~ Chapter 41 ~

The Hearthome City Contest

"Anastasia Les Stranges was a slimy little witch, and according to Fantina, her aunt Ursula was an ugly sea cow—that always did make Pikachu laugh for some reason. Bribery was the least of their trickery. Thank goodness, we were always one step ahead of them. If Drasna and Fantina hadn't given us the heads up on them, Lyss and Marion wouldn't have been the wiser in a lot of situations. Thank goodness skill is all that matters once money is taken out of the equation, and what Anastasia had in money she lacked in skill. It was vice versa for Lyss and Marion. They were both really good; it's a shame only one of them could win. But of course, who am I to not root for the home team? Ha-ha."

"I can't believe you of all people didn't remember the name Les Stranges!" said Drasna with fervour, "If anyone was forced to listen to my mother's rants about the Les Stranges family, I would have thought it would be you!"

"I'm sorry! I was half asleep that first day of teaching, and she ranted on about them for an hour," said Niya defensively, "It got a little annoying after a while, so I just sort of zoned out…"

Sam smirked, as he saw that Niya wasn't as good a student as she was a teacher. She had come a long way, but it didn't make her past self any less funny. Thankfully for Sam, Niya hadn't caught the smile, or it would've been worse off for him.

"Personally, I still can't believe you guys didn't know that Sam was an Accardi," shrugged Valentina, "Niya and I knew for years, we just didn't say anything out of respect for his grandparent's wishes."

"How did you know when no one told us?" Complained Jeremy.

"Because while you guys were off playing, we eavesdropped on the adults. It wasn't that hard anyway. Sam Accardi. Accardi Pokémon Ranch."

"Sam always said there was no relation, his grandparents too," added Jeremy, "We thought he was being honest."

Valentina shrugged. "It's not like there are that many Accardis out there," she added, "But never mind that, right now that's not the focus of this conversation."

"So how are we going to take care of this little sea witch?" asked Drasna, "I mean, if she's buying people off we'll need to find a way to make her money invalid."

"I say we just go find out whatever she's paying the judges and offer them double," suggested Jeremy, "Sam go write the cheques!"

Alyssandra shot Jeremy a look that caused him to go silent, though at this point, if what Niya and Drasna said were true about Anastasia using money to win contests, Sam couldn't see a better way.

Sam's grandfather always said that one should rarely fight honourably. Your opponent will almost never give you the same courtesy, and only in the case that you find that rare opponent that does, should you show him the courtesy he shows you.

His grandmother on the other hand, always told Sam to play fair, and your victory was assured.

Sam never understood what that had meant, and more importantly, who was right; but now he was starting to get the meaning. What he wasn't getting was what he was supposed to do, or whose advice he was supposed to take.

Did he want to blindly trust in victory by doing good, even if it wasn't so assured at first? Or ensure victory regardless of what must be done to achieve the win?

But of course, this was not about him or his thoughts or plans.

This was Alyssandra's contest, and thus her victory, her fight, and her decision, and she had made it vehemently clear that she did not want to stoop to the same level as Anastasia.

"I don't think we should bribe anyone either," added Marion, "It doesn't make it right, and it's not worth the risk of disqualification."

The girl had remained mostly quiet in this debate and was finally voicing her opinions on the proceedings. "Exactly!" added Alyssandra, "I've come so far! I'm just about halfway there, and if I can win this, I'll only be two ribbons short of being eligible to compete in the Grand Festival this year! It's not worth the risk. Besides, I'm not Anastasia, I have skill and I don't need to bribe judges to earn my ribbons."

"Well put," said Valentina, "Cheating is never worth it in the Pokémon League. In fact, now that I'm aware of it, I'll tip off Contesta and the others. As Champion and head of the Pokémon League, they'll heed my warnings. Besides, I know Contesta; he'd never take a bribe. No Nurse Joy would either, and neither would Sukizo. If they're paying off judges, it's not those three, that's for sure."

Valentina then turned around and walked off towards the backstage section of the contest hall, no doubt to make good on her word. But no sooner had she left before her presence was replaced by a very flustered, and very clearly enraged, Fantina.

"Vhere is that vicked sea cow?!" she cried, storming onto the scene like a hurricane; a blood lust in her eyes, "I heard there is a Les Stranges participating in the contest this year, and I know that Ursula must be behind her 'success'!"

"Calm down, mom," said Drasna reassuringly, "I haven't seen Ursula Les Stranges at all. Though I don't deny Les Stranges money is behind her advancement up till now. The Les Stranges are closely related to the MacAbres—it's not surprising that they're both willing to cut throats to achieve their own ends."

"That explains why she knew about my family, and hates them," added Sam, "Now I really want her to lose."

"Vee all do, my boy," replied Fantina, "Even vhen I vas first competing in contests as a young girl! Ursula Les Stranges was using her family's fortune to buy her way through contests. It vas terrible! She did not deserve anything she got! I saw many good Coordinators be driven out of the profession by Ursula. Such talent vasted…because of selfish ambition. That ugly sea cow."

Pikachu burst out laughing, falling off Jeremy's shoulder and hitting the floor as it continued to roll in a giggle fit, clearly finding the term extremely hilarious.

Meanwhile, Drasna patted her mother on the arm gingerly, partly hoping not to awaken her wrath further.

Alyssandra opened her mouth to speak, wanting to voice her opinions further. She wanted to reassure everyone that despite how much money was offered to any judge, or how much Anastasia tried to get under her skin, Alyssandra had confidence in her skills and her victory.

But she was never able to voice these words, as the ringing of the warning bell kept Alyssandra quiet, as she, Niya, and Marion walked off towards the backstage with a quick goodbye.

"So, what are you doing here mom?" asked Drasna with her arms crossed, "You rushed all the way over here to confront the Les Stranges?"

Fantina brushed her hair back across her shoulder. "Yes and no. I am a secret judge for the Battle Portion of the contest," explained Fantina, "Do not tell Alyssandra though! I vant her fear of the unknown; I vant it to keep her on her toes. Being comfortable is not good, it means you are not avare or vigilant!"

Sam distinctly remembered Niya telling him and Alyssandra the same thing once, while they were training before Sam's battle with Gardenia on Route 205, right before they were all separated.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to quickly use the restroom," said Sam calmly.

Everyone nodded, and he dismissed himself.

Truthfully, he just needed to look in a mirror and think through the whole Les Stranges thing that was going on right now, and whether or not he should step in, just in case.

Part of him knew it was wrong, but part of him still knew that it was more important for Alyssandra to win, not just for selfish reasons, but because it was wrong for Alyssandra to lose to a cheater.

But at the same time, if she won by cheating, even if she didn't know, and if what Valentina said was true, that the judges didn't take bribes, not the ones that were here today anyway, then it would just mean instant disqualification for Alyssandra for no good reason.

And yet…Anastasia was still in the running as far as they could tell, and if she had offered the bribe, it meant that she either wasn't turned down, or the judges went easy on her.

Regardless, Sam needed a moment to wash his face with some cool water, and clear his head, he needed to be able to think clearly right now.

Entering the restroom, Sam sighed and turned on the tap, letting cool water run down from the faucet and into his hands.

Bending over the sink, he drew the water in with his hands and splashed his face several times. When his face was nice and wet, he waited a moment for most of the water to drip off into the sink before grabbing a nearby paper towel and wiping his face down.

As Sam looked up from the sink, his eyes glanced over the mirror, and what he saw caused him to jump and let out a yell that he was surprised no one heard.

Wheeling around, fear and wonder in his eye, Sam looked at a tall figure, with short white hair and a thick white beard that stood before him.

He was in a nicely pressed suit, black with a rose in the jacket pocket, and wore a white shirt, black vest, and red tie. The man smiled, with a twinkle in his smoky grey eyes.

"Grandfather…?" said Sam slowly, in disbelief, yet casually, as if he was asking what time it was.

"Yes, my boy, it's me! How are you?" asked Sam's grandfather.

"I'm good…how are you?" asked Sam further.

Still smiling like nothing was wrong, Sam's grandfather replied with a cheery. "Fine! Just fine! I'm dead though, but other than that I'm in top shape!"

"That's what I thought…" Sam replied, colour draining from his face, "So…what are you doing here?"

"Oh, don't ask me that, Sam, you brought me here; or something did anyway," said Aurelio as he was just asked the answer of a very obvious question, "Last thing I knew, I was having a charming little luncheon with my parents and siblings, and some other long dead relatives and then—poof—I'm standing here behind you, and in the suit, I was buried in no less."

"Yes, but how? You're dead, and I'm not clairvoyant or a medium. Not to mention the fact that you're dead!" said Sam loudly, but not loud enough for someone outside to hear, "And unless I'm starting to see ghosts, or going absolutely crazy, I can't—for the life of me—figure out why you're here and why I see you. Are you a figment of my imagination?"

"I guess so," added Sam's grandfather, looking just as confused as Sam was. He looked more like a man trying to think through a riddle, than a ghost brought back from the dead.

In fact, Sam, out of curiosity, went and placed his hands out in front of him and walked into the man.

There was no mistaking, Sam could touch and feel his grandfather, but he definitely wasn't alive. There was no feeling of warmth or life in the man's body and touching him felt like touching a hollow shell or some sort of exoskeleton.

"So…so, how's death?" wondered Sam, trying to find some form of small talk.

"Oh, it's wonderful. At first you think it's boring, but then you get to meet all these people you haven't seen in forever," explained Aurelio with excitement, sitting himself on the counter, "People you've lost, or missed, and the like, and sometimes people you've never met. Did you know that I met my great-great-great-great-grandfather? Apparently, I get my eyes from him, and my beard, and my sense of humour too."

"Huh," was all Sam could say in reply. He truly had no idea how to make small talk with the dead.

"So, how's life, my boy?" wondered Aurelio, "It's been seven years, I'm sure so much has changed."

"Life's good," explained Sam, "I'm on a Pokémon Journey now with Jeremy, Lyss and Niya. Palmer and Professor Rowan are keeping an eye on us—in fact it was Professor Rowan who got us to go. It's a long story; I'd like to tell it to you sometime, really. So much has changed recently, especially in the past few months…more so in the past few months actually."

"Well why not tell me now, my boy?" asked Aurelio, "Now's as good a time as any! Besides, it's never good to put things off. I taught you that, didn't I?"

Sam nodded; truly, he would've loved nothing more than to just sit in the bathroom forever and tell his long dead grandfather everything that's happened to him in the past seven years, and catch up on old times, while comparing tales, but Sam had to get back to his friends, and how long could one take in the bathroom before people started to pose questions?

Sam explained as much to his grandfather, who sighed, a bit disappointed, but also proud that Sam was travelling with his friends.

"Then you must tell me later," said Aurelio, "I want to hear everything, you understand? Every last detail and leave nothing out!"

Sam nodded. "I will. You know, you should really stick around a bit, I'm sure you'd enjoy watching Lyss at her contest," suggested Sam, making his way to the door, pausing just before he touched the handle, "Um, no one else can see you, right?"

Aurelio shrugged, hopped off the counter, and went through the wall. He returned several minutes later, a smile on his face. "I yelled at several people, but no one seemed to notice. I think it's safe to assume that I am invisible to everyone but you."

"Perfect, then you should stay!" said Sam excitedly.

Aurelio shrugged again. "Why not, what else have I got to do?"

Sam chuckled, pausing one last time before leaving the bathroom. "Final question," said Sam, "Do we have any prior instances of insanity in our family?"

Aurelio paused and thought for several moments, trying to remember to the farthest reaches of his family tree, and answered with a shake of his head. "Well, actually there was my uncle Tiberius, who died wrapped in cabbage leaves, but we always deemed that a freak accident," added Aurelio suddenly.

Sam was somewhat afraid of that answer, but at the same time, by some miracle, his grandfather was actually here with him. After seven years, Sam could finally speak with his grandfather again. He didn't know how it worked, or why it was happening, but he was given a second chance.

A chance to get rid of all the regrets Sam had had about his grandfather's passing the first time, and a chance to learn from all of his grandfather's wisdom, something he hadn't benefited from one hundred percent when he was younger.

Sam exited the bathroom and returned to his friends, and as he reached his circle of friends once more, he earned glances from Niya and Valentina while Jeremy was busy trying to take an Oran Berry from Pikachu's hands.

Apparently, eating too many wasn't good for the Pokémon, and Valentina had spoiled him with them.

Fantina had gone off somewhere, and Alyssandra was still backstage with Marion.

"You just missed Lyss' appeals," frowned Niya, pointing to the small TV screen that hung from the ceiling, which currently showed the judges doing a recap of Alyssandra's performance, "They were really good! She used her Piplup and a combination of Ice Beam, Peck, and Bubble Beam. Piplup started with Bubble Beam and used Ice Bream to freeze the bubbles. Then, Piplup used Peck to shatter the bubbles and turn it into beautiful ice flakes. It sparkled beautifully in the lighting; twice as beautiful as glitter, and her Piplup's speed was amazing. I've never seen a Piplup move so fast, to use three moves so quickly in succession, as well as getting those frozen bubbles before they hit the ground—Ice is heavy, you know—the judges gave her three eights for her incredible skill and masterful knowledge of aesthetics."

Sam was impressed by the description of Alyssandra's appeals, while Valentina took pride in it as she listened to the description. For a last-minute brainstorm between sisters, it was very good.

Sam could only imagine how much better it looked in person, and he regretted missing it, but he had been with his dead grandfather.

At that moment, Sam noticed something, as he saw that his grandfather was nowhere to be seen. He was just behind him a moment ago. Maybe he couldn't appear in front of other people? No, he walked in front of other people before and no one could see him. Was it like a phone; did Sam need reception?

No, that couldn't be it either. Sam made a mental note to figure out how this ghost seeing thing worked later.

"I'm sorry," said Sam, that being all he could really say about now, "There was a line for the bathroom like you wouldn't believe."

No one asked further, and Sam was grateful the conversation was left at that. At least he would be able to watch the Battle Portion.

As per Grand Festival Rules, contestants were allowed to change their Pokémon between the Appeal and Battle Portions. Which Pokémon Alyssandra intended on using was a mystery to Sam, but no doubt one of the ones she had most recently caught. Sam couldn't wait to see the Battle Portion unfold.

"What about Marion?" asked Sam, "Did I miss her appeal as well?"

"Yes," stated Valentina, "She was right before Lyss." Jeremy finally returned to the group and he continued the explanation.

"She used her metal rings for her performance," explained Jeremy, "She flung the rings around, tossed them in the air, and even locked them together a few times. It was amazing. At the same time, she had her Flygon set the rings on fire and fly through them as she tossed them into the air. She did well, and even moved on to the next round. Same score as Lyss."

"Excellent, I'm glad she did well. I knew there was a lot of skill in her, just by first glance," cheered Sam proud for the group's new friend, "And a Flygon…she must be a good Trainer to evolve a Trapinch into a Flygon at such a young age. Training a Dragon type Pokémon, even partial Dragon, isn't easy."

Drasna nodded as she returned from who knows where. "Dragon type Pokémon are very hard to train," she agreed, "They take patience, calm, understanding, and a great inner strength. You need to know how to be friendly but command a strong presence. In the wild, Dragon Pokémon live in groups where the strongest and most dominant male and female reign supreme. When training a captive Dragon Pokémon, the Trainer must take on the role of the strongest male or female. You wouldn't expect it from someone Marion's size, but she must have been one imposing figure for that Flygon."

"So, speaks the expert," chuckled Niya as she motioned to her cousin.

"I'm just going by what I've learned from Claire," shrugged Drasna, "Besides if anyone's the expert here it should be Sam. His grandfather was a world-renowned Dragon Pokémon Trainer. There's not a Dragon Pokémon Trainer that came after who doesn't idolize the man, myself included."

Sam smiled, and realized he knew almost nothing about raising Dragon type Pokémon. His grandfather had never taught him anything about the subject, in fact, Sam never knew about his grandfather's past until just recently. Anything Sam knew about raising Pokémon came from his time at the Ranch.

Sam made another note to ask his grandfather about raising Dragon Pokémon when he saw him next.

"You should start training," said Drasna, "I know you're not a Dragon Pokémon Trainer yet, but with your Accardi blood, and your grandfather's tutelage, I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Well, I've never really put any thought—" started Sam.

But he was cut off as a voice sounded behind him. "This girl is sharp, she recognizes talent when she sees it my boy!" exclaimed Sam's grandfather, appearing suddenly from nowhere; "I think you need to take her up on her offer. Go realize your destiny!"

Sam wanted to jump from being startled and also sigh from his grandfather's overly enthusiastic attitude.

"I'll think about it," said Sam, both to his grandfather and Drasna at the same time, "I mean…it sounds fun, and I know a lot about rearing Pokémon from my summers at the ranch, and I guess if my grandfather was good at it, I can be too."

"Well, whenever you feel ready to accept your chosen destiny, let me know," smiled Drasna, "I'll give you a crash course."

"Thanks," said Sam, though Valentina seemed eager to add to the conversation.

"I also think you should do it," she added, "I mean, you've got the skills, I'm sure. I've heard stories of how you battle. If you can train Dragon Pokémon the way you raise your current Pokémon, I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Is that Valentina? Dear me, she's all grown up," exclaimed Aurelio, not having seen Valentina in seven years, "How is she? Is she still the best Trainer in Twinleaf?"

Oh, if only his grandfather knew, thought Sam to himself.

"What about Anastasia, how did she do?" asked Sam, this time a bit of venom in his voice.

"She didn't make it through this round," laughed Niya, beaming away at the thought, "One word from my aunt and Valentina, and the judges were on high alert. Mr. Contesta, Mr. Sukizo and Nurse Joy shot down the bribe right away and threw her and her family out. She wasn't happy at all!"

"They wouldn't have accepted the bribe anyway, I'm sure," added Valentina boldly, "Though, I can't say other judges would do the same. If it weren't for those three being here, Anastasia would have won today."

Then came the ringing of the bell, to signal the start of the end of the Appeal Portion, and the group gathered around the nearby TV to watch the recap before the Battle Portion began, and who was moving on to the next round.

"Ooh! Is that the lunch bell?" smiled Aurelio jokingly, "I'm famished!"

You're dead; you can't be hungry, thought Sam, once more only to himself.

His grandfather hadn't changed at all, if anything he had actually expanded his sense of humour in the past few years.

Alyssandra and Marion stood by the side-lines of the stage, waiting for their moment in the spotlight; literally. "I can't believe how fast Anastasia was dealt with," said Marion with wonder, "I never expected her to go down so fast. I mean, she made it this far, and her aunt made an entire career off it if Drasna spoke true."

Alyssandra nodded, biting on her thumbnail; she was too nervous to speak.

Alyssandra had made it to the Battle Portion of the tournament and so had Marion. Both of them did rather well in the Appeal Portion, as Alyssandra had hoped and expected, but now it was down to the final eight contestants.

Alyssandra had, hopefully, three more battles to go through before she won the contest, the problem was everyone else was hoping to win the same three battles in a row in order to win.

Even Marion was now an enemy; an opponent. Alyssandra bore her no ill will, nor did she dislike Marion, but a competition was a competition, and she knew Marion felt the same way.

Of course, Alyssandra still didn't know whom she was to battle, which only added to her nerves, but as they began to announce the matches on all screens in the Contest Hall, Alyssandra began to see the sick and twisted irony of the world she lived in.

Alyssandra and Marion were to face off in the first round of the Battle Portion, and in the first match too.

The two new friends looked at each other with a look that showed they acknowledged the spirit of competition and told each other that their feelings of friendship would not change at all no matter what happened, or how this ended.

Together, as the announcer called them on to the stage, they walked towards their respective marks. Marion with her rings, Alyssandra with her Poké Ball gripped firmly in her hand.

Aurelio stood behind Alyssandra, curious to see the rest of Sam's friends seven years later.

"She's pretty," he smiled, "Sam is lucky, and she did turn out like her aunt. But can she battle like her sister?" Aurelio's look suddenly turned serious, as he knew he was about to witness a great battle.

"Are you guys ready?!" cried the announcer, gathering a roar from the crowd, "On the left, we have Marion, a newcomer to the Sinnoh Region, originally from Verdanturf Town in Hoenn! She is a masterful Pokémon Coordinator who is able to command a Flygon and several metal rings at the same time!"

He paused and allowed the crowd to cheer.

Aurelio rolled his eyes and began to clean his nails. "Please, I once did battle with a volcano using nothing but a Geodude and a Corsola, and I didn't even own them!" stated Aurelio, "They should talk about that!"

"And on the right! Alyssandra De Rossi of Twinleaf Town!" continued the announcer, "New to contests altogether; Alyssandra has been gathering a small following in the last few months, with two victories in Jubilife City and Floaroma Town! She uses an array of Pokémon but does so masterfully and with grace! Now, without further ado! Let the battle begin!"

There was a roar from the crowd once more, and the battle did begin. Marion sent out her Flygon, and Alyssandra sent out her Lopunny.

"Ah! A Lopunny!" exclaimed Aurelio, "Now, I wonder, how does she plan to get a Normal type Pokémon like that to prevail against a Dragon and Ground type Pokémon like Flygon?"

Marion raised her metal rings, all in one hand, then grasped the other side with her other hand. As she pulled them apart, like she was opening a scroll, all five rings expanded and appeared as if locked together.

Then, Marion loosened her hold on the rings, allowing them to sink a bit, and tossed them into the air, separating them.

As they entered the air, her Flygon flew into the sky. "Flygon! Flamethrower through the rings! Hit your target!" cried Marion.

"Fly-goooon!" roared the Dragon Pokémon as it unleashed the flames through its mouth.

"I see! The rings act as cross hairs with which Flygon can aim at the opponent," explained Aurelio to himself, "It shows off the skills of the Trainer, and the ability of the Pokémon to aim its attack ever so carefully as to go through all the rings and hit its mark before the rings fall."

Sure enough, the Flamethrower was fast, and if Alyssandra hadn't called for Lopunny to dