Author's Note:
Here it is, a double evolution and some familiar faces. Firstly, this is the turning point in one of the main casts arc and while this was an arc they went on during the main anime, I'm expanding upon it. I can see a lot of people upset with how she's being handled during this next stretch but it's all for the growth. We also see one of Serena's Pokémon arc reach a significant point in their own arc. Originally, I thought this was just going to be a filler-chapter but the more I went on with planning Hoenn, the more things got added too it... and we've reached chapter fifty, woo! We're like halfway through Hoenn now! Oh, expect this chapter to focus mostly on Serena and May as far as main character's go. For those who don't like the arc May is currently on, don't worry we'll knock her out of it sooner rather than later. We also get another look at the coming up Misty operation, which might be sooner than you think (unless you look at the chapter list on my profile).
I also want to talk about the gym battle last chapter, some didn't like it that Ash won when against an elite level opponent (Slaking) thinking it looked down on their strength, but I believe the opposite. Ash is at the point in his journey is where he is close to that level. It still took three of his Pokémon to bring down one and it was his strategy in the end which won it. Remember elite four doesn't mean invincible, not even the champion is the strongest (just the strongest public trainer). Had he gone in with his strongest hitters, even from outside of Hoenn, then he would've lost. The field wouldn't allow for Aerodactyl or Dragonite to fly around, severely limiting them and leaving them open. He had several counters for Alakazam, as shown with the dark and ghost moves used on Duskull and even Snorlax would've been outpowered. There's a reason Granbull wasn't exactly the star in the battle. Also, in case it wasn't obvious, Torkoal is a lot stronger / more experienced than we've already seen. I imagine him being older than Aerodactyl, relatively. On one final note, I'm taking suggestions for Treecko nickname, either PM them or leave in review. I'll decide on the one within due time. With the exception of one Pokémon, which I have a name in mind for, this will be the same for all of Max's Pokémon. Don't forget to vote in the poll, which'll change with the next chapter and with that, let's begin!
Chapter Fifty: Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
Serena took a deep breath of the thick forest air. It's been about two and a half weeks since they left Petalburg, heading west for Fortree. Despite everyone currently involved in their own activities, she found herself looking towards Brock first. He had a blanket laid out with his Solrock floating beside him. He was encouraging his small electric type to walk unaided. It was a slow process, with him particularly struggling with the leap needed for his singular back leg.
Sighing as she could only imagine his pain, she closed her eyes. If anyone could help him, it's Brock. He taught both herself and Ash all they knew about medicine and even cooking. Opening her eyes once more, she saw him nearly reach the edge of the blanket before falling. Heading over to them, she looked.
Nearby her Zangoose was locked in close-claw combat with Vigoroth. The two danced around but with one clear difference in styles. Brock's middle staged normal type was attempted to use pure strength to overpower him but given they recent witnessed the strength of his species in Ash's gym battle... that was hardly a surprise. What was a surprise was the way her own normal type moved during the combat?
Zangoose more smoothly danced around his opponent, using agility and slick strikes to gain the upper hand. As she watched him move, she couldn't help but imagine him in a performance. His highly skilled claws-mon-ship could prove to show off given the right choreography and partners.
Realising she made it to the blanket, she squatted behind the breeder. The lightening Pokémon continued to walk with the back hop. Speeding up his movements, however, proved in effective as he stumbled to the side. Solrock using a light confusion to carry him back to the doctor-in-training.
"Electrike, you can't rush this," he sighed, petting the top of his head, "if you do then... we just need to take it one step at a time."
"How's it going, Brock?" she asked.
"He's getting better... when not rushing," he replied, "but... it's like every two steps forward we take, he takes one back."
"Well... what about evolution?" she asked, "didn't you say there was a chance his leg could regrow when-"
"Unfortunately, that's not going to work, Serena," he sighed, "I thought it might, given how other species grow and change in evolution."
"Like Magikarp into Gyarados, right?"
"Yeah," he nodded, "but their genetic make-up is prepared for such a change," he replied, "Electrike do get bigger when evolving so a bit of his leg might regrow, but it won't be fully replaced or anything... and since we realised it, he's been more eager to walk than ever."
"Well, the Pokédex did say they like to run about... I bet his got a lot of unused energy not doing so," she replied, "hey, I know!"
"What is it, Serena?" he asked.
"Why not try teaching Electrike a new move. It could help clear his mind and burn off some of that unused energy," she replied.
"That's a good idea, Serena," he smiled, "but which move? It's not like he's ready to even try a friendly-practice battle."
"Maybe thunder fang?" she shrugged, "he does know bite already, so it'll be pretty easy for him to pick up."
"We'll give it a try," he nodded. Smiling at the sight, she stood up and glanced around once more.
Just ahead she saw Max stood with his Treecko and Ash's Grovyle. It seemed the evolved grass type was teaching them Bullet seed... or trying at least.
Deciding to leave them to their own devices she head off across the ground. Her eyes fluttered over to Feebas and Meditite, who were resting next to or in the stream, respectively. To make good time, Ash called over Pidgeot, Charizard and Dragonite to fly to Mauville from Petalburg and when doing so, they spoke to his Kirlia. Hearing troubling news about her and Hitmontop, she decided to re-add the fighting psychic type to her team.
Despite not wanting to talk about her experiences at the lab and furiously denying the accusations made by the psychic fairy type, she couldn't help but feel like Meditite was hiding something. Being far more distant and closed off since returning. She made her course for the two female Pokémon.
Looking around as she approached, noticed Ash's Swellow battling Brock's Lairon. The normal flying type just seemed to bounce off with each impact.
