Thank you guys for the support especially to you guys who have left reviews. I felt really pumped to keep working and so here is chapter 2!
I hope you guys enjoy this chapter too and the action will start to pick up soon!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any other characters to do with the show or the company at all.
Chapter 2 - (Almost) All Back Together Again
"Okay that is you now registered Mr Max Maple. Please enjoy your stay and we hope it will be a long stay during this tournament!", said the receptionist as she handed Max his PokeDex and key to his room at the nearby hotel.
"Thank you", Max said in courtesy as he picked up his key and saw he was assigned Room 135. He glanced over at May's key and saw she was in Room 158 so she was on the same floor as him but along a different hallway. Whilst Dawn was not competing, everyone who either is competing or is with the competitors can get a free room and she has been given the keys to Room 159.
Just as they were about to leave they heard a few familiar voices, "Hey leaving without us are we?"
The group all smiled even before they turned around as they recognised the voice of Cilan. And to no surprise once they did turn around they were greeted by the green haired Connoisseur dressed in his trademark long sleeved white shirt under a black waistcoat with two large gold buttons and his green bow-tie over them. He matched this to his black trousers with a black belt and flat brown shoes with golden buckles. Not far behind him approached the familiar faces of the Alola gang of Lillie, Gladion, Kiawe and Mallow. But it wasn't just the Alola gang as Goh and Chloe were with them too which was not too surprising as the pair had said they were in Alola when everyone was planning their route to Galar. Goh grinned at his friends dressed in his familiar red and gray short-sleeved top with the Poké Ball design, black sweatpants, red socks, and a pair of gray and black shoes. Chloe couldn't hide her happiness as the maroon haired girl smiled and waved at her friends. She had her hair braided as usual in a side ponytail and was dressed in a dress that resembled her school uniform a lot, minus the collar and the colors here were mainly pink and some white.
Lillie had her platinum blonde hair up in a high ponytail like she did when she was rescuing her mother. She was dressed in her all white outfit of white short-sleeved hoodie with the ice blue hood and strings, her white pleated skirt showing off her shapely bare legs, white socks, and matching wedge shoes. The only colored pieces of accessories were her pink backpack and the red strap of her Z-ring which her father insisted she kept after they had found him during their search 7 years ago. The last 5 years had been kind to the now 20 year old girl who had developed a fine body with curves in all the right places and her chest and ass filling in appropriately as well.
For Gladion though, as her older brother, this was a source of headache. His protective nature became even more stronger as he could see how boys were looking at his innocent little sister. He swore to beat up anyone who looked at his sister in a funny way. Gladion hadn't changed much in the last 5 years other than no longer shaving the sides of his platinum blonde hair but still keeping his long tousled bangs that cover his right eye. He was wearing a gray hooded shirt with a red slash resembling a scar on it, a black undershirt with ripped sleeves, ripped black pants and red shoes with gray soles and black laces. He no longer had his bag around his waist as he managed to pack everything he needed into the suitcase he wheeled behind him as he entered the stadium.
Mallow stepped up and posed with a victory sign and a wink at her friends as she stood next to Lillie and Gladion. Mallow was still the energetic girl they remembered but her appearance had slightly changed. Gone were the tanned slender girl's pink tube top and grey overalls. Instead, she wore a dark green crop cami top and grey short shorts and green trainers. She still had her green hair in twin tails and the fake pink flower in her hair. Her features had also filled out in the last couple of years which gave her a more mature look despite her still from time to time scatterbrain personality that her friends loved.
Speaking of changed features, Kiawe had been working out a lot which was immediately noticed by May and Dawn who were impressed by his 8-pack. As always Kiawe was not wearing a top, instead wearing red shorts and matching red sandals which paired perfectly with his still fiery orange and brown hair. Brock made a mental note to ask Kiawe about his workout routine so he can get more into shape too.
The two groups' apparent "face off" soon ended as they had looked at each other and taken in one another's appearances. Lillie was the first one to make a move as she went up to Delia and hugged the woman which was gladly reciprocated. With that everyone took turns to hug one another… apart from Paul who just shook everyone's hand, and Gladion who played close attention when Tracey and Max hugged his little sister to make sure they didn't do anything they shouldn't. He knew he was worrying too much especially as he was friends with the pair and knew they would not have such intentions for his sister but he just can't help his protectiveness over his sister.
After the formalities were taken care off everyone was keen to catch up but were stopped by Professor Oak as he said, "Now now children. Make sure you all register now before we miss the deadline. There will be plenty of time to catch up after. Besides, once we know everyone's room numbers we can decide how to meet up every day!"
Knowing the wise professor was correct, the newly arrived group made their way to the registering desk whilst the others waited with wide grins at seeing their friends again and being able to spend time together again. Once they had registered the now large group huddled around as they took turns to find out each other's room numbers.
"I'm Room 159!" exclaimed Dawn.
"Yayyy! I'm Room 158. So we are going to be NEIGHBORS!" squealed May as she and Dawn held hands and did a small dance.
Max sweatdropped at this not believing either one of the girls were 21 years old. He shook his head and said, "I've got Room 135".
"Nice, I am in Room 128, so the same corridor as you then", said Kiawe, spudding Max.
"Make that three in that corridor cos I got Room 121", said Brock smirking at the two boys.
Misty winked at Brock and teased her old friend, "Well I got my work out for me then to keep you in line mister. I am in Room 104 so a bit further away from you all. So no funny business with an unsuspecting Nurse Joy, okay Brock".
Brock hung his head in shame at the joke and faked cried earning a laugh from everyone.
"Guess I am not that close to you guys either. I am on the floor below in Room 71", said Cilan who was a bit disappointed to have his assigned room away from his friends.
Goh also had a frown as he said, "Well if it helps Cilan I am also placed on a different floor to everyone else. I got Room 201 so I'm on the floor above."
"Hey, I am in Room 225 so at least we aren't too far apart from each other", said Gladion, giving a light punch to Goh's shoulder.
Goh smiled in return and said, "Great, we can at least plan strategies or do stuff together!" which made Gladion smile in return too.
Chloe though was disappointed at that as she had hoped to be closer to Goh and use this as a chance to maybe confess to her childhood friend. Their trip to Alola did help them bond but she was still too afraid to make a move. But she had to focus on the here and now and asked, "Umm… I am in Room 183. Is anyone close to me?"
"Me! Me! I got Room 180!", exclaimed Lillie in excitement to have her room close to Chloe.
Chloe sighed in relief as she had at least Lillie nearby and wasn't going to be stuck with random trainers or spectators. Though part of her wanted to ask Gladion if he wanted to swap rooms but she did not want to raise suspicions about why she wanted to be on the same floor as Goh. Any such idea was squashed when Mallow spoke up and said, "I got Room 192! Which means…"
Lillie knew what she had in mind and finished the sentence by saying, "Slumber party!" making all the girls squeal in delight.
"Please tell me one of you guys is on the 3rd floor. I got Room 374?!", begged Gary, hoping not to be stuck with strangers on the floor.
Paul smirked and said, "Looks like we'll be floor neighbors. I'm in Room 308. At least I am away from these annoying girls and their 'slumber party'", not caring that his comment earned him a glare and puffed cheeks from all the girls in annoyance.
"I guess there's no chance of anyone being on the 4th floor with me? Unfortunately my room number is 419", said Tracey who sweatdropped at the fact that he was so away from his friends.
Brock turned to the two older adults of the group and asked, "What about you Mrs Ketchum and Professor Oak?"
"I'm in Room 110. But…" trailed Delia as she shifted her attention to the Professor and the number on his keychain.
Everyone followed her eyes and they all looked perplexed when they saw what was on it.
"Room 115L?" they all exclaimed in confusion.
Professor Oak held the key higher and looked puzzled too and said, "Well I am not sure if this is a mistake or a typo?"
They were all still looking at his key when a voice suddenly said, "Allow me to explain".
They turned to the source of the voice and saw a representative of the Stadium standing near them. He cleared his throat and said, "Pardon the intrusion but I overheard your dilemma with the key. Well the truth is the letter 'L' here means luxury. It means your room has a balcony as do all the other rooms. But along with it, you get more space with a complementary large wooden garden table, as many chairs as needed and a parasol for when the sun gets too hot."
Everyone could only gasp at this but Professor Oak had an important question to ask, "Well that sounds lovely mister. But I did not request for such a room and while I am happy with it, I think I need to let your staff know and pay the extra cost that must be associated with the room."
"No, not at all. The truth is because we are expecting a large number of participants it has been hard to keep groups together. That is why some of you are further away from each other. We decided to let a computer allocate rooms to avoid having customers complain or fight with staff if people were not happy with the room allocations. But we knew your group was really large so we anticipated some big splits and as a way to make it up we thought to give one of you a room with the extra space for you all to meet up when required. Besides as the Pokemon professor, we knew you would be the right choice for the room.", calmly explained the man.
Delia offered a small smile and thanked the man, "Thank you very much. That is very kind of you and the organisers of this tournament."
"Yes thank you a lot for this kind gesture", said Professor Oak as he held out a hand for the man.
Everyone also thanked the man as he shook Professor Oak's hand before bowing as he saw the group on their way out towards the hotel. No one from the group noticed the man had a smile on his face as he watched the group leave, hoping they would enjoy the surprise that was awaiting them.
"Quick hide everyone", shouted an excited tanned girl dressed in an oversized white jumper with one exposed shoulder showing her purple bra strap. Below the oversized jumper she wore a very small pair of denim shorts showcasing her firm, tanned legs with purple heeled ballet shoes completing her outfit. Her brown hair was still in her characteristic curly pigtails.
"Hush Shauna! You are giving away our presence!", shushed Miette, abruptly worried their plan would be exposed before it could actually take place.
Shauna immediately slapped her hands over her mouth and with her light green eyes widened at the realization, turned to her fellow Performer and friend. Shauna could barely see Miette in the dark room but was still able to make out her clothes which consisted of a blue dress top with black polka dots over her black skirt, complementing her brown dress shoes.
Shauna glanced down at her PokeDex and could see her boyfriend Tierno had sent another message which read, 'They are just entering and heading to reception to verify their booking. I am heading up now!'. She became distracted when the door handle turned and the door was opened. The light from the doorway illuminated the room a bit as she could see her boyfriend panting as he entered. While Tierno had lost some weight especially after they had started dating a year ago, he was still in his own words not that fit. The boy had changed quite a bit in the last couple of years as he paid more attention to his clothes. Currently he was dressed in a red changshan shirt that he picked up on his travels with white chinos and grey trainers. Tierno insisted on starting to work out as he wanted to look good for Shauna despite her trying her best to convince him that she was happy with the way he was and didn't need to change for her or anyone. But she was glad that he was being more health conscious as she remembered he would eat whatever he could see or want during their first journey in Kalos.
Unbeknownst to her, a smaller shadow quickly rose up before two more larger shadows also stood and restrained the smaller one. The light from the doorway made it easy for her to identify who it was but it was no surprise it was no one other than Bonnie who had two hands covering her mouth. Shauna threw a sympathetic smile towards the girl as she knew how excited she was to see everyone again. Shauna felt her heart warm at seeing Bonnie like this especially as the girl was forced to grow up quickly as did everyone else in the group after they had received the news all those years ago. It was uplifting to see the now 14 year old girl dressed in a white top with dark maroon overalls on top which were folded near the bottom, with sandals matching the overalls looking so happy and excited. Her hair was considerably different from when she was the 7 year old travelling across Kalos, having been inspired by Serena's drastic hairstyle change, the girl decided to grow hers out and let it flow freely behind her with a Dedenne themed hair clip on the left side. Shauna's attention quickly shifted to the two boys trying to restrain the girl before she could accidentally ruin the surprise. On Bonnie's right was her brother Clemont dressed in a blue t-shirt with multiple thunderbolt design patterns on it and a pair of blue chinos and blue shoes. On Bonnie's left was Sawyer who had grown taller and was wearing a larger size of his old travelling clothes.
Then another voice, this time coming from the outside balcony area whispered, "No Bonnie sweetheart, you have to contain yourself otherwise the surprise for our friends would get ruined".
Bonnie looked at the floor sheepishly and replied, "Yes Daddy".
"That's my girl", said Meyer before chuckling quietly at his daughter's antics.
Not long after, they heard chatter outside the door and everyone quickly hid as they recogized the familiar voices.
"Come on Professor! Let's see your room and the luxury balcony!" begged an overly excited May as she hugged the Professor's right arm.
"Yeah please Professor Oak!" said Dawn as she joined in too, grabbing onto the left arm of the older man.
