Chapter 2:

All Work and No Cosplay

Location: Dewford Town

"Thanks for this again Skeeter," I said as I loaded mine, May's and Wally's supplied into his speedboat.

"Anytime," he said just as my friends arrived. "So, what Ribbon you going for? I don't really keep up with contests."

"My Master Beauty," I said. "I'm entering Dustox with."

"Well, we better hit the road if we're gonna make it," Wally said.

"You're right," Skeeter replied.

We all jumped in and the speedboat started.


We sped across the water. This boat was faster than Mr. Briney's; technology had come a long way ever since he used to ferry me across the Hoenn seas. Above us, the Wingull drifted in the air.


Wingull (キャモメ)

#027 (Hoenn)

Water/Flying Type

Seagull Pokémon

2'00" (0.6 m)

20.9 lbs (9.5 kg)

Wingull has the habit of carrying prey and valuables in its beak and hiding them in all sorts of locations. This Pokémon rides the winds and flies as if it were skating across the sky.


We also sped by the Sea Mauville. Ah yes. The Abandoned Ship that was there on my journey had been identified as a research facility that was abandoned years ago. Wattson, the Mauville City Gym Leader, gave it the name.


Location: Route 109

The speedboat slowed down at the bay of Route 109, a beach route that led up to Slateport City. I felt a bit wobbly when I got off.

"Thanks!" May said.

"No problem!" Skeeter said as he started the boat and skimmed off across the sea.


Before we headed off, I noticed something on my new Pokénav+. Ah yes, my old one had become a bit outdated, so I treated myself to a new one recently.

"I believe someone is looking for a challenge," I said. I eyed an Ace Trainer, who was also eyeing me. "Is it you?" I asked.

"Yep!" she said. "You up for it?"

"Am I?!" I shouted.


Brendan Vs. Ace Trainer Portia

"I choose Armaldo!" I shouted.

"Go Kecleon!" Portia replied, sending out her green Pokémon.


Kecleon (カブレオン)

#150 (Hoenn)

Normal Type

Color Swap Pokémon

3'03" (1 m)

48.5 lbs (22 kg)

Kecleon alters its body coloration to blend in with its surroundings, allowing it to sneak up on its prey unnoticed. Then it lashes out with its long, stretchy tongue to instantly ensnare the unsuspecting target.

Kecleon has no known evolutions.


"Armaldo, X-Scissor!" Armaldo sliced at Kecleon in an X formation. Because of Kecleon's Ability Color Change, it changed its Type to Bug.

"Kecleon, Shadow Claw!" Kecleon extended its shadow to where Armaldo was standing, then its claw came up and sliced at Armaldo.

"Armaldo, Rock Blast!" Armaldo fired a few rocks at Kecleon for Super Effective damage. It was down.

"That was good. But can you take on Magcargo?" The next Pokémon was made of lava with a rock on its back.


Magcargo (マグカルゴ)

#109

Fire/Rock Type

Lava Pokémon

2'07" (0.8 m)

121.3 lbs (55 kg)

Magcargo's shell is actually its skin that hardened as a result of cooling. Its shell is very brittle and fragile - just touching it causes it to crumble apart. This Pokémon returns to its original size by dipping itself in magma.

Slugma -Lv 38- Magcargo


"Thanks, Armaldo. Okay Swampert, go!" I shouted.

"You gonna go for it?" May asked.

"You bet!" I tapped the Key Stone with my right index finger. "When our hearts become one, beyond evolution…" As Swampert was surrounded by Mega Energy, I held up the Key Stone. "MEGA EVOLVE!" The energy burst, revealing Swampert's Mega Evolved form. "Use Surf!" Swampert created a large wave that swamped Magcargo at once, knocking it out.

"Amazing. Okay Vanilluxe, go!" The final Pokémon was one I wasn't too familiar with. It looked like a double ice cream cone with faces.