Similarly, both May's Combusken and Mightyena were running around, trading blows. With this one seeming a more even match up. Although she found herself quickly reach them and turn her attention to her own Pokémon. Sitting down, she kicked her shoes and socks off, dipping her legs into the water.
"Hi Serena," Feebas' mental voice greeted.
"Hehe, hello Feebas," she smiled, "you see in a good mood."
"Yeah, I am," she replied, "not only have I been practising hard to get over the stage fright but now I get to perform with Kirlia and-"
"Wait what?" she asked, "Feebas where has this come from? Kirlia's working on a performance with Meditite and while you could do one together after, it's hard enough to get one routine down. He can't try two or three at once."
"B-but Meditite said-" She paused, "sorry Serena."
"It's alright Feebas, no harm was done, and I bet in the future he'd love to perform with you too," she reassured.
Seeing the fish continue to swim against the current before riding it back down, she couldn't help but smile at her almost child-like innocence. She watched the pure water type swim over to Lombre, who was splashing around in the stream. She felt happy seeing her grow her friendship circle.
Turning her attention to the psychic fighting type, she saw her levitating over the water. A psychic aura radiated out of her, whilst she sat with legs crossed and eyes closed in a meditative stance. Closing her own eyes, she sent out her own wave of ESP.
"Meditite?" she questioned.
"Yeah Serena?" her fighting psychic type replied.
"Can we talk for a minute?" she asked.
"Sure?" she asked, floating over to the land where she stood up, exiting her meditation, "what's up?"
"Feebas said you weren't going to perform with Kirlia anymore?" she replied, "but from what I've seen you've gotten good at visualising your psychic moves."
"Yeah, and I can't wait to perform but-"
"But what?"
"I shouldn't be performing with Kirlia." She paused, letting out a low sigh, "it wouldn't be right."
"What do you mean?" she asked. Her mind instantly jumped to another of her Pokémon who might've said that, but she wanted to make sure. The young female Pokémon swirled her foot down on the ground, not looking up to her at all.
"W-well... Hitmontop is my boyfriend so how could I perform with another boy and-" she stuttered, "yeah. It just felt wrong."
She chewed on her inner cheek as she watched the fighting psychic type. She had been so excited about their performance since they started practising and not just her, Kirlia has worked so hard to get his part down. While she certainly knew where she was coming from, in one sense, performing in a showcase wasn't exactly romantic or anything. It would be like her getting upset if Ash ended up in a tag-team tournament with another girl.
"Meditite," she sighed, sitting down in front of her, "I won't make you do something you're not comfortable with."
"Thank you, Serena."
"But I do want you to answer me this and answer it honestly," she continued, "is it you who's not comfortable or someone else?"
Her young Pokémon glanced up with wide eyes and slightly open mouth. Taking a step back in hesitation. Pinching her own lips together, she saw her turn around, silently entering her meditative stance, returning to floating above the water. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she cut off the mental connection and stood back up, "that's what I thought."
Sighing she looked around once more. Her eyes were drawn over to her Kirlia, who was helping Duskull learn psychic. Her eyes flicked downward with a frown. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him already, he's been the most excited about performing but now he's hard work is at risk.
She continued glancing around. The sight of Corphish on Torkoal's back, whacking away with crab hammer's despite the lack of effect it seemed to have.
On the far end of the battle, she saw her Bagon battling against Ash's Seviper. Ever since she returned from the lab, the pure poison type has been more withdrawn but not as offensive against her normal type. She couldn't be sure why, after all, she wouldn't speak to any of them, not even Ash.
Speaking of her boyfriend, he was over by the cooking pot. Brock's Trapinch sat on his head, giving instructions as he mixed the different spices in. While he was the one doing the work, it was clear Trapinch was making the decisions. Before sprinkling in any of the ingredients, the ground type smelt them to check first. For a while it seemed Brock was doing all their cooking just for Trapinch, but clearly the ground type doesn't mind who he cooks with.
A bright light caught her attention. Turning towards the source, she found May's Minun and Lileep partaking in a double appeals performance.
Smiling at the sight, she continued to scan the area. Her own Cacnea and Dustox working on a combination performance together.
"Come on Swablu!" May's voice echoed, "you could do better than that!"
Spinning to the source, she found the brunette stood between her Swablu and Spoink. The two in a practice battle. The cotton winged bird attempting to tackle into her opponent, but May's psychic type used well timed bounces to avoid each impact.
Walking over to them, she noticed the normal flying type launch out a dark blue flame from her mouth. A light blue light contained the dragon breath.
Jumping up with the flames following suit, the attacks swirled around him. Sending them back in the original direction, Swablu was consumed by her own attack. Disappearing from sight, a bright light engulfed her body and she expanded, the flames flickering out around her.
Landing in front of her friend, she took in the sight of the newly evolved Pokémon. She was certainly larger, her head extending slightly above May's although her skin still the same shade of blue and her wings still cloud like with fluffy, white feathers. As she stood in front of them, she noticed the could affect now covering all around her body, obscuring her back. Two long, blue plumes extended-like streams from the back of her head, flowing in the gentle breeze. She had a short, hooked beak and prominent cheek patches, both of which were white. Additionally, the beady black eyes seemed unchanged except for size to match her new build. A long neck held her head up, giving her the height difference although the connection to her body was hidden among the cloud. Her feet were the same shade of light blue, with four toes: three claws pointing forward and one backwards. While five blue feathers pointed out behind her like a tail, the outer two being longer than the other three. She couldn't help but notice the device in May's hand as she arrived behind her:
Altaria, The Humming Pokémon. The final evolved form of Swablu. This Pokémon has a kind disposition, but if it's provoked, it will threaten opponents with shrill cries before attacking them without mercy. They're often found being protectors of small colonies of differing wild Pokémon
Type: Dragon / Flying
Ability: Natural Cure
Hidden Ability: Cloud Nine (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Adamant (Note: This is unlikely to change because the Pokémon can't evolve further)
Move(s): Peck, Growl, Disarming voice, Mist, Fury Attack, Round, Dragon Breath, Safeguard, Sing, Cotton Guard, Take Down, Dragon Pulse
"Awesome Altaria!" the brunette cheered, putting her device away, "this is so great!"
"Congratulations, May," she greeted, causing the young coordinator to turn around.
"Thanks, Serena," she smiled, turning back to her newly evolved dragon, "and just wait! With Altaria we'll totally blow away the Fortree contest!"
"You're gonna be using Altaria so soon?" she asked, "you only just had her compete in Rustboro?"
"Yeah, but it's fine," she shrugged, "after all, it's a double performance. Even if I go with both Lileep and Spoink, who are the only two who haven't competed yet, I'll still need to go with two who have... and this time it would be in a battling role, not appeals."
A loud echoey cry echoed from her Humming Pokémon. Pinching her lips for a brief second, she decided to leave it. After all, she makes a good point. Part of her was worried May's old habits were returning just with a new Pokémon, but she made a decent point regardless. Who is she to make up who she should compete with?
"Guys, lunch is almost ready!" Ash's voice rang out, "can we get some help setting everything up!"
Letting out a low breath, she noticed the other stopping their training and moving closer to the centre camp to help. Following suite, she used her ESP to open multiple cans of Pokémon food and fill up respective bowls held by the different sea of team members. The others filling bowls of the meal Ash and Trapinch prepared and putting them on the picnic table they stopped by. As she walked over after filling the last bowl, she noticed Ash carrying two plates.
He put both down next to each other and took a seat at one, realising the second was for her, she took the seat next to him. Giving him a peck on the cheek with a whispered word of thanks. They entered a comforting silence as they dug into the meal. It was a unique twist of Brock's bolognaise and a good one.
As they ate away at the meal, she couldn't help but glance around at everyone. The one she noticed most was Seviper. Normally, she'd distance herself and while she was on the outside of the wider circle of Pokémon, she was much closer than normal. Unsure what's brought this change on, she'd be sure to mention it to Ash later on. Continuing to eat her meal, she quirked an eyebrow up at the sight of May, who was more focused on her Pokegear having rushed her meal down at a speed which would put Ash's Snorlax to shame.
"Awesome!" she burst out, jumping to her feet.
"What's up May?" she found herself asking. Taking another bite of her own meal.
"Huh?" she blinked, looking down from her phone, "oh sorry. I didn't know everyone was still eating."
"It's alright, May," Brock replied, "but what was your outburst about?"
"I-it doesn't matter right now," she shook her head, stepping away from the table, "I'll just be over here whilst you guys finish."
Flicking her eyebrow up in a questioning manner, she watched the girl move away from the group. Taking a seat on the ground, she continued to text away with a bright smile on her face and slight blush in her cheeks. Seeing the boys return to their meals, she decided to investigate further. Picking up her plate, she carefully made her way through the sea of Pokémon, taking a seat next to her sort of-student-sister.
"So, May-"
The young girl let out a surprised yelp and about dropped her phone as she turned it off. Making the screen disappear from sight, not that she had a good view to see who she was talking with.
"W-what do you want, Serena?" she asked.
"The truth would be nice," she shrugged, taking a bite of her meal, "and an answer to my question before."
"Like I said, it doesn't matter," she dismissed, turning her head to the side, "so can ya'll just hurry and finish eating already. We need to make it to Fortree already. Think Ash could get ahold of his Pidgeot and Dragonite again? Now I have Altaria, I don't really need to borrow a flier."
"Whoa, whoa, slow down May," she replied, almost choking on the fork full she just took, "firstly, Ash can only make one Pokédex exchange every eight hours. The technology just isn't advanced enough to handle multiple in a row. Secondly, we're waiting for Gary and Leaf remember. They set off from Lilycove yesterday when we left Mauville and so we should run into each other sometime today. It's why we've been training all day."
"Yeah, but this is like, real important," she declared.
"What is?" she asked, "you haven't told us anything and they're our friends."
"You mean your friends, neither myself or Max have ever met either of them," she crossed her arms in defiance.
"What's gotten into you," she asked, putting her plate down and jumping to her feet, "ever since our revisit to Rustboro you've been acting weird."
"What do you mean?" she asked, jumping to her own feet, and placing her hands on her waist, "I'm just acting like my level as a coordinator should-"
"Your level?" she asked.
"Look, I know you couldn't handle the contest circuit and decided to switch to showcases but you shouldn't lump me with you," she replied, turning her back.
She blinked in surprise as she realised, she never really spoke to her about her contest experience. It wasn't for anything May did, she just didn't want her to either get a big head by having a top coordinator mentor her or start to treat her like some sort of idol... partly because of how Max acted around Ash and his league placement early on in their travels. Maybe she was in the wrong for keeping it to herself but there just wasn't a good time to bring it up either.
"-or Ash for that matter," she declared, "you know, him and Max make a big deal out of the league but it's just straight forward battling. Coordinator's need to juggle both performance and battle. And we're competing on a stage in front of everyone. Way tougher than a simple gym battle."
"May-"
Biting her lower lip, she stood up and turned around. Taking a deep breath, she walked back over to the others. Using her ESP to carry her plate behind her.
Not wanting to continue this argument, she knew that no answers were coming their way. The brunette girl has truly changed these last few weeks and not for the better. Running her head through the possible causes, she let out a long breath. The only way to truly know would be to read her thoughts but Serena knew she wouldn't like someone doing that to her if the roles were reversed. No matter how bad she is acting, she knew she had no right to invade another's privacy with her abilities. Reaching the other's, she took her seat and rested her head on Ash's shoulder. Her eyes unable to move off her female friend.
May frowned as she stood in front of her Minun and Lileep. The two Pokémon finished up their appeals performance but if she's honest, she wasn't really focused on them. Her eyes were staring across to the lake where Serena sat, using her ESP to wash up the plates and cooking utensils.
Just who was she to be making all the decisions? This Leaf and Gary weren't her friends and-
A gust of wind caught her attention, dragging her out of her thoughts. With a loud roar, drawing in the attention of everyone around them, she found herself staring at a brand new quadrupedal, canine Pokémon with an orange pelt marked by jagged black stripes. He had diamond-shaped ears with beige insides, black eye, a round, black nose, and two pointed teeth protruding from his upper jaw. His head, muzzle, and chest are covered in shaggy, beige fur, except for two oval sections around each eye and ear. Long tufts of fur grew behind his elbows and also around his ankles. His underside was black, and he had a billowing, beige tail that was bent in the middle. Each paw had three-toes and a round, pink pad, which became visible as he lifted a paw up.
Off the Pokémon's back slide a boy around Ash's age with spikey brown hair. Dressed in a smart black shirt with a pointed collar, spread out by the undone top button. A tight necklace laid against his skin with a purple emblem. This matched the long purple cargo trousers and shining black trainers. She couldn't help but admit to herself that he's pretty cute... not that it matters now. Shaking her head, she pulled out her Pokédex to scan the large Pokémon:
Arcanine, The Legendary Pokémon. The final evolved form of Growlithe. There are so many old tales about them that they're called legendary Pokémon, but there are way more of them around than you'd expect. Common place in ancient war scenes, where sword-wielding guards would ride them into battle
"Hey Gary." Ash's voice drew her back to the interaction, she mindlessly slipped the device back into her bag. The two clasped hands together, tightening into a lock as they pulled each other close. Patting each other on the back in one swift move.
"Long time no see, Ashy-boy," he smiled, "so how you been?"
"Good-"
"You've not been slacking have ya?" he asked, cutting him off with crossed arms, turning to the side.
"Course not!"
"Good!" He smirked, opening one eye to look at him, "because now I'm not competing in the league competitions, you don't have a reason to get anything less than first place. I don't want you to start taking it easy now the challenge has been removed for ya."
"Har, funny," Ash stamped his foot down, crossing his arms, "but I seem to remember it being a different in the silver conference... Gare-Bear."
The spikey-haired boys eyes widened, and his smug facade dissolved in an instant. Before anything could be said, Serena walked up to him and engulfed him in a hug, seeming to snap him out of his little shock... presumably at Ash's nickname for him.
"It's sooo good to see you again," she smiled, letting the boy go, "so where's Leaf?" she asked.
"She's making her own way in, but she wanted to make an entrance," he shrugged, "you know how-"
"Pretty the show off is you," Ash cut him off, a good-hearted laugh to show it was all in gest.
As the friends caught up, she couldn't help but admire his pure fire type some more. The shiny fur seemed to shimmer under the Hoenn sun as he stood tall over all of them. Slowly approaching, she couldn't help but feel nervous as his eyes locked onto her, like some predator looking at his next meal.
"Your Arcanine is sooo cool!" Her brother's voice shrieked. The legendary Pokémon lifted one of his front paws, revealing him to the side with sparkling eyes as he inspected him closer. His Treecko perched on his shoulder. Tentatively reaching out, he stroked the leg which she could only imagine felt incredibly soft, but the pure fire type didn't seem too happy and jerked his leg away from him, taking some steps away to purposely create distance between them.
"Hehehe, thanks kid," Gary chuckled, walking over to his Pokémon and scratching under his chin, "but he can be a little fussy. Only liking those people, he knows to touch him."
"Oh erm, sorry," her brother replied, glancing down to the dirt ground. Kicking the back of heel.
"It's alright," he smiled, squatting down so they were at eye level, "no harm was done, and we've got a good couple weeks walk to the weather institute, so I bet he'll warm up to ya in no time."
"Really?!" he asked, with wide sparkling eyes, clenching his hands together as he took in the fire type behind the professor's assistant.
A loud roar echoed but unlike Arcanine's, which was more commanding, this one sounded more echoey. Turning to the source in the sky, she saw the large brown underside of a Pokémon which landed within their campsite. The body was wrapped in green leaves on the chest and head. Possessing large, broad green leaves on the back, which were the wings previously used for flight. A long neck extended out of the bulky body with a thin, black line around. She noticed the long neck allowed for the head to be the same height as nearby trees. Bright yellow and pink nanab berries dangled from the chin. Glancing down to the feet, she noticed the bright yellow toe-nails matching the fruit as she scanned the new arrival:
Tropius, The Fruit Pokémon. Children of the southern tropics eat as snacks the fruit that grows in bunches around the neck of Tropius. This Pokémon flies by flapping the leaves on its back as if they were wings. They're some of the kindest and friendliest wild Pokémon despite their large size
Putting the device away, she noticed a girl around Serena's age slide off her back the grass flying type's back. She stood just a little taller than the honey-blonde girl as the two embraced each other in a hug with long brown hair flowing down. She was dressed in some sort of black, fully body dress without sleeves and very short skirt, ending just above her upper thighs. It would've been very revealing if not for the turquoise outfit which hid underneath. All brought together with a yellow bag slung over her neck.
"It's so great to see you, Leaf!" Serena cooed, "how have you been?"
"Great!" she smiled, returning what looked like a bone crushing hug, "I got my first draft complete, and the Prof said he'd give it the once over whilst we're running this errand."