Professor Oak could only sweatdrop at this as he said, "Girls come on now. When did I ever say I was not going to let you all see the room? The room and facilities are for all of us to use. I only suggested if you guys wanted to drop your bags off first and maybe rest up after the long trip".
"No way! That can wait after we all catch up in the garden and until everyone is here" said May shaking her head at what Oak said.
Everyone laughed at this except Misty, Max and Gary who were all trying to hide their faces so no one can associate them with this embarrassing scene taking place in the orange painted and ruby red carpeted hotel corridor. Delia had a sad smile on her face as she watched the interactions as she thought with a heavy heart, "He would have loved this to be here right now. I miss you so much sweetheart".
Chuckling Professor Oak said, "Very well ladies you win. Let's go to my room first then" as he stopped in front of the dark brown mahogany door with the gold door label saying 'Room 115L'. Professor Oak inserted the key and turned the lock before twisting the handle.
The door slowly opened as the gang hiding in the room could see the silhouettes of a group of people slowly entering the dark room. It did not take much longer until they heard the light switch being flicked and the lights coming on. As if on cue to the turned on lights, the hidden group suddenly leapt out of their hiding positions and yelled in unison.
"Surprise!"
It took a while for the group near the door to register what was happening as they all looked at their friends who were standing in front of them with open mouths, shocked by their presence. Lillie was the first one to break away from the initial shock as she made a bee-line for Shauna and Bonnie hugging the two girls in joy.
"What in the Arceus-", was all that Gary was able to say as he slowly processed what was going on. But he was cut off when an impatient Bonnie began to drag Lillie towards the open french doors at the back of the room. Everyone simply followed and stepped out into the large balcony which was larger than they had anticipated. There was so much space with the ground shimmering in the bright white stone pavement. At the centre there was a large wooden table with what looked like almost 30 chairs and a large folded green parasol with white marble roman balcony columns marking the edges of the balcony, which reached slightly above the waist of an adult. What caught everyone's attention was the crisp white cloth covering the table with plates and utensils being arranged by none other than Meyer and Alain. The duo dressed in their usual clothes smiled at the reunited group and gestured for everyone to take a seat.
Everyone slowly made their way towards the table and sat around. Professor Oak was the first to speak up although it did not make much sense as he addressed Meyer, "How…? What…?"
Meyer gave a heart laugh and said, "Well we all landed yesterday and when we asked about you guys we were told you hadn't arrived yet -"
"So we decided to throw a surprise for when you guys do get here!"interrupted Bonnie finishing off her dad's sentence. Meyer turned to his excited daughter and smiled.
"How thoughtful of you guys but you didn't have to go through all that trouble", said Delia, touched by the gesture and having almost everyone together here again.
Brock immediately stood up and took his jacket and said, "Well the least I can do I suppose is to help with the cooking".
Cilan nodded his head and also got up to assist before Alain walked between them and placed his hands on their shoulders and sat them down saying, "No need guys, we get unlimited room service whilst we stay here and compete. You can cook your own meals if you like but we thought since we haven't caught up in a while we could just order food instead."
May's eyes had stars in them as her mouth began to salivate as she turned to Alain and asked, "Did you just say unlimited room service?!"
Bonnie giggled at this while Max sank into his chair embarrassed by his sister's behavior. Kiawe turned to Alain and asked, "How does that all work? Unlimited room service for everyone who is competing or attending this tournament? That is gonna cost a lot for the organiser."
Meyer took a sip of his glass of water and said, "Yeah I was initially confused too when we were told about it yesterday. I asked to double check but they said the League Competition Committee and Mr Goodshow said they would donate some money, but I was also told by the hotel staff that a benefactor has donated a large sum of money and is the one covering the hotel and food costs".
"Do you know who he is?" asked Mallow, curious to find out who this rich benefactor was.
Meyer frowned and shook his head, "No unfortunately not. I asked the staff and they don't know either. Apparently he wants to remain anonymous."
"That's a shame. Well I hope this person shows themself during the tournament so we can thank them" said Chloe.
Not long after the doorbell rang before a man knocked on the door and announced he brought the menus for the room service. Everyone then began to look through the menu to order their meal as they began to catch up with one another.