Vanilluxe (バイバニラ)

#584 (National)

Ice Type

Snowstorm Pokémon

4'03" (1.3 m)

126.8 lbs (57.5 kg)

If both heads get angry simultaneously, this Pokémon expels a blizzard, burying everything in snow.

Vanillite -Lv 35- Vanillish -Lv 47- Vanilluxe


"A Vanilluxe!" May said. "I remember seeing one of those on my vacation to Unova!"

"Swampert, Hammer Arm!" Swampert slammed its fists down, but it missed.

"Now Vanilluxe, Blizzard!" Vanilluxe created a large snowstorm that enveloped Mega Swampert. It survived.

"One more Hammer Arm!" Swampert brought its fists down again, this time landing a direct hit. I had won.

"Hey, nice match!"


"Nice one Swampert!" I said, just as Mega Swampert started looking at me angrily. "What's… wrong?" I asked. Mega Swampert started thrashing about, not knowing what to do.

"What's going on?!" shouted Wally.

"Swampert, relax! The battles over!" Swampert was about to use Hammer Arm… on me!

"That's enough!" Wally shouted. "Go Delcatty!" Wally sent out his cream-coloured Pokémon with purple fur in some areas.


Delcatty (エネコロロ)

#064 (Hoenn)

Normal Type

Prim Pokémon

3'07" (1.1 m)

71.9 lbs (32.6 kg)

Delcatty sleeps anywhere it wants without keeping a permanent nest. If other Pokémon approach it as its sleeps, this Pokémon will never fight – it will just move away somewhere else.

Skitty -Moon Stone- Delcatty


"Fake Out!" Delcatty clapped in front of Mega Swampert, making it flinch. After that, the Mega Evolution wore off and it changed back into its regular form.

"Thanks," I told Wally. Swampert collapsed. "Swampert! You okay?"

"We should take it to the Pokémon Center," May said. "We'll call Professor Sycamore and ask him what's going on."


Location: Slateport City

The dockside city of Slateport. Popular with sailors, tourists and co-ordinators thanks to its Contest Hall. I've always loved Slateport City.

"I still don't know what happened back there," I told May and Wally. "When we practiced Mega Evolution at Dewford Town, they were just fine."

Wally scratched his chin. "Maybe it lost control? It was Mega Swampert's first battle after all."

That could be a reason.

"Hey look," May said. "The Contest Hall." She pointed to a large crowd situated outside the building where Pokémon Contests are held.

"I know what's going on," I said, as we walked towards the crowd.

The crowd were surrounding a girl wearing a two-piece dress with blue hair. It had a large spikey part on it. With her was an Altaria. It was my rival, Lisia.


Altaria (チルタリス)

#127 (Hoenn)

Dragon/Flying Type

Humming Pokémon

3'07" (1.1 m)

45.4 lbs (20.6 kg)

Altaria dances and wheels through the sky among billowing, cotton-like clouds. By singing melodies in its crystal-clear voice, this Pokémon makes its listeners experience dreamy wonderment.

Swablu -Lv 35- Altaria


Lisia eyed me. "Well well well, if it isn't my main rival. Brendan Seaview of Littleroot Town."

"Hey Lisia," I said, rolling my eyes. "Participating in the Masters for Beauty?"

"Yep!" she said. "I'm only two ribbons away, the other one I need to obtain being the Master for Cool!"

"Amazing!" May said.

"Please don't boost her already Wailord sized ego," I told her. "Yeah, I'm participating. Who you doing it with?"

"Pikachu!" she said. "Come on out!" Lisia threw five Pokéballs into the air, sending out five female Pikachu. (You can tell the gender of a Pikachu because the females have a small dent in their tail, resembling a heart). Each of them were in costume.


Pikachu (イカチュウ)

#163 (Hoenn)

Electric Type

Mouse Pokémon

1'04" (0.4 m)

13.2 lbs (6 kg)

This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.