"I take it you caught this Tropius after arriving in Hoenn?" Ash asked.
"Course," she smirked, "we went exploring outside of Lilycove until we got you message about being at the crossroads of one-one-eight and one-one-nine."
"Tropius are pretty rare Pokémon, mostly living on separate islands only inhabited by Pokémon," Max mused.
"Usually but this one I met in the wild Pokémon reserve, which doubles as a no-catch zone," she replied, "it actually use to be a safari zone, but a Venusaur who was betrayed by his trainer took over the area. Some rangers set up the no-catch zone to protect them and travelling trainer's from each other and now it's mostly just a jungle filled with grass, bug and flying type Pokémon."
"So how did you end up with Tropius then?" Ash asked.
"Simple," she smiled coyly, "a Skarmory snatched Dunsparce off the ground and flew him into the reserve. The rangers were taking too long to help him-"
"She means she rushed straight in without asking the ranger's first," Gary interjected.
"-so, I went after them. Meeting Tropius along the way, he showed me to Dunsparce. Turns out Skarmory thought he was a resident being forced out and tried to help him, so no harms done. Then this big guy decided to stick around."
"But if it was a no catch zone then-"
"No catch zones have clear, outline barriers, Max," Brock explained to her younger brother, "and Pokémon are intelligent creatures. I'm sure once Tropius decided to go with Leaf, he knew exactly which points they could go to for her to catch him without issue."
Said grass flying type let out a long cry, leaning his head down to nuzzle against his trainer.
"So enough just standing around," Leaf declared, "I wanna see what other Pokémon ya'll have got. I know you've sent some to the lab from time to time but there's still loads I'm yet to meet!"
Her eyes flicked down into a scowl at the suggestion. She waited for them to get here and now instead of leaving for Fortree, they're wanting to spend the rest of the day here? Just what gives them the right to decide such things after only just arriving?
"Everything alright, May?" Brock asked. She blinked in surprise, seeing him looking at her with concern.
"But if we get going now, we could make it too Fortree by nightfall," she insisted, "I could ride Altaria, Brock and Gary on Arcanine. Max and Leaf on Tropius and Ash and Serena could call over Pidgeot or someone else."
"Whoa, whoa, slow down," Gary held his hands up, "there's no need to rush and besides, Arcanine just ran from Lilycove. He needs a rest before another sprint like that, especially with double the passengers."
"Same with Tropius," Leaf added, "and we've got the weather institute on the way to Fortree. So, no need to rush."
"What's gotten into you, May?" Serena asked, "we already explained that you're not going to miss the contest. Fortree is gonna be holding its yearly feather festival soon which'll stretch out the time before it anyway so-"
Not wanting to listen to this any further, she turned around. Gathering her team, she marched over to a clear side of the campsite to restart their training, even if she can't make it today, she might-as-well practise as much as possible. Why is everyone against her all-of-a-sudden?
Serena smiled as she watched Ash and Gary get into a battle on the far side of the campsite. Her boyfriend had his Grovyle and Torkoal ready to as his rival-turned friend went with Scizor and Tyranitar. Three out of the four competitors seemed to enter a battle stance... while Torkoal stood calmly with a soft smile.
Smiling as the battle got underway, she stood up and turned to Leaf. While she would love to get to watch them battle, she knew the two of them would just keep going until all six of their Pokémon had a chance to face one another and there's far more productive ways to spend the afternoon. Not needing to verbally address her, she turned, and they walked off to the lake, taking in the sight of the others. Most now watching the battle or doing their own thing.
"I must say Leaf," she spoke up, "I like this new look. It's like a new, mature, you."
"I brought it a while ago, but this is the first time I'm properly wearing it," she replied, "glad it gets your seal of approval."
"Course," she smiled, "and I bet it'll work two-fold too."
"What'cha mean?"
"Come on, you can't tell me you did specifically pick it to get someone's attention?" she smirked.
"Like who?" she blinked.
"Gary-"
"Gary? What?!" she blurted out, "he's just a friend. He doesn't even think of me that way and even if he did-"
"You'd what?" she asked.
"Honestly, your just as bad as Daisy," she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Turning to face her full on, she placed one hand on her shoulder, causing Serena to stop and look her straight in the eye, "the real reason I picked this sort of outfit is... well... because of Drake."
"Leaf," she uttered, returning to place a hand on her opposite shoulder, "if your still not-"
"N-no, I am well past that silly crush now. But I remember," she took a deep breath, "I tried to get his attention with a similar styled outfit in Johto... and he just laughed. Claiming whoever I was trying to dress for would have to be stupid to change their mind just because I changed my clothes and it's what's inside which really matters. So, I got rid of that outfit... now it's like I'm truly past him."
"He did have a good point about it being what's inside that matters."
"Oh, I know he did, but this is like showing my inner self with my outer fashion," she replied. Smiling she nodded, completely getting where her friend was coming from. It's so nice to see her confident self-back. While she briefly saw her before parting for Hoenn, she couldn't be entirely sure if it were truly her or if she just put on a brave face... now she knows-
"That's it!" Serena gasped, grabbing her hands friend, and dragging her over to the lake.
"Whoa, slow down girl," Leaf uttered, struggling to match her pace, "what's the sudden burst of energy for?"
"Sorry," she uttered, coming to a slow walk as the lake came into view, "but I just had like a brainstorm moment. And it's all thanks to you-"
"Well, of course," she smirked, "not even an hour in and I'm already giving you mass inspiration. Did you expect anything less?"
Laughing at her sarcastic joke, they continued over to the lake. Sitting on the edge, the two girls watched as her fish swam back and forth, "so you know what happened back at the Verdanturf showcase right?"
