. Turning towards the rest of the beach, something caught her eye.

A young girl, older than herself with vibrant purple hair in two pigtails to either side of her head which were held together by two pink ball ornaments, was tossing a frisbee through the air as a string shot caught it and pulled it back. A Beautifly was the source of that string, flying above her head in a sort of dance.

Unable to restrain her excitement, she stood up and picked her bug type up in her arms and made her way over towards the duo. As she moved, her legs quickening with each step, she noticed her other two Pokémon following. Torchic was by her side, struggling to keep pace as Poochyena ran ahead, tongue wagging out of his mouth and heavy panting. Looking back, it was like he was expecting her to through something for him to fetch. She soon made it to the girl's side, but it was her bug flying type that responded first. Letting out a visiting cry and flying towards her, circling around her head.

"Hi," May smiled, "sorry for interrupting but that was some pretty cool moves. Are you a coordinator?"

"Yeah," she smiled, "I'm Sakura, by the way. I've already won two ribbons but I'm also competing in the league. I've got three badges, as well."

"So, your competing in both gyms and contests?" she asked, "I thought most trainers competed in one or the other."

"They do, but it's not a rule or whatever," she shrugged, "competing in one doesn't disqualify you from others. And I like the challenge of doing both."

"Wow," she uttered, "I only recently decided to give contests a chance. The thought of doing more than them is... overwhelming."

"Well I'm used to having a lot of work to do," she smiled, "you see, I use to work as a Kimono girl in Eckruteak city."

"Kimono girl?" she asked.

"It's an old traditional role in which we praise the legends of our home region," she explained, "spreading their word and customs. As far as I'm aware, Hoenn doesn't have a branch of official Kimono girls but they do have people that worship the regional legends like Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza."

"Right," she uttered, not quite sure where to go, "so is Beautifly your only Pokémon or?"

"Oh no, I also have my original partner," she smiled, "come on out and say hi."

In a flash of light, a pink Pokémon on four legs appeared. It help a strange resemblance to Serena's Sylveon but without the ribbon-feeler things. A red gem was centre of it's forehead and it's tail split at the end into two halves. The eyes were clouded over, a white pupil and indigo contrast.

"What's that Pokémon?" she asked, pulling out her Pokedex, scanning it:

Espeon, The Sun Pokémon. A final evolved form of Eevee. Espeon is extremely loyal to any Trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its Trainer from harm

"Espeon has been my partner for as long as I can remember," she smiled, "but this is our first journey together. I caught Beautifly as a Wurmple shortly after arriving in Hoenn and she evolved a few days ago."

"So those your only Pokémon?" she asked.

"Nope, like you I have a team of three," she smiled, "come out and say hi, Marill."

In a flash of light, a small round blue Pokémon materialised on the sand in front of her. A wide bright smile spread across it's face with the beady blue eyes matching. Two big-round ears stood out with an inner red colour. A zigzaggy tail with a ball on the end. She smiled and pulled out her Pokedex:

Marill, The Aqua Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Azuril. When fishing for food at the edge of a fast-running stream, Marill wraps its tail around the trunk of a tree. This Pokémon's tail is flexible and configured to stretch

"I met Marill whilst travelling around Johto," she explained, "you see, after I left the Kimono sisters, I went travelling. No real goal in mind. I wanted freedom to explore so much that I didn't have anything to travel to. Then I saw some trainer's who helped me, compete in the grand festival and silver conference. It gave me an enlightenment and I decided to compete in both."

"Heh, that sounds like these trainer's I'm travelling with," May chuckled lightly, "Ash is competing in the Hoenn league and competed in the silver conference not long ago. Although his girlfriend, Serena, is now competing in showcases instead of contests. Guess she couldn't make it as a coordinator or got bored."

"Ash and Serena?" she mused, "those are the names of the trainers who helped me. Mind if I stay with you for a bit?"

"Sure," she smiled, "it's a little bit of a coincidence, them being the same trainers. But stranger things have happened."

"Great! And maybe you could show me what you've got planned for contests?" she cheered, with a little leap, "I can already ready tell Torchic, Poochyena and Silcoon will be favourite's thanks to their cuteness."

"Well we don't have much experience at all," she frowned, "but if you don't mind, I'd like to see more of your Beautifly."