Later at night
With the moon shining in the clear sky and the stars dancing, the chatter in the balcony slowly began to quieten as everyone's bellies were filled with food and their hearts and souls filled from the warm feeling you only get from seeing your friends again. The youngest member of the group Bonnie was slumped in her father's arms and lap as she began to slowly doze off. Meyer slowly got up and signalled he was putting Bonnie to sleep in her room. Everyone nodded in agreement as they all decided it was time to get some sleep ahead of tomorrow's opening ceremony for the tournament.
Slowly one by one they left the room to give Professor Oak privacy to get changed and get sleep. As they walked out of the door, and bid good night to Delia, she headed towards Room 110. The rest of the group headed back to the main reception area before the group split their paths with the group heading towards rooms from 1-150 turning right and those in rooms 150-199 going left. Those on another floor headed towards the escalator, which included Goh (Room 201), Gladion (Room 225), Paul (Room 308), Alain (Room 326), Gary (Room 374) and Tracey (Room 419).
Heading left were May (Room 158), Dawn (159), Lillie (Room 180), Chloe (Room 183), Sawyer (Room 190) and Mallow (Room 192).
Heading right were Clemont (Room 68), Cilan (Room 71), Miette (Room 89), Misty (Room 104), Brock (Room 121), Kiawe (Room 128), Max (Room 135), Tierno (Room 136) and Shauna (Room 143). As Brock was walking with Clemont towards the back of the group he looked to see if the coast was clear and tapped Clemont's shoulder to get his attention. When Clemont turned to face his friend, Brock edged closer and whispered, "Hey any updates on Serena? She said she would be here for the tournament. I didn't want to ask earlier and potentially upset anyone especially…. Mrs Ketchum."
Clemont had a frown on his face and a sad look at hearing his old friend's name. He had not seen much of her in the last 5 years, even more so in the last 3 years. And who would blame her with how hard she took the news - even Mrs Ketchum was more concerned for Serena than she was for herself when she saw how the girl broke down all those years ago. Serena had remained in touch over PokeDex and used to regularly meet everyone but she had been a bit more distant the last 3 years. But she did message Clemont, Bonnie, a few of the girls and Brock to reassure them she would be here for the tournament to support her friends but as of now has not appeared and it was beginning to concern them.
Clemont faced Brock and said, "She called me this morning to say her flight got delayed but should be here tomorrow in time for the opening ceremony".
Reassured she had informed someone and that it sounded she would arrive, Brock had a small smile as he nodded towards Clemont and decided to change to subject in case anyone joined their conversation.
Corridor 150-199
Tucking his daughter into her bed, Meyer smiled at her peaceful sleeping form and kissed her forehead gently as quietly left and switched the light off. Closing the door to Room 157 gently behind him, he was startled by a familiar voice.
"Mr Meyer I could have put Bonnie to sleep for you, you know"
Meyer turned around to see May standing by her door as she heard the door next door open and wanted to greet her new neighbor.
"Sorry if I woke you up May", apologised Meyer sympathetically.
Waving her hands May said, "You didn't. I just heard the door and wanted to say hi to whoever was my neighbour. Didn't realize it was Bonnie! I am glad!"
Smiling Meyer said, "Well good night May and thank you for your offer to have put Bonnie to bed. It's so nice to know she and I have such good friends. I better be off now and leave you to get some sleep. I'm in Room 479 so I need to head up to the 4th floor".
The two waved to each other good night before May watched Meyer walk off. Once he was out of sight she turned towards her door and opened it to enter her room. Heading towards her pyjamas on her bed, she ran her hands through her hair and was getting ready for bed. However not long after, she heard a key jingling and a door being opened nearby. "Who could be opening a door this late in the day?"
Her curiosity forced the girl to quietly open her door slightly and peeked outside. With the dimmed lighting it was hard to make out who it was but it appeared to be a youngish man dressed in black with what appeared like metal chain armbands, a silver chain necklace and chains on his jacket. May stood there eyeing up this strange man, hoping he was nice since he appeared to be the occupant of Room 160. However it appeared she was watching on for too long as the person's head quickly snapped towards her direction making the girl hide her head behind her door. She had her ear pressed against the wooden door and could hear as the man's door was quickly shut behind him.
Seeing the coast was clear, the Hoenn native closed her door gently and sat on the floor thinking, "Who was that?"
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Can't wait to hear your thoughts in the reviews so please follow and review this story for me please!