"Yeah," Leaf nodded, "Beedrill, Kabutops and Alakazam were the ones to take over the lounge just to watch it live!"
"Hehehe," she giggled, imagining the two big bad battlers being the most eager to watch them perform, "well Feebas has been feeling down since then. I know her evolution came from her appearance but with so many different papers and stuff on talking about it, there's so many contradictory theories. One even claimed we needed to find something called a Prism scale-"
"But now you think you've got the answer?" she asked.
"It's not just outward beauty that we need to work on but all," she replied, "just like Ash's Venusaur and Swellow. There mentality held back their own evolution."
"Sounds as good an idea to me as any," she shrugged, "so how can I help."
Smiling at her friend, she gave her a brief description of her idea. Once both were on the same page, she called over the pure water type and they got to work, staring with a new sort of performance to build her confidence. Mostly focused on Serena levitating water over the air for her to swim in. While not a proper routine for a showcase, it was simply to build her confidence.
The trio entered a mental conversation as they tried to give the fish Pokémon a makeover. The duo working to build her confidence within herself. They probably spent close to three hours together and none of them noticed as one of the other trainer's approached from behind.
"Alright, I've had enough of this waiting around!" She turned to see May stood with her arms crossed and wrinkles on her forehead which seemed to point downward. "We're leaving now! You can play with your ugly fish in Fortree."
"What did you just say about Feebas?" She felt her eyes bulge at the inside. A quick glance down showed her pure water type swimming away with a downward glance. Swallowing hard, she clenched her fist and stood up to stare at the brunette, feeling her psychic powers flood her head.
"Sorry," she sneered, clearly insincere, "but like I said. Everything you're doing here could be done in Fortree so-"
"How many times May," she grunted, pinching the bridge of her nose, trying not to unleash her ESP on the young girl, "not only did we agree on the travelling plans before setting off, but you haven't even told us why you're so desperate to leave!"
"I shouldn't need to tell you why!" She stamped her foot down, "you guys rush off without explaining yourselves! Remember mount Chimney?!"
"This is completely different." She tightened her fist. With a deep inhale, she closed her eyes and let the calming breath go. "And look at the time. It's mid-afternoon so we wouldn't get very far even if we did set off. What is so important for you that we leave."
"I'm tired of going around like this," she let out a frustrated sigh, "Combusken! Altaria!"
The young coordinator's starter and newly evolved Pokémon moved in front of her. Letting out a long sigh, she stood up herself, seeing the silent challenge issued by her travelling companion. Running through her options, she decided Feebas could use a trail run to pick her spirits back up.
Clenching her fist, she noticed Zangoose move up beside the lakeside. Taking a deep breath, she knew he'd have the experience to handle himself. While she knew Feebas wasn't nearly ready for either of these opponents. She hasn't exactly been a battling nut but given the insults, she deserves the chance to prove herself. The brunette stood with her arms crossed, both her Combusken and Altaria stood in front of her.
Her normal type took off first. Running at his top speed, his claws extended out to the side. Glowing white and growing as Combusken matched his run.
The duo met a little over half away across the makeshift field. Bringing one claw down from above, Zangoose knocked Combusken's arm back.
Following up with his second claw, he slashed across his chest. Knocking the middle-staged starter onto his back.
Bringing his second claw down, he ended up stabbing the ground. May's fire fighting type rolling to the side. Spinning back onto his feet with a fire spin.
Streams of flames engulfed her cat ferret Pokémon. A tornado of fire completely engulfing him, Combusken's feet glowing white with an orangey-brown tint.
Kicking her normal type out of the fire tornado, he went flying across the ground. Performing a backwards summersault as the fire dispersed around. He buried one claw into the dirt, landing on all fours as he skidded to a stop. Without missing a beat, he charged back forward towards his opponent.
"Serena!" Feebas' mental voice shouted, "help!"
Turning towards the water-half of the field, she noticed Altaria swooping down through the water. Clearly trying to pick up her fish Pokémon.
Spheres of water shot up past her, but none landed their mark. The pure water type tried to flip over her head as she closed in, taking up the entire width of the lake. Altaria's beak glew and grew. With a flurry of forward thrusts, she stabbed her fish Pokémon out of the air.
Snatching her up with her taloned feet. She flapped her large cotton wings, taking off high above the ground. Narrowing her eyes, she took a deep breath.
"Try Fail to escape!"
A stream of flames clouded her vision of the mid-air battle. Turning back to the ground match, the two Pokémon were surrounded by a wall of fire.
Zangoose had one arm wrapped around his opponent's neck. Stood behind with a great height difference.
Combusken's feet glew once more and he kicked off the ground. Spinning overhead, he delivered a double kick into her normal types back
"It's pointless Serena," May shouted, "my dad told me Combusken's been sparring his own Zangoose when we were at Petalburg! You can't win!"
"Never say never," she uttered.
He rolled to the side and caught the next double kick in one open hand. Pushing up, he knocked the young fowl Pokémon onto his back once more.
A kicking jump quickly put him back onto his feet. He loomed over May's starter who panted heavily from the onslaught of attacks.
"Ember!"
With a deep breath, the fire fighting type launched out a swift barrage of fire balls. Falling back, he avoided the close ranged attack as the embers flew high, striking May's own partner. In a fit of pain, she spun and ended up launching her water type higher into the air.
"Feebas!"
"Finish it!" May sneered.
With a deep breath, Altaria launched a powerful dark blue ball after her. The Dragon pulse struck her airborne fish Pokémon, who glew white. Her body expanded and she dived back down. As the glowing stopped, she wrapped her new body around the dragon flying type. With a spin, she sent her crashing down into the field between May and Combusken, as her own water type landed the other side of the duelling Pokémon.
