Author's Note:
Here it is, the next contest and as suggested, May will have to face off against Serena. Now I want to make something clear, May went through a similar arc of over-confidence which ended in her over-bearing on her newish caught Bulbasaur during a contest. The episode being, Cruisin' for a losin' in the advance challenge series, in case you was wondering. I just wanted to add my own twist and have her truly get to Serena. This isn't some friendly match to test her friend, Serena is truly ready to show May just what she has left to learn. I also wanted to throw in some tension with the couple, with them not fully agreeing on the path. All of which has been hinted at during the previous chapters. If you couldn't tell, this is probably the contest I've been most looking forward to getting to and was even one of the first ideas I had when planning out May's contest challenges in this arc. We also get another taste of sassy Serena. It's been a while, but she only really gets this way when in a mood with someone. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter Fifty-Four: Foretree Contest: Serena's Symphony
Serena walked out of the contest hall, running her hand over the four Pokéballs on her belt. A smile on her face as the familiar thrill of an impending contest pumped through her veins. Working around the side of the building, she found her boyfriend.
Ash was currently punching a tree with his fists. Metang floating next to him, punching a much larger rock with his metal arms. She guessed he used psychic to move it there since it hardly fitted in with the rest of the scenery. Glancing around, she noticed Dragonite and Crawdaunt off by themselves, seeming to be working on teaching the dark water type ice beam or some similar move. Grovyle was meditating in the sun, absorbing sunlight. She guessed he was working on solar beam since Torkoal had previously been helping with the move. While Torkoal and Seviper were off to the side... the latter attempting flamethrower.
"Hey," she greeted with a smile on her face. He stopped his workout and turned to face her. She couldn't help but notice the shimmering trail of sweat covering his growing arms and the tighter tank top which covered his chest. Rolling her bottom lip inside, she bite down on it.
"Hey," he smiled, leaning forward to peck her cheek. "So, your still going through with this?"
"Of course," she frowned, "we've already spoke about it. She insulted Milotic-"
"I know, I know." He held his hands up. "And she does need to apologise for it but is showing her up in a contest really going to help?"
"How would you feel if she insulted one of your Pokémon?" she asked, crossing her arms, "she called Milotic ugly... at a time when her confidence was already low because of Verdanturf and-"
She found herself cut off by his lips being pressed against her's. Taking a deep breath through her nose, she slightly pulled back and sighed. Releasing the anger which built up during her justification.
"I didn't say you was wrong for being upset. And yes, I'd be just as angry if not worst if Milotic were my Pokémon," he sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder whilst casting down to his feet, "but I still don't think this will help. I mean, it just feels like your throwing fuel onto the fire."
"So, I take it you won't be watching the contest or supporting me?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
He stared directly into her eyes, placing a hand on each of her upper arms. She couldn't help but notice the seriousness within his chocolate orbs, "I will always support you, Serena. And if you're asking who I'd rather win today, it'll always be you without question. I just don't like your reasons for competing today and I... really need to focus on Metang for now. Today's our last day for training before the gym battle and-"
"I know," she sighed, cutting him off, "it'll just be weird. Knowing you're not in the audience watching."
"If you really want me too, then I will be-"
"No," she shook her head, "focus on Metang. I know how important it is that your both in sync for tomorrow. Your best spending your day out here."
She felt him embrace her in a hug, which she returned. Nuzzling her head into the crook of his neck, she took in a deep sniff of his scent. Feeling a smile form on her lips, she knew that while they may not always agree... they'll always be there to support each other too.
"If you were so serious about this all this time," he whispered into her ear, "then why did you act so... civil, to May all week. I mean I could definitely feel the tension, but you didn't yell or scream or anything at her."
"Because I didn't want her to back out before it started," she whispered, "she insulted my Pokémon, so I want to return in kind."
"By showing her up in a contest."
"Sometimes needs must. And just for the record, everyone I'm using today are who I caught in Hoenn," she replied, "so I've had just as much time with them as May has had with her team."
"Do you really think that'll make up for your own individual experience levels?" he asked.
"We'll just need to wait and see," she replied, pulling back from the embrace. Walking backwards, she blew him a quick kiss. Turning around, she walked back into the contest hall. Enjoying the cool aircon against her skin as she entered the building.
Her eyes drifted over to one of the screens mounted on the wall. It seemed they were well into the opening ceremony with Vivian introducing the judges for the contest. Letting out a low breath, she figured she'd hang out here for the time being... after all, she didn't want to give away her participation to May before her opening round. Stepping across the metal floor, heading to the seating area, she couldn't help but notice a familiar green haired boy. Deliberately turning her gaze away from him, she continued on her path.
"So here you are."
Turning in to his direction, she let out a silent breath as she saw Drew stood with his hands in his pocket. Down by his feet, she noticed his Roselia stood next to him. Mentally rolling her eyes, she looked back up found herself looking down at him. "Did you want something?"
"May was pretty upset earlier," he replied, "without you or your friends here to cheer her on as she entered."
"Oh, I'm sorry if we were late," she faked her sweet tone, "but perfection does take time, so I guess that's why."
"What's gotten into you?" he asked.
"Don't act like you know me." she frowned.
"Your acting like you don't care-"
"It's not an act," she whispered.
"How do you think May will feel if she heard you speak like this?" he asked, "like you're not interested in her winning a fourth ribbon."
"I worry less about what people think of me when I know how seldom they think in general," she replied, "and my current concern right now, is how my Milotic is feeling."
Seeing his eyebrow twitch before turning and storming around did bring a smile to her face. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed herself once more, taking a seat in the lobby, she fully turned her attention to the wall-mounted screen. Vivian stood centre stage with a spotlight on her and microphone in hand.
"And now for our first coordinator in the appeals round today! She has already made a name for herself, earning three ribbons, and defeating a fan favourite during the Fallarbor contest! Not to mention her triumph over a kimono sister from Johto so put your hands together for May Maple!"
Taking her seat in the lobby, she focused all her attention on the screen. She truly hoped May lived up to the talk Drew just gave... she'd like nothing more than to see her former travelling companion make it through to the battle rounds.
May took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she saw the audience blurred out by the stage lights. Unclipping two devices off her belt, she took off towards the performance area. With a twirl, she launched the two devices into the air, "Minun! Lileep! Take the stage!"
Two bursts of light shot down in front of her. Finishing her twirl, she landed on one knee and the two devices in hand. Attaching them back to her belt, she noticed her pure electric type slightly to her left and her grass rock type to her right. A small smile formed on her lips, heart thumping against her chest.
"Now!"
Minun took off over the stage. With leaps and summersaults, a mystic white light shimmered over her body. The crowd showing support with cheers.
While Lileep stood still. Growing in place, a mystic light surrounded her too. Giant vines erupted out of the stage from around her, lifting her up.
White balls of rock type energy orbited around. One by one they shot down across the field, straight towards her performing partner.
Turning in the air with a twist, Minun charged towards the ancient power. With one leap, she took off the ground. Reaching the first projectile, she pounced off, using it as a launching pad to get higher into the air. Her front paws landed on the next and she performed a handstand to jump even higher.
The large ingrain vines pulsated out, smashing the remaining ancient powers. Minun landed on her feet, taking off up the shrubbery.
Smirking inwardly, she realised how much help Lileep was getting thanks to Minun's helping hand at the start. Perfect for a double performance.
Sparks surrounded her cheering Pokémon as she leaped off the top of the vines. A star effect shimmering over the nature display below.
Lileep spewed water out. Two jets shot out with the electricity reflecting off. Minun landed directly on her partners head as the two shimmered within the display of vines holding them up. Hearing the crowds cheer for their display, she beamed at the applause.
"Time to finish it up!" She hollered.
Electricity show down the two jets, electrifying them. Slicing through the vines like lightning rods, the shrubbery caught fire. Lileep ended her brine. Closing her top, she launched out blobs of toxic acid across the burning ingrain.
The poisonous balls hit the flames, exploding. With an added volt from her cheering Pokémon to create a more firework effect.
As the fiery display faded, both her Pokémon stood centre stage. Minun stood on top of Lileep's head, both with wide smiles on their faces.
"And finished!"
Hearing the audience erupt in applause, she felt the corners of her lips twitch up into a massive smile. Swallowing hard as her heart raced, she stepped forward. The small electricity type leaped up, scurrying up her body, resting on her shoulder. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the appreciation of the love and admiration from them. As the lights faded, she opened her eyes to find Vivian running back onto the stage.
"And we've had a fiery and loud performance to start todays contest!" she announced, "and I for one have loved seeing young May's development from her first contest back in Slateport but now it's time to see what our judges thought! Mr Contesta, if you'd like to start."
"Certainly." He nodded, "the teamwork between Minun and Lileep was perfectly in sync and in a double performance, having two Pokémon who work well together is the most important aspect. However, it was far too quick. Neither Pokémon were given enough time to show off what makes either unique and in any sort of contest, whether double or single, appeals or battle, the Pokémon themselves are the star."
"I thought it was remarkable!" Mr Sukizo added, a wide smile on his face.
"Both Pokémon certainly looked happy and health all the way through," Nurse joy smiled, "and that showed in the deep trust the duo had in each other and their trainer. A fantastic way to start off todays performances."
With the crowd cheering once more, she grabbed her two Pokéballs. Silently recalling her two Pokémon, she took the cue and left the stage as a swarm of workers came in to clean up the reminence of their show. Feeling every cell in her body tingle as she skipped down the stairs, she closed her eyes.
"Now help me welcome our second coordinator today!" Vivian's voice echoed, "from Verdanturf town, we have Timmy Grimm!"
The crowd became nothing more than background noise as she hummed to herself, heading straight down the corridor. Turning around the corner to the waiting room, she couldn't help but notice Drew waiting. He was leaning against the wall. Glancing towards her, he approached with hands in his pockets.
"I take it that your opening performance went well?" He quirked his eyebrow up. Unable to voice a response, she nodded. "Good. Going first will either make or break the competition. Your opening the show and that means your setting the stage. You'll be the one everyone compares themselves too."
"I'm not worried," she insisted.
"Never meant to imply you were," he smirked, "but I do have something to ask you about."
"Huh?" she pinched her lips together.
"It's Serena," he replied, "I... ran into her earlier and she seemed... different."
"Different how?" she asked.
"Angry," he replied, "maybe I'm just acting with half information or whatever, but it just seemed... weird."
"Well, we kinda had an argument the day I flew here," she shrugged, "maybe she's still miffed about it. Come on, let's watch the remaining performances."
Grabbing his arm, she pulled him into the waiting room. Finding an empty couple of seats on the middle couch, she pulled him down and took a seat next to him. Wrapping her arms around his whilst resting her head on his shoulder. In full view of the television screen which showed off the following appeals performances and while some were certainly good, she couldn't help but think her's were the best.
While watching the show, she and Drew continued the mindless chitchat. While he was certainly more kind to several of the performances, she still knew he felt her's was best. She was his girlfriend after all. Sure, they might've not actually said it but after the date in Rustboro and the week in Fortree-
"And now help me to welcome our final coordinator who'll close out the appeals performances!" Vivian announced, "and we are in for a show folks, making her debut since earning the title of top coordinator since last year's Johto Grand Festival! We have Serena Yvonne from Pallet Town in the Kanto region!"
"What?!" Her eyes burst open. "How?! When?! What?!"
"May? D-didn't you know Serena won the Johto grand festival?" he asked. Unable to verbally answer as the honey-blonde girl walked out on stage, she just shook her head, "that's why you being trained by her was a big deal back in Slateport. I honestly thought she'd have told you by now."
Blinking... she couldn't break her eyes off the screen... Serena was a top coordinator... and competing in today's contest?!
Serena took a deep breath as she walked out on stage, two Pokéballs out, with one in each hand. Standing just behind the centre stage, she took a deep breath, letting the audience settle down. Once she was sure they were as quiet as they would be, she held her two devices out.
Two flashes of lights burst out. Her Kirlia materialised to the right side of the stage and Dustox to the left. Both bowed to the cheering crowd.
The lights went down and Dustox swooped around, launching a poison sting straight towards her partner. A glistening effect affect added to the projectile.
Kirlia spun, throwing up a reflect shield. Each poison stinger hit the psychic shield and bounced off. Exploding between the two Pokémon like some sort of firework. Despite the crowd cheering for the opening move, she knew the best was still yet to come.
Each Pokémon charged forward into the centre stage. Dustox hummed a soft tune, with green-bug-type energy radiating off her. Matching up some song.
While her psychic fairy type began to dance underneath. His movements in perfect sync with the self-supplied song.
His feet sparked with electricity and bolts zapped off in the direction with each of his movements. Yellow and green colouring the stage.
The beat turned it up and he changed from a slower-more-tradition dance. Spinning on his back and waving all limbs in the air, the sparks shot up.
Entire bolts of electricity formed, like a reverse-thunderstorm. Containing Dustox's movements as her scales shimmered off the new source of light.
Flapping her wings down, a powerful gust blew the shockwave rings and Kirlia away. Spinning mid-air, he skidded across the stage on one knee.
Facing off against Dustox and she swooped back into her original position. Her bug poison type took off first, quickly followed by her partner.
A trail of purple and pink sprinkled off behind her. With her skin shimmering with a mystic healing light. Spinning as she dived across the stage, she flew an inch above the ground as Kirlia performed a roll over her top.
Using his psychic ability, he spun the poison powder & moonlight trail around him. Throwing it up into the air.
Ascending at a steep ninety-degree climb, she spun back right when at the same height as the cloud. Shooting a thick purple liquid into the centre.
Mixed in with the confusion, all the different elements combined. A massive fire-work effect exploded between the two Pokémon. Ending with her poison moth floating right above her emotion Pokémon. Each of her performing partners turned to look at each other.
Kirlia sent out a massive wave of confusion. While Dustox fired her psybeam. The two psychic type moves clashed centre stage.
Exploding out in a massive expansive display of rainbow colours. The two Pokémon bowed towards the crowd with Serena joining them. Her poison moth partner landed on her head as Kirlia reached up and held her hand while Vivian walked back onto the stage.
"What a way to close out our competition today!" She announced. "I'm sure everyone will agree that your top coordinator title was well earned and today has proved it but let's see what our judges thought!"
"It was certainly a fitting performance to finish off our first round," Mr Contesta nodded, "but it seemed very inspired by the showcase type performances."
"It was remarkable!" Mr Sukizo smiled.
"I loved seeing two happy and healthy Pokémon doing what they enjoy," Nurse Joy added.
Hearing the crowd cheer once more she, she set off from the stage. While a smile decorated her face, inwardly she was smirking. As she reached the top of the stairs just off the stage, she heard the host of the contest continue, "now we'll take a quick intermission whilst our judges decide which four trainers will move on to the battle round!"
Continuing down the corridor, she thanked and returned her two Pokémon. Letting the cool aircon wash over her once more, she continued down the corridor with a slight skip in her step. It didn't take her long to run into May, who stood in the middle of the aisle, arms crossed, and eyes narrowed. She could see each breath passing through her enflared nostrils with her fists tightened. Drew was just behind her, leaning against the wall, not a care in the world.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked.
Serena shrugged, "going to chat with one of my Pokémon, now if you'll excuse me."
"Don't even think about it." She stepped across the corridor to block her path. "You're going to answer me and you're going to answer me now."
"What is there to answer?" she asked.
"Why did you compete today?" She asked, "you know I need this ribbon to compete in the grand festival and-"
"Firstly, if you can't handle competition then you shouldn't be competing." She cut her off. "And secondly, I decided to compete today because you insulted Milotic. Called her ugly and didn't even apologise. After the trouble you knew she went through, you just added to her tournament."
"That's no reason to sabotage a friend-"
"It is every reason!" She stomped her foot down. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she scowled down to the younger coordinator. "Now if you'd excuse me, I have something more important to do. What was it you said to Sakura in Rustboro, see you in the battle round... if you make it that far."
Pushing her way past the girl, she gave a brief glance back to see Drew comfort the brunette. She also heard him mutter something about not underestimating her in the next round. Letting the smirk escape onto her lips, she knew she had the girl on edge.
Continuing through the stadium, she made her way up to the stands. Finding both Max and Brock sat near the back. The young boy had his two Pokémon out and chatting with them as they helped fill his seat. While Brock sat with his Electrike in his arms. Her Meditite was sat on the seat next to him.
"Thanks for watching her Brock," she whispered, making her presence known. He turned to look at her and smiled, giving a small nod. The fighting psychic type glanced up to her and let out a small smile
"Serena you're a top coordinator?!" Max gasped.
"Hehehe, yeah Max," she chuckled lightly. Sighing at the excitement in his tone, it wasn't like it really changed who she was. Turning back to the meditate Pokémon, she smiled at her first stage partner, "Meditite. Can you come out into the hallway for a minute? I wanna talk."
Giving a small nod, she held the fighting psychic types hand. As they walked out of the main spectator area, she couldn't help but notice several members of the audience acknowledge her. A young girl even ran up, asking for her autograph. While she happily greeted a fan, it was one thing she didn't like about her previous success that she didn't enjoy. She made her way down an off-shoot of a corridor away from the others.