"I get that," Sakura smiled, "it was the same with Espeon and myself. You see, Eevee is the traditional partner for Kimono sisters. It's believed that the evolution path you take with them shows your devotion for legends. Espeon, is about looking forward to the future and when they'll return... maybe that's why I'm eager to travel. But anyway, why don't we get back to training for now. Your more than welcome to join us, May."

Smiling at the offer, she nodded, and they soon got to work training. Espeon paired up with Poochyena for battle training, with her using psychic attacks to allow him to take hits and practise dodging and countering without actually falling. While Torchic paired up with Marill, who was also working on contest battling although it wasn't as clean cut. May stood with Silcoon and watched Sakura and her Beautifly practise their appeals performance.

He felt a hand engulf his and he turned to see Serena. She was still in her bikini, but a semi-transparent skirt was wrapped around her waist. As she tugged him along the beach, he tried not to focus on her silky-smooth legs or her behind.

Biting his lower lip, he turned his attention towards where she was taking him. It appeared that many couples were on the beach, slow dancing as a slow soothing melody hit his ears. With the orange setting sun, sparkling over the blue waves, he knew she'd want to take part in the romantic setting. As they walked into the middle of the dance area, she slowed down and turned towards him.

She loosely rested her arms on his shoulders, swaying back and forth. With his mouth going dry, and eyes darted around as he tried not to look down. Sure, he's slow danced with her before but never with her dressed like this and after his recent dreams... it's like a completely new dynamic.

Sighing with a humph, she moved her arms down and grabbed his own. Forcing them onto her waist, they locked in place as his eyes widened, looking straight into her eyes. She let his arms go and looped her's around his chest, under arm, pulling him close into a tight embrace. His body began swaying back and forth in time with her as he tried to focus on anything other than her body, which was neatly pressed against his.

"Hmm, whatcha thinking about?" she asked, barely above a whisper. Her head resting on his shoulder, right next to his ear, "is it the thought that this body is the same one you've had sleeping next to you for however long? Or the thought that it'll continue to be the same one next to you tonight?"

"P-please stop," he stuttered, his meek voice barely audible.

"Okay, enough is enough," she sighed, "I'm not mad or angry but when you shut me out when I'm trying to be flirty and fun... just tell me why, Ash. Speak to me. Please."

"I don't want you to be mad at me," he sighed. Tightening his embrace and nuzzling his head into the crook of her neck.

"I won't be mad," she sighed, "not unless you keep it secret. Then I might be."

"Promise?" he asked.

"I promise," she pecked his cheek, "now come on and tell me already."

"Alright..." he took a deep breath, "this started a while back... remember that night in the Silver conference?"

"There was a lot of nights in the Silver conference," she replied, "your gonna need to be a little more... specific."

"When we went on that moon-light date," he added, "and for a swim in the lake."

"Hehehe, how could I forget that night?" she asked. A giggle in her voice. Leaning in to peck his cheek, "it was pretty rememberable."

"Well that night, I had a dream..." he paused, "nothing weird, it was just like I was reliving that moment... with you."

"I think I know where this is going," she replied, a know-it-all tone in her sing-songy voice, "I've had a few dreams reliving that moment. And others."

"A-anyway... I went ahead and wrote it off. It happened a couple more times afterwards," he continued, "but then we had that flight and-"

"I remember that flight, as well," she replied, "please tell me it didn't set you into some sort of kinky, mile high club fantasy?"

"What's mile high club?" he asked.

"I'll tell you when you're older," she answered, that flirty tone making his heart burst out of his chest, "so continue with this story."

"S-so anyway, after that flight, my dreams have been changing," he explained, a slight stutter in his voice, "evolving... and then the night before Devon corp, I had a dream. It was similar to the previous one's... the stuff we did b-but then it changed."

"How did it change?" she asked.

"W-well... we were kissing but then you pushed me against the wall," he explained, "and then you took off my shirt."

"That doesn't mean anything," she smirked, one of her hands falling down to feel his chest, "in case you haven't notice, that is a favourite part of our nightly routine now."

"A-and after that you pushed me up against the wall," he stuttered, "w-we continued to kiss and... then you-u kind of jumped up on me."

"You was able to hold me?" she asked, a devilish glint sparkling in her eyes, "we might need to test that."

"S-so I was carrying you... a-and we... made out," he struggled to continue, "b-but then-"

"Then?" she encouraged.