Remembering her time in the Wallace cup back in Johto, she remembered the long sea-serpent Pokémon. She had cream pale skin, two dazzling ruby red eyes, which were accompanied by two pinkish red antenna's which also made up two fins which looked almost like hair. Part of its tail was showing, and it had a fabulous pattern of deep-sea blue, black and the same pinkish-red colour. While the same species, she certainly seemed smaller than the one back at the special contest. Bringing out her own Pokédex, she scanned her newly evolved partner:
Milotic, The Tender Pokémon. The final evolved form of Feebas. Milotic live at the bottom of large lakes. When this Pokémon's body glows a vivid pink, it releases a pulsing wave of energy that brings soothing calm to troubled hearts. It's believed Milotic are the most beautiful Pokémon in the world
Type: Water
Ability: Marvel Scale
Hidden Ability: Cute Charm (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Modest (Note: This is unlikely to change because the Pokémon can't evolve further)
Move(s): Water Pulse, Fail, Splash, Tackle, Wrap, Water Gun, Disarming Voice, Twister, Aqua Ring, Attract, Recover, Life Dew, Aqua Tail
"Not fair!" May shouted, "you can't just take advantage because of an evolution! And since does something like Feebas evolve into this?!"
"Firstly, what do you mean by something like Feebas?! Secondly evolution, for the most part, is out of anyone's hands," she instructed, "there's nothing claiming such an event means the competitor is unable to continue is a part of any competition. So, are we going to finish this or not?!"
"Now!"
A claw came up and knocked her normal type back towards the humming Pokémon. With a deep breath, Combusken followed up with a fire spin.
Altaria countered with her own dragon breath. The two flames collided with Zangoose at the heart. Swallowing hard at the sight, she noticed a confident smirk on the young girl's face. As the flames fades, her cat ferret Pokémon laid on his stomach, motionless.
Silently grabbing his Pokéball, she recalled him. Seeing the two Pokémon now facing her newly evolved partner.
"Combusken is the most tired," she called out, "go for him first!"
Inwardly smirking, she saw May's starter frown at the command. Extending his claws either way, he took off towards her sea-serpent.
Swirling water around her new tail, she slammed it down where he was running... but he jumped to avoid it. Landing on her body, he continued to charged up her body. Reaching her head and swiping one claw around, slashing her face as she was knocked to the side.
In one swift movement, she knocked her body into the fire fighting type. Wrapping him up in a tight embrace.
"Altaria! Get him free!" May shouted, jumping up and down on the spot.
The dragon flying type took off, gaining altitude. Smirking, she closed her eyes, sending out a weak pulse, "Milotic, remember the way she took down Zangoose? Well, I want you to return the favour in kind."
Seeing the humming Pokémon launch a dragon pulse ball down on them. Her water type spun and sent the young fowl Pokémon flying.
Forming a water sphere at her mouth, it chased after him. The two elemental orbs smashed on either side of May's starter, who fell down onto the ground.
A red light quickly engulfed his body, returning him into his Pokéball. The two remaining Pokémon staring daggers at each other.
Altaria launched down a powerful condensed soundwave tinted in pink and Milotic quickly matched it. Both disarming voice attacks collided mid-air and seemed evenly match but Serena noticed her opponents pushing further before dispersing... it made sense since Altaria knew it as Swablu, and Milotic just learnt it.
May's dragon flying type dived down, picking up some great speed as she closed in. Milotic quickly launched another water pulse straight up.
Her cotton wings expanded and intercepted the blow. Bouncing off harmlessly as she smashed into her sea-serpent.
"Into the water!" she shouted.
Landing on her stomach, her newly evolved Pokémon quickly slivered across the makeshift field. Diving into the water, she noticed it hardly provided cover.
"Dragon breath!" May countered.
Soaring above her half-submerged water type, she breathed down a widespread dark blue flame. Engulfing the entire width of the stream.
"Twister!"
Her sea-serpent extended her body upwards. A powerful wind engulfing her body with the tint of dark blue dragon type energy. The water from which she stood in added to the cyclone as it protected against the flaming breath of their opponent.
Moving towards the dragon flying type, she took off ascending above the top of the twister. Swirling above, she launched a dragon pulse down the centre.
The humming Pokémon coated herself in cotton as the twister exploded. Milotic fell onto the land slightly, as dragon type energy blew outwards.
Seeing swirls enter her water types eyes, she rand forward, skidding to a stop as she cradled her head. Raising her head slightly to place it on her lap, she used her ESP to bring her bag over. Pulling out a super potion bottle, she sprayed her sea-serpent.
"So, are we leaving now or what?" May asked, walking over. She stood with crossed arms and her dragon flying type landed behind her.
"What is up with you May, we never agreed to that," she replied, slowly stroking the pink antenna's, "you haven't even told us why you want to get there so fast, anyway?"
"I told you, it's for the contest!"
"We've already planned out the journey! Thanks to flying from Petalburg, we'll arrive in plenty of time," she replied, grabbing her Pokéball to recall her fallen partner, "you're not at risk of missing it and even if you was, there's loads of time before the grand festival. And you only need two more ribbons, so it's not like the Fortree contest is the be all, end all!"
"Fine, if that's how you feel!" she stomped her down in anger.
Turning around she walked over to her newly evolved Pokémon, whispering into her ear to which the humming Pokémon nodded, crouching low. Narrowing her eyes as they locked with the girl, she watched her climb onto Altaria's back. She could only watch as the dragon flying type stood back up, spinning on the spot, she flapped her wings, taking off from the ground, heading North towards Fortree.
Unable to take her eyes off the exiting pair, she sunk her teeth into her bottom lip. Just what was so important in Fortree for May to take off like she did?
"You alright, Serena?" Leaf asked, approaching her.
"Yeah, Leaf," she uttered, finally tearing her eyes off the exiting friend. Slow "guess I'll be competing in the upcoming Fortree contest."
She chewed on her inner cheek as her hands clenched into the cloud feathers of her newly evolved dragon. They were hovering pretty close to the ground as it passed over quickly. Looking ahead, she spotted the large metal building on the left, standing tall in the clear sky and a set of large trees to the right. A lot of the treetops were filled with what seemed to be wooden houses of some sort.
"Can you believe Serena, Altaria?" she asked.
"Al-"
"She gets to spend every day with her boyfriend and yet she decided I couldn't come to visit Drew." She frowned, narrowing her eyes. "Just because I'm a more accomplished coordinator than she'll ever be. The nerve of her to make so many decision without-"
Off to the side of the large forest was a series of lightning bolts shooting up into the sky. Sparkling blue bubbles floating around. Bursting with the droplets sparkling against the electricity. Her humming Pokémon didn't need signalling as she turned slightly towards the display.
Coming into a landing on the grassy plain just outside of the city. She saw a familiar green-haired coordinator stood with his back to her. His Masquerain and Plusle were in front of him, finishing up what looked like an appeals performance. Climbing off the back of her newly evolved dragon flying type, she walked up behind him, admiring the two Pokémon who finished up with the electric type directly under his partner. Both performing a formal bow.
"That looked great," she commented, giving a slow clap.
"Huh?" The green-haired boy turned around. His quirked eyebrow rested with a small smirk as she walked forward, engulfing him in a hug, which he returned. "I assume Altaria is the Swablu you used back in Rustboro?"
"Yeah," she nodded, ending the quick embrace, "she actually evolved earlier today. So, we just thought we'd save the journey and fly."
"Hehehe, you didn't need to go through all that trouble for me," he smirked, giving a soft wink, "I'm planning on staying here until after the contest, so we would've met up soon."
"So, you're not happy to see me?" she asked, pouting whilst looking down to her feet, kicking one in front of the other.
His hand reached forward and touched her chin. Tilting her head upwards, she saw him smiling softly with sparking half closed-eyes, "I didn't say that."
Her heart thumbed hard against her chest. A tingle travelled down her spine. Before she could move an inch, a slightly red blur behind him caught her attention. His pure electric type ran up his body, picking up a rose in his mouth as he landed on his shoulder. Extending the flower towards her.
"Heh, I think Plusle is asking if you've got Minun with you."
"Y-yeah," she stuttered slightly, reaching for her Cherish ball. Taking it off her belt, she released her pure electric type. Landing on the ground in between the two trainers, she looked up with a quirked eyebrow. The red counterpart jumped down next to her, letting out a cute cry. She stumbled backwards slightly, turning to face him, "go on, Minun. I'm sure Plusle wants to get to know you better some more."
It took her a moment before running off to the side. The other electric type following her in a similar running stance.
"So where are your friends?" Drew asked, "did they fly straight into the city or-"
"Urg, don't get me started," she groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, "they aren't coming... not straight away, at least. They'd rather take the long way and walk here."
"I guess that means we won't need to split our time together then," he smirked, holding his hand out, "come on, we can get you set up at the Pokémon centre and then you can show me what you've got planned for the contest. We might even be able to visit the gym leader here."
"Why would I want to visit her?" she asked.
"Well, she specialises in flying types," he nodded, "and she's famous for her Altaria partner. I bet she'd be able to give you and your own Altaria some great tips and training. Given the right training and she could be the one who wins you the grand festival."
"I-I'm not so sure about that," she chuckled nervously, accepting his open hand. Seeing him turn to recall his Masquerain, she did the same with Altaria, thanking her for the flight. Seeing the two electric types run back, Plusle taking up a space on Drew's shoulder as Minun sat on her's.
Following her sort of-boyfriend through the grassy plain to a wooden ladder up to the tree tops. Following him up to the very-different type of city, she couldn't help but wonder just what they were. He never asked her to be his girlfriend or anything, but they went on a date in Rustboro... she flew here to him and will be spending the next few weeks together in preparation for the contest so-
Her breath stuck in her throat as she reached the wooden platform. Rope bridges and similar platforms with buildings built out the same wooden materials filled the tree tops with the bright sun burning down on them. Turning around to look, she saw several bug Pokémon and birds like Taillow and Swablu in the branches, one to one with the humans. She even saw wooden lifts helping someone in a wheelchair up into this other world. As she turned to take in the full sight, she noticed a large, temple like building to the north of the thick forest which they stood upon.
"That's the Pokémon gym but it was once a temple dedicated to Rayquaza. While it's believed the legendary only interacted with this world from Spear Pillar to the south, the ancient draconid people built it as their attempt to reach him in the sky. Now it houses the Fortree gym."
"This is..."
She couldn't even finish her sentence, with her mouth going dry. Her eyes were wide as her hand felt his gently hold on. Her feet had a mind of their own as he lead the way through the fantasy city. While she loves her Pokémon and competing in contests... her first love was always travelling and finding places like this is why... she'd gladly spend the next few months here to truly appreciate the magic of this place and all the history it holds.
"Heh, I knew you'd like this place," Drew commented, "everyone does. It's constantly ranked as Hoenn's greatest city and for good reason."
"Min-nun." Turning to look at her electric type, she frowned, pinching her lips together.
Her cheering Pokémon had narrowed eyes which stared straight into her's. Tilting her head to the side, she pointed down to their intertwined hands. Looking back, she couldn't help but see several questions in her partner's eyes. Along with some judgement... just what was up with Minun?
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...