"So Meditite, I wanted to ask again about your performance," she explained, "now you got to see Dustox and Kirlia perform together."
"It did look like a lot of fun," she nodded, "but like Hitmontop said-"
"I'm not asking what Hitmontop wants," she replied, "he's next on my list to speak too because of what I've heard-"
"He didn't do anything to me!" she burst out.
"I meant because of how he threatened Sylveon," she replied, quirking an eyebrow up as she placed a hand on her Pokémon's back, "why? What did he do to you?"
"N-nothing-" she stuttered, glancing down to the floor, "but it wouldn't be right if I performed with Kirlia-"
"Is Kirlia your friend?" she asked.
"W-well yeah," she muttered.
"Then what's the issue?" she asked, "friends can work together and like you said, it looks fun. You know, Ash tried to convince me not to compete today."
"He did?" She looked up with wide eyes.
"But I didn't listen to him because whilst he's my boyfriend, he doesn't get to dictate every move I make," she replied, "and it's the same with Hitmontop and yourself. If you want to work with your friends and have fun performing with them on stage, then that is your choice."
"I still don't know-" she uttered.
"Well, I want you to think about it... because sooner or later we'll have another showcase and I can't keep Kirlia or even Cacnea on ice whilst you decide," she replied, "I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want too... but I would like you to answer this honestly."
"What?" she looked up with wide eyes.
"Are you happy with Hitmontop, as a partner?" she asked.
"O-of course-" she stepped back, raising an arm up in a defensive stance.
"I only ask because I'm not happy with how he's been acting towards the others. Threating Sylveon and stirring up trouble at the lab," she replied, "and I can tell you that if Ash was acting like that, I wouldn't be defending his actions. I'd be trying to knock some sense back into him."
The fighting psychic type looked at the ground, kicking one foot into the other's heel, "can I rest in my Pokéball for a bit?"
"Of course," she sighed.
Pulling out the device she recalled the meditate Pokémon. Clipping the device back to her belt, she glanced up to the clock, knowing they'll like be revealing the results soon. Heading back down the stadium, she made it to the lobby as the sight off the screen showed Vivian on the main stage
"Sorry about the wait everyone but our judges have finally decided which of our coordinators will be moving onto the top four to battle it out for our fabulous Fortree ribbon, and they are!" Vivian gesture up to the screen above her.
The first image to appear was of Serena herself. Smiling to herself, she watched the next image, which appeared to be May. While she took notice of the other two images, she didn't really remember their performances. Her focus for this entire event has been on one person, and soon she'll get to face her.
"And there you have it!" Vivian announced, "our final four are, Serena Yvonne, May Maple, Grace Gibson and Simon Bowl! With our first battle starting in a few minutes between Serena and Simon."
Smiling to herself, she set off towards the backstage. Grabbing the two Pokéballs she planned on for this next round. Her gaze slightly frowned as she marched towards her next opponent. While she has nothing against this Simon guy, if she's gonna face May then she needs to take him down first.
May frowned as she watched the ongoing battle on the television screen. Serena was dominating her battle against the boy who made up her opponent. If she thinks showing a dominating display would intimidate her then she's wrong. So, what if she won a grand festival. If she stopped doing contests, then it was clearly nothing but dump luck on her part. May has had both Drew and Winona help prepare her for this contest and no-one will be able to stop her winning-
"You alright May?" Drew asked, "you haven't really spoken since we ran into Serena."
"Did you know?" she asked.
"What?" he blinked, moving back slightly.
"Back when we first met, you seemed to know Serena," she replied, "did you know she was a top coordinator?"
"Well... yeah," he replied, "this maybe my first circuit but I've been studying contests for a while, and I watched her grand festival when she won."
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
"I thought Serena already had done," he shrugged, "if I had known it was a secret then-"
"I guess that's fair," she sighed, "I just don't get why she kept it secret."
"Who knows?" he shrugged "but-"
A loud buzzer sounded, and their attention turned back to the screen. Glancing up to the screen, she saw Serena's singular Pokémon stood in front of her with both of her opponents Pokémon down for the count. A quick cut to the screen show she had just under half her points left with still three minutes remaining on the clock before the screen switched to show the honey-blonde girl as the one moving on.
"Well take a few minutes to return the field to normal before we commence with the second top four battle," Vivian announced, "so stay tuned!"
Narrowing her gaze, she stood up and marched out of the room. As she continued down the corridor, she noticed a work heading towards her, who she presumed was sent to collect her. Well Serena isn't the only one who can dominate in a contest. It didn't take her long to reach the top of the stairs which lead down onto the stage. Soon the host returned to the stage as took a deep breath, unclipping her two Pokéballs from her belt.
"Now help me welcome the two coordinator's who'll next be battling it out for the chance to face Serena in the final!" Vivian announced, "on the left, it's May and on the right, Grace!"
She made her way up the steps and walked out on stage. The audience cheered and lights shone but she focused ahead at the opponent. She was dressed like some sort of psychic, for lack of a better description. With long robes and different symbols on. Her hair was red and sticking out in two ponyta-tails to either side. A large smile stuck on her face, as she estimated her to be in her late teens, maybe early twenties.
"This will be a two-on-two contest double battle between May and Grace!" Vivian announced, "for those of you who don't already know, a contest battle is one where the aim is to show off your own Pokémon whilst battling! Our judges will be removing points as applicable until either side hits zero! Of course, they could also win through running out the five-minute time limit, in which case the coordinator with the most points remaining shall win! So, let's see who'll be battling! A quick reminder that each coordinator registered their selected Pokémon beforehand and are now unable to switch!"