"Then... you took off your shirt and we fell onto the bed," he felt his cheeks burst into flames, "a-and... and then I woke up and-"

"Okay, I think I get the image... I can guess what happened after that, especially with your cold shower," she giggled, "but its nothing to be embarrassed about. I've had similar dreams about us... together."

"B-but-"

"It's natural that we'd have these dreams about each other... and I'm glad it's me and not someone else your thinking about," she smiled, tucking a loose strand of his hair behind his ear, caressing his cheek, "you don't need to worry or be embarrassed. I know I've got a few ideas on the next steps we take as a couple, but they can wait, until we're both ready. It's really adorable that you was worried though."

"S-so you don't think I'm some sort of-"

"I'd never think that," she interjected, placing a finger over his lips, "besides... it'll be hypocritical of me. Except a cold shower doesn't get rid of my problem."

His eyes widened and bottom lip trembled. As she continued to hug him, swaying side to side to the music, he tried to put his mind off the body practically wrapped around him. Unable to stop her swaying body along with her.

"This isn't helping," he whispered.

"Aww, and here I thought we'd be cuddling in our swimsuits tonight," she pouted, a sarcastic glint in her voice, "but now that's done, let's talk about the other thing. Whilst we're alone, I mean."

"About telling May and Max about our... abilities?" he clarified.

"Yeah," she replied, "you said we should re-consider after she came clean about wanting to be a coordinator."

"Well... yeah, I think we should," he replied, "you said she was hiding something and turns out she was, but it wasn't anything bad. And I can understand her reluctance, it's not easy to be surrounded by something you don't like. At least she wasn't someone who'd use Pokémon without a second thought."

"Like Paul," she noted.

"Yeah, I guess," he sighed, "and after the Devon corp, we can't be sure when we'll run into Aqua again. Or anyone else, for that matter. We should tell them before we're forced to reveal it."

"I still feel like she's hiding something, but I don't know what," Serena sighed, "but your right, after the thing at Devon, we can't know when that will happen again, and we need to be ready. Plus, she has a right to decide if she wants to be in that sort of danger again."

"So, we can tell her?" he asked.

"Yeah, we can tell her," she smiled, "let's do it when Max isn't around. He's a little too young and besides, we have something else to speak to him about."

"And what's that?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow up.

"He's got a crush on me," she responded, "it's kind of adorable, actually but we should set it straight."

"He does?" he asked, "when did he tell you this?"

"He didn't," she sighed, "but his actions gave him away. Trying to watch me when training, or just walking. It seems when I talk to him, he looks away and blushes... it's just like how I use to act around you. Remember."

"I do remember that," he smirked, "but are you sure it's a crush? He seemed to watch all of us training before Rustboro and as for the blushing whilst looking away, could just because you have a motherly sense. As the only female in the group whose not his sister, I mean."

"Okay, I'm going to pretend me being motherly hasn't got anything to do with one of those dreams you had," she smirked. As his eyes widened and incoherent sounds slipped out of his mouth, "but trust me, he does. I have a sixth sense for this sort of thing, remember."

"Okay, okay," he held his hands up, "maybe your right. We can speak to him about it too."

"Probably best not when May's around," she suggested, "it can be hard enough confronting a crush without a sibling."

"But Drake knew about us and it was fine for me," Ash shrugged, "would it really be that different."

"Guy's and girl's are very different, other than just the obvious," she replied, "you have no idea how much Misty or Leaf teased me about my crush on you. Even after we got together. I think it'll be much easier to get through to him without her."

"If you think that's what best," he replied, resting his head back on her shoulder. She moved his arms around her waist, as they continued to sway back and forth, "do I need to do that big boy friend thing and intimidate him?"

"Like you did when Sawyer called me pretty?" she asked, "I'm not here dancing with anyone else. Just you. And you don't need to feel threatened by an eight-year-old kid. It's normal for crushes to form, I seem to remember you having a crush on Daisy Oak, remember."

"I-I don't think-"

"Uh huh, you did," she nodded, "I remember it quite clearly. I always hated her for dragging your attention away."

"Away from you, you mean," he smirked, a light chuckle in his voice.

"Maaaybe," she stretched out, "now let's just be quite. The slow dance should end soon. According to Brock, it's meant to last over sunset."

He couldn't help but lightly chuckle as they loosened the embrace from less off a hug. As they turned in tandem with the music, he couldn't help but open his eyes and watch her. She was looking forward at the actual sunset. He would've followed through, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from her.

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...