Pichu (B) -Happiness- Pikachu


One Pikachu was dressed up like a rock star, with a red jacket and ripped black trousers. A lot like the outfit I wear in contests. Another Pikachu was wearing a blue, fancy dress with a neck hat. There was a Pikachu dressed in a two-piece pink dress, bit like the outfit May wears in the few times she participates in Contests. There was a Scientist-like one wearing a lab coat with swirly glasses. Finally, there was one wearing clothes and a mask that made it look like a wrestler.

"I'll be using Pikachu Belle!" Lisia said. "And for Cool, Pikachu Rock Star!"

"What about Altaria?" I asked.

"When the time comes," she said. "I might not even need to use it."

"The Contest starts in three hours," I said. "I need to get Dustox from the PC. Then we should call Professor Sycamore. Let's head to the Pokémon Center."

"Can't wait to beat you!" Lisia said.

"This is the Master League," I said. "We're all as talented as one another."


Location: Slateport City Pokémon Center

"All happy and healthy!" Nurse Joy said. "It seems your Swampert was a bit exhausted. I'm no expert on Mega Evolution, but from what I've heard it takes some Pokémon a bit longer to get use to than others."

"Thanks again," I said. "Okay. Let's give Professor Sycamore a call."

We went over to the PC. First things first though, I retrieved Dustox from the PC, depositing Dusknoir.


Dustox (ドクケイル)

#018 (Hoenn)

Bug/Poison Type

Poison Moth Pokémon

3'11" (1.2 m)

69.7 lbs (31.6 kg)

Dustox is instinctively drawn to light. Swarms of this Pokémon are attracted by the bright lights of cities, where they wreak havoc by stripping the leaves off roadside trees for food.

Wurmple -Lv 7- Cascoon -Lv 10- Dustox


After that, we called Professor Sycamore.

"Bonjour Pokémon Trainers!" the Professor said. "How are things?"

"Well," May said. "We really don't know. You see, Brendan used Mega Swampert in battle. It was all going so well, but after it one, it started acting a bit crazy. It almost attacked Brendan."

"Hmm," Professor Sycamore said. "That's interesting. Recently, one of my students has pulled off Mega Evolution with no issue. Maybe it's the Pokémon he's using."

"Is it to do with me?" I asked.

"No no no, the bond between you and Swampert is unbreakable. It can't be that, but it could be something else between you two. Once again, it's nothing between your bond. You two just need some practice. I'd advise being a bit careful when using it until I next see you. Will you be available tomorrow at say… Sootopolis City?"

"Sure!" I said, looking at the Eon Flute. "At least, I hope so. What about you May?"

"I'd love to!" she said. "Mega Evolution is mega mysterious!"

"I'll pass," Wally said. "Verdenturf Town is a bit close by, and I want to visit dad and have a health check up. I'm sorry if that sounds selfish."

"Not at all, we understand!" I said. "You're gonna watch the Contest though?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Wally said. "Speaking of which, you better get registered!"

"I almost forgot!" I said. "Auf Wiedersehen Professor!" I said.

"That's not the right word," Professor Sycamore replied.


Location: Slateport City Contest Hall

I signed up at the Reception Area, writing down my name and Dustox's to.

"Thank you," said the Receptionist. "And you to are watching?"

"Yep!" May and Wally said together.

"Then each of you make your way to your respective locations. The Contest will begin in two hours."

"We can't just sit there, can we?" Wally asked.

"No," May said. "Let's take a walk outside for an hour. See yah Brendan!"


"Hello everyone, it's what you've been waiting for!" shouted the host Rudy. "Isn't this exciting? Today, we have four Trainers who are competing for the Master Beauty Ribbon. So, let's bring them out! First up, this Lass owns a wind chime shop in Oldale Town, its Burgundy and Chimey!" A Lass ran out and sent out a Chimecho, a long-white Pokémon that was floating. It had a yellow orb on its head. It let out a soft ringing sound.


Chimecho (チリーン)

158 (Hoenn)

Psychic Type

Wind Chime Pokémon

2'00" (0.6 m)

2.2 lbs (1 kg)

In high wings, Chimiecho cries as it hands from a tree branch or the eaves of a building using a suction cup on its head. This Pokémon plucks berries with its long tail and eats them.

Chingling -Happiness at Nighttime- Chimecho


"Next, it's our very own Champion competing for his final Ribbon, from Littleroot Town, it's Brendan Seaview and Dustox!" I came on and sent out Dustox, who flew about gracefully in the air. "Our next contestant is from Lavaridge Town. He likes to spend admittedly a bit too much time in the hot spring. It's David and Pigloo!" A very burned man ran onto the stage and sent out Grumpig, a pink Pokémon with a springy tail.


Grumpig (ブーピッグ)

#116 (Hoenn)

Psychic Type

Manipulate Pokémon

2'11" (0.9 m)

157.6 lbs (71.5 kg)

Grumpig uses the black pearls on its body to wield its fantastic powers. When it is doing so, it dances bizarrely. This Pokémon's black pearls are valuable works of art.

Spoink -Lv 32- Grumpig


"Finally, it's the rising star from our very own Slateport City, it's Lisia and Pikachu!" Lisia sent out her Pikachu in the fancy gown. The crowd went nuts. "Okay, onto the performance!"


First up was Chimecho. "Use Energy Ball!" Chimecho shot a green ball into the sky. It exploded in a shower of energy, making Chimecho glow. It was quite appealing and got four hearts.

I was next. "Use Bug Buzz!" Dustox started making a weird sound sent out by green soundwaves. It only got one point, but Chimecho lost a few points.

"Grumpig, Focus Blast!" Grumpig fired a ball into the sky, giving it four points.

"Pikachu, Icicle Crash!" I had no idea Pikachu could learn that. Pikachu made some icicles fall from the ceiling, giving it three points.

With that, the next order was Grumpig, Pikachu, Dustox and Chimecho.

"Grumpig, Psybeam!" Grumpig shot a colourful beam into the air, causing a colourful explosion. Everyone cheered.

"Pikachu, Discharge!" Pikachu sent out a barrage of electricity everyone, jamming Grumpig for some of its points. But the audience werne't the most impressed.

"Dustox, Light Screen!" Dustox covered itself in a mysterious energy. It got two points.

"Chimecho, Psyshock!" Chimecho sent out some Psychic balls that shocked all Pokémon, jamming their points. All except for Dustox who was fine thanks to Light Screen.

"Next up, Chimecho, Dustox, Grumpig, Pikachu!"

"Chimecho, Healing Wish!" Chimecho made a wish that gave it a lot of points. But it also made it too tired to compete. But that didn't matter; the audience was going wild. Chimecho was able to do something; Serenade. It made a ringing sound that wooed the audience so much that it got a TON of points. At this point, I think I knew the victor, so I skipped to the end.


"What an exciting Contest. But who will get the Ribbon? Here is the order!"

4. Grumpig.

3. Dustox

2. Altaria

1. CHIMECHO!

"Congratulations to our winner Burgundy! What do you plan to do next?"

Burgundy spoke into the supplied microphone. "I've got all the Beauty Ribbons. Now to earn the rest! I think I'll go for Cool next."

"This has been another amazing Contest Spectacular! Join us in two days where we will have a Great Rank Tough Contest in Lilycove City!"


Location: Slateport City

"I can't believe I lost," I said. "And even worse, I was ranked below Lisia."

"They're always next time," May assured me. "Trust me on this. You have a little while to train before the next Master Beauty Contest."

"And a little while for a rematch!" Lisia appeared.

"Oh, hey," I said. "What you up to?"

"I wanted to congratulate you. You really gave it your all out there."

"Really?" I said.

"Uh huh. But next time, one of us better win. And by then, Altaria will be ready to participate." With that, she walked off.

"Well, at least we should have the thing about Mega Evolution covered tomorrow," I said.