Watching carefully, she saw her opponent hold two Pokéballs and two separate flashes of light echoed. In front of her materialised two Pokémon, one she recognized almost instantly, being a Seviper while the other she was only vaguely familiar with. She remembered Ash facing one against Brawly. While she knew it was a Medicham and the evolved form of Meditite, she couldn't remember much more so she pulled out her Pokédex to refresh her memory:
Medicham, The Meditate Pokémon. The final evolved form of Meditite. It is said that through meditation, Medicham heightens energy inside its body and sharpens its sixth sense. This Pokémon hides its presence by merging itself with fields and mountains
May held her Pokéballs in hand and narrowed her eyes, she flicked her wrists and tossed the two devices into the air, "Combusken & Altaria! Take the stage!"
Two flashes of lights show down, and her two Pokémon materialised in front of her. Combusken extended his claws, slashing them against each other in an aggressive manner while her fully evolved dragon stood next to him with a calm, relaxed expression, and slightly flurried brow.
"So, we have a match of Seviper and Medicham against Combusken and Altaria!" Vivian announced, "neither side has an overwhelming type advantage, despite both psychic and poison being good against the fighting type, it seems Grace has no direct answer to a dragon type! This is going to make for one interesting showdown so without further ado, five minutes on the clock and let's begin!"
Grace Gibson verses May Maple: Top Four
She smirked seeing her starter leap from his starting stance. Extending his claws to the side, they glew. With a deep breath he launched out stream of flames from his beak. A tornado of fire surrounded Seviper, preventing him from intervening. Continuing forward, he swiped down on the second opponent.
Using his momentum from the run, he pushed the psychic fighting type further back. Entering a close-quarters assault.
Tightening her fist, she noticed how effortlessly the meditate Pokémon moved around his slashes. The two in some sort of dance with Medicham leading.
Her dragon flying type took off. Spreading her wings, balls of cotton fluttered off as she soared between the two opposing Pokémon. A wall of cotton formed between the two opposing Pokémon, splitting the field in half. With Altaria turning to dive into the flaming tornado.
Inwardly smirking, she knew splitting them up would limit the number of combinations the duo could create. This would give her the lead she'd need.
Altaria burst through the flames, knocking Seviper out onto the ground. Showing her talons, she clutched them into the serpents body.
With mighty flaps of her wings, her newly evolved Pokémon took off. The pure poison type struggled against her capture but to no-avail.
A puff of cotton drew her attention to the other side of the field. Combusken landed back first into the wall created with narrowed eyes. A burning rage behind them. While Medicham stood calmly in front of him with a stoic expression. Gesturing with her hand, making a 'come and get it' sign.
Taking a deep breath, her fire fighting type launched out a second fire spin. The flames quickly blocked their opponent from sight.
Swirling blue wind formed from within the flames. With the fire spin expanding out around her, dispersing harmlessly around.
Her starter grunted and through himself forward. His claws, beak, and feet all glew. Landing right in front of her, his claw swiped down, narrowly missing as the psychic fighting type spun to the side. His foot kicked up, but she ducked under the blow.
Swiping his other foot, he tripped her up. Rolling on top of her, he delivered a quick double peck straight to the face.
A blast of ESP shot up and sent her first Pokémon flying. He landed on his back as Medicham stood back up. A quick glance to the scoreboard wasn't good.
Turning back to the second bout, she noticed the burned snake wrapped around her dragon. Her tail was lightly whacking her back but due to the limited movement, he couldn't really put more effort into the blow. If she guessed, Seviper was trying to bring down her dragon without actually crashing.
"Dragon dance confusion then finish it!" she hollered.
Vibrating above the stage, the humming Pokémon took off, performing a mid-air dance. While this one move was something the gym leader helped them learn, the idea of it being a dance was all her's. Inspired by their appeals performance back in Rustboro.
She continued to dance around the sky with a dark blue outline. The rugged movements causing Seviper to cease his assault and loosen his wrap around her.
Using her wings to throw the pure poison type off, her talons snatch into the main body. Performing a loop, she sent the serpent straight down.
With a deep breath, a ball of dragon type energy shot out. Striking the fang snake Pokémon as he fell, the two exploded between the duel fighting types.
Combusken was blown into the cotton wall, using it to soften his blow. While Medicham went flying backwards. Using her own psychic powers to catch herself as the fiery display faded, revealing the pure poison type down on the field. Swirls replacing his eyes.
While Grace recalled her first parter, she checked the scoreboard once more. The knockout took out a good chunk of her points, evening them back up.
"Medicham, it's time we evened it up!" Grace hollered.
Her psychic fighting type nodded. Sitting down on the stage, she entered a meditative stance. Waves of colourful psychic type energy radiated around her.
"Quick Altaria, protect Combusken and move into position!" she shouted.
The humming Pokémon let out a large breath of dark blue fire. A wall formed between the two duel fighting types and her dragon swooped down. Swinging onto her back, Combusken rode on her back with the duo taking off high into the air. While the dragon type fire blocked off the psychic blast.
"Now use the fiery moon!" she hollered.
Altaria took a deep breath, forming a bright white ball at her mouth which had a pink tint. Her starter leaned over her head and shot out a stream of flames.
Launching the combination straight down, the moonblast spun with a fiery tail. Shimmering as it soared down the field.
Raising her arms in a defensive manner, Medicham sent out a quick blast of ESP. Blowing the fire out, she was struck by the moon blast, knocking her back across the field. Whilst still standing, she was panting and lost her stance.
Leaping off her back, her starter dived down. Flapping her wings, a gust formed under him, helping to add to his momentum. His beak expanded and glew.
Tackling into the psychic fighting type, he rolled over and landed on one knee. While their remaining opponent laid flat out behind him. A loud buzzer sounded, and she glanced to the judges who showed three red x's in front of their panel. Vivian came running back onto the stage.
"And our second finalist is none other than May Maple, who'll be facing Serena Yvonne in the final round in just a few minutes!" she announced, "but we're going to take a quick intermission to restore our field so stay tuned everyone!"
May walked to the corridor just off from the stage and released her two Pokémon. Giving them a quick word of thanks for their efforts, she sprayed them each with a super potion and fed a sitrus berry. The little recovery she could give them would be for the best. Once done, she returned them and glanced towards the sound of footsteps heading towards them. Smiling she saw Drew making his way over.
"You alright?" He asked, "I got nervous when I saw you didn't return to the waiting area."
"I didn't want to chance running into her, and our next round is about to begin so it would've been a waste of time," she replied.
"Alright, as long as you're okay." He placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to relax, her cheeks heating up. "I can't imagine what your feeling right now."
"I'm fine," she dismissed, "just watch. After today we'll both have four ribbons and be just one away from the grand festival."
"I look forward to it," he smiled, "and I hope you don't mind but I've decided to not compete in any contests with you before the Grand festival. I mean, if we need to face each other, let it be on the big stage, right?"
"Right," she smiled, nodding in agreement, "it'll be here before either of us know it."
"Just don't take Serena lightly today," he replied, "trust me, you can't let your guard down. Forget what you've won and concentrate on the future. I made a similar mistake back in Slateport and I'm sure you remember how that ended."
"Difference is, you was facing me, and Serena is only doing this to try and scare me or something." She turned her back, "I know her, and I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't even bother going through with it. Once she thinks she's made her point, she'll probably just back out. I've got this in the bag."
"I wouldn't count that as your battle strategy if I were you," he replied, "but just do what you normally do, and you can pull this off for sure."
"Now help we welcome our two final coordinators back to the stage!" Vivian announced.
Turning back around, she flashed him a bright smile. With a spin, she set off back to the side of the stage. With every step, she felt her heart pound harder, and tears sting her eyes. Wiping them dry, she stared ahead onto the stage with Vivian in the centre under the spotlight.
"We have not just any final match today or even one with a top coordinator but one between a student and mentor!" Vivian continued, "back in her debut it was revealed May had been taken under the wing of Serena so we can only assume this is some sort of test to see if her protege is truly ready to soar her wings and fly! Both girls have given off a good performance so far!"
Tightening her fist, she frowned. How dare they compare them like that. It sounds like Serena is the only reason she's made it this far and is fighting a losing battle! Swallowing hard, she forced her lips up into a smile as she made her way back onto the stage. Seeing the honey-blonde girl approach from the other side. Seeing her head held high and relaxed expression just angered her even more. She rolled her lips into her mouth to prevent an outburst.
"Just like before, this final will be a one-on-one contest battle between May and Serena!" Vivian announced, "we'll have five minutes on the clock, all that's left is to see who'll be battling alongside our coordinator's! Because Serena's Cacnea was deemed unable to continue during her round, she'll be using her reserved member who was already entered just like the other Pokémon used so let's see who'll be battling on this stage."
She frowned at the mention of the new Pokémon the honey-blonde girl would get to use. While this was explained to her when registraring herself, she hardly felt it was fair. After all, both her Pokémon have battle once while one of her's is fresh. It's only used in the rare occasion that someone moves on through the battle round after one of the Pokémon is defeated but what difference does it make?
"Milotic and Bagon," the honey-blonde girl shouted, tossing a Pokéball and Ultra ball into the air "I choose you!"
Her two Pokémon materialised and she inwardly smirked. She knew these two well from the journey together and while Bagon could hurt Altaria, her own dragon has evolved and can fly. While the sea-serpent has had issues ever since Verdanturf. If Serena wants to play dirty and try to take her ribbon from her, then she'll just return the favour in kind. At least defeating her on this stage today will help prove who the true coordinator between them is.
"Combusken and Altaria, take the stage!" She shouted. Holding both her devices out, her two Pokémon materialised on the stage. Looking slightly refreshed from the previous bout. Her starter slashed his claws together in an aggressive manner while Altaria stood tall, letting out a battle cry.
"It's time to get this battle of student and mentor underway for today's Fortree contest!" Vivian announced, "so with five minutes on the clock, let's begin!"
Serena Yvonne verses May Maple: Final
May smirked as she watched her duo take off. Altaria spread her wings, quickly gathering height over the field as her starter stood below. Firing up a barrage of embers, they struck balls of cotton which broke off her dragon. Leaving burning white clouds over their side of the field.
A blast of water shot between her two Pokémon. Spraying over the set-up display, putting out the flames. Leaving drops of water sprinkling over Combusken.
Her starter let out a loud cry and charged forward. His claws extended to the side as he covered the field.
Glancing at her opponents, she saw the small blue dragon stood on the head of the sea-serpent. She jumped down, heading headfirst for her starter.
Smashing into his chest, the two went rolling backwards. Bagon landed on top of her young fowl Pokémon. He performed a kicking-stand, throwing her off.
The two Pokémon extended their claws. Combusken's were long and white, while Bagon's became surrounded by dark blue dragon type energy.
Charging forward, the two Pokémon slashed at each other. While her starter had raw power on his side, he couldn't match the agility in the close-quarts sword fight. Being a much smaller opponent also made hitting the unevolved dragon much harder. She flicked her eyebrow down at the losing match up.
High in the air, she noticed several balls of water shooting up into the air. Her dragon flying type swooped and swerved around them.
She has really improved her flying ability thanks to Winona. Long gone has gone the small bird who got injured in a thunderstorm, now she's a mighty dragon.
"Alright Milotic, time to switch up opponents!" Serena shouted.
The sea serpent nodded. Lying down on her stomach, she slivered across the stage towards the two duelling Pokémon.
Glancing up, she saw her humming Pokémon dive down. She smirked as her talons appeared, ready to grab Milotic like she had done Seviper previously.
Turning her head, Serena's tender Pokémon launched a water pulse direct into her back. Knocking her dragon flying type across the field towards Serena.
Continuing onwards, Bagon jumped and landed on Milotic's head. Raising herself up, she took a slash previously intended for the pure dragon type.
Combusken's paw hit her body and rebound off, not expecting the much sturdier opponent. As he stumbled back down, her long body wrapped around him, while Altaria recovered from the previous blow, ascending back up into the higher part of the battlefield.
Milotic took a deep breath, her partner jumping down off her head. Hitting Bagon in the back with a water gun, she went rocketing up into the sky.
A shimmering blue light surrounded the combination. Altaria's eyes widened, and she seemed to freeze in place, allowing Bagon to smash into her face.
The smaller dragon grabbed onto her neck, swirling onto her back as they fell slightly. A series of embers shot up and hit Milotic's face, drawing her attention away from the other duo. She focused her attention on the two dragon's high in the air.
"Try to throw her off, Altaria!" she shouted.
Her humming Pokémon took off on a swift swoop through the air. Her body vibrated with an outline of dragon type energy, picking up speed.
Cotton balls flew off, colouring the upper half of the stage as she tried to throw off the unevolved Pokémon. Who held on tightly to her neck?
"Use the platforms!" Serena shouted.
Leaping off Altaria's back, the small blue dragon landed on one of the cotton platforms. It began to sink but she quickly leaped over to another. Never staying on one too long as she transversed the upper section of the battlefield. Her dragon flying type soaring around like a predatory stalking her prey.
Her fully evolved Pokémon let out a dark blue flame of dragon type energy. Burning around the self-created platform area.
While Serena's newest team member leaped. With energy-filled claws, she slashed her way through the dragon breath. Delivering a direct hit on her partner.
"Combusken help her!" She cried, stamping her foot down.
Her starter looked up from his trap of the sea-serpent. Launching out a massive stream of flames up into the air. A blast of water followed and intercept it before hitting any of the clouds. Causing a thin layer of steam to block out the view of the upper portion of the battle.
"And Serena uses another nice combo to keep both her Pokémon safe from interference!" Vivian announced.
A white blue shot down through the steam cloud with Bagon onto of Altaria. The two smashed into the ground and the unevolved dragon bounced off.
"You two finish one of them right now!" she cried, chancing a glance to the board to see Serena with over a third of her points remaining compared to herself.
Her dragon flying type looked up and launched out a blast of Dragon Pulse. Dodging to the side, Bagon narrowly avoided the blast as it struck the sea serpent in the face. Causing her grip on her starter to loosen. Using the opening, Combusken jumped out of the wrap and ran back to her side.
Spinning on a heel, he launched out a massive stream of fire. It erupted around the pure water type in a fiery tornado.
From the other side of the field, she saw her Altaria launch out a powerful sound wave with a pink tint of fairy type energy. It struck the fire spin head on.
The tornado expanded out with visible gaps between the flames. Pink, orange, yellow and red coloured the stage with both their opponents trapped. She glanced to the side to see a massive chunk of Serena's points taken out. Smirking, she knew it was just-
A dark blue colour added to the display. Her eyes burst opened but before she could response, a powerful gust blew out of the side of the of the display.
"Now Bagon, finish it!" Serena hollered.
She clenched her jaw in shock as she saw her dragon flying type trapped by the wind tunnel. A blue blur zoomed through the tunnel, being powered up by the move. Bagon crashed headfirst into her humming Pokémon. While Combusken coughed, unable to keep up his continuous flame, collapsing onto one knee.
The display dispersed around the side revealing Milotic. She stood slouched with a mystic healing light coating her body.
Looking across the field, she saw the two dragons lying together. Both had swirls replacing their eyes. The loud buzzer and red x's followed.
By the time she had her Pokéball out, she noticed that Serena had already recalled her own Pokémon. Glancing up to the screen, she saw both of them lose a quarter of their total points. The timer also seemed to have been paused, presumably so they could safely recall their partners. Holding the device out, a red light sucked her fully evolved Pokémon back inside. While the sea serpent slivered back towards Serena's side of the field. Looking a lot better than before.
"With two minutes remaining on the clock, this battle just became a one on one between Milotic and Combusken!" Vivian announced, "while Serena is leading in points, and has a type advantage, it's still for either side to take so let's return to this high-action contest-battle final!"
A tail coated in water slammed down on the field. Her starter dodged to the side, taking off with a speedy quick attack. Leaping up onto the tail.
He ran along the length of their opponent, his feet glew white with an orange-tint. Jumping up, he performed a back flip. Double kicking Milotic's face.
"Water pulse straight down!" Serena hollered.
Forming a ball of water at her mouth, the sea-serpent shot it straight down. Imploding on the ground as Combusken landed, knocking him over. Using the opening, the fully evolved tender Pokémon wrapped her body around her young fowl Pokémon.
"Now finish it!" Serena shouted, "aqua-twister!"
Water spewed out of her mouth, submerging both Pokémon as Milotic took on a healing glow. Letting her starter go, he tried to swim out of the veil.
Raising up her tail, May tried to shout a warning but nothing came out. She couldn't even think of a way for her to avoid the oncoming move.
The sea-serpent's flicked and a powerful tunnel of wind shot out. Taking most of the aqua ring with it, the attack sent Combusken flying up into the ceiling of the contest hall. Her mouth dropped and eyes opened. When the combo finished, her fire fighting type fell back down, landing on the floor with a thud.
A loud buzzer sounded, and she blinked at her starter flat out on his stomach. Feathers completely soaked. Tightening her fist once more, her tears burning through her eyes once more, "come on Combusken! Get up! We've still got to-"
"With both Combusken and Altaria unable to continue, our winner today is-"
"I'm not done fighting!" She cried out, stamping her foot down.
"Yes, you are!" Serena yelled, causing her to recoil back. The honey blonde girl walked forward on to the field next to her Pokémon. Her sea-serpent leaned her head down to nuzzle again head, "a coordinator's-no, any trainer's first priority is the well-being and health of their Pokémon, not winning! A person whose already won three ribbons should know that by now!"
"Couldn't have put it better myself," Mr Contesta added, as he stood up from the panel. Wiping her eyes, she weakly reached for the device on her belt. She recalled her fire fighting type and turned, bolting off the stage as tears trickled down her cheeks. She couldn't even focus on what the judge said following it.
Serena sighed as she placed the tray containing five Pokéballs down. Writing her name on the small side slip, she handed it over to the Chansey on the other side of the desk. The normal type smiled as she took the tray, disappearing behind a pair of double doors.
Closing her eyes, she let out a low breath. A wave of relief washing over her. Turning around, she glanced around the lobby to find very few people actually inside. Most notably would be Max over in the corner at a table with his two Pokémon. Not paying him any mind, she set off out of the building. Walking around the top of the treetops, she noticed her final opponent in today's contest sat on a bench. Her head was down and so didn't notice her approach.
"Hey." She took a seat next to the brunette girl. May glanced up for a brief second before looking back down. Chewing on her inner cheek, she frowned, letting out a low sigh, she turned to look up at the starry night sky. "It's really beautiful here... don't ya think?"
"Huh?" She grumbled.
"In Fortree." She clarified. "I've heard of people being one with nature, but I never imagined a city being built on top of the trees. It's something else."
"Yeah," she sighed, "hey Serena, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why didn't you tell me you was a top coordinator?" she asked, "why keep it secret?"
"Honestly, I don't really know," she shrugged, "originally, I hadn't long got the title and it felt like bragging. You was a new trainer and just decided to try out the contest circuit. I didn't want to scare you off or make inflate your ego because a top coordinator was helping train you."
"Look how that turned out." She grimaced.
"You got carried away with wanting to win and took the most direct path you saw to achieve it," she replied, "at one point or another, every trainer does the same. I wouldn't worry about it too much."
"So, you competed to hammer home that point?" she asked.
"No," she replied, "I competed because I was angry. You insulted Feebas before she evolved, and I felt hurt for her."
"But why?" she asked, "it was a slip of the tongue."
"Maybe to you." She paused, pinching the bridge of her nose, "but as a psychic, I am use to being in other heads. My Pokémon more than most. It's hard to explain but all her hang ups on her appearance is what caused her to freeze in Verdanturf."
"You never said-"
"I shouldn't need too," she replied, "she already felt bad enough and I was helping her move through it. Last thing either of us wanted was her becoming a point of discussion. Centre of attention because of her hang ups. Getting the exact type of attention, she was so scared off."
"I'm sorry... for what I said," she uttered, glancing up with moist eyes.
"I know you are," she nodded, "but it's not me you need to apologise too."
"Where is Milotic?" she asked.
"Getting healed up with the others," she replied, "I assume it's the same with Combusken and Altaria?"
"Yeah." She sighed, "Combusken's more angry than hurt though-"
"He's attention seeking," she muttered.
"But why?" she asked, "I've treated all my Pokémon equal since-"
"Maybe but he was still there when you didn't," she cut her off, "that's gonna be hard for him to get past. And since you've focused a lot on Altaria since her evolution-"
"That was to help her get use to her new form," she uttered, "and I spent just as much time with Minun and Lileep on the appeals performance."
"But he wouldn't see that," she replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "he saw you when you did play favourites. So that's what he's trying to become. No matter what you end up saying to him, it'll be tough to overwrite that initial month or two of experiences he had with you."
"So, what do I do now?" she asked.
"You start again, focus on the next contest and keep working towards the grand festival," she explained, "the more he see's this version of you, sooner or later he'll start realising how things are. And you've still got two more ribbons to get. Lilycove has a performance hall too and that's the next place we're heading too-"
"You still want me to travel with you?" she asked.
"Of course," she replied, "unless you'd prefer to travel with Drew-"
"He already left," she muttered, "mentioned wanting to get one more Pokémon to round off his team but he promised to be watching in my next contest."
"I bet he did," she uttered, rolling her eyes.
"What is your problem with Drew?" she asked.
"I don't trust him," she stated, "after what happened at Rustboro-"
"Sakura was the one-"
"He said," she interjected, "while she said the opposite. And I'm more willing to believe her over him any day."
"But why?" she asked.
"Because I've known her longer and I know she's not the type of person to cause trouble or play mind games," she explained, "and remember when we first met Drew in Slateport? Almost instantly he tried it on with me, so he has a history-"
"People can change," she declared, jumping up from the bench.
"They can," she nodded, "but they need to prove they've changed. Actions speak louder than words and I've not seen anything to show he's changed."
"He is still my boyfriend," she insisted.
"Then I hope he has changed, for your sake," she nodded, standing up to meet the girl, "but I would still be careful around him-"
"What now?" she groaned.
"Your both rivals still and as long as your both aiming for the Hoenn Grand festival, sooner or later you'll end up competing against him," she replied, "he maybe supporting you right now but he's also learning all your tricks. He'll have an unfair advantage when that inevitable match up arrives."
"But he's been helping me-"
"And learning all he can as well," she nodded, "I doubt he's done much training or practise with you around. Did he even tell you which Pokémon he was looking to add to his team to... round it off?"
"Well... no," she muttered, "but that doesn't prove anything."
"Maybe not but better to be safe than sorry," she replied, "which is why... I'd like to offer my services."
"You mean-"
"Yeah," she replied, "after the first few contests, Ash and myself kinda stepped back from your training but your still my friend. So, if you want it, I'd be happy to return to training you."
"Thank you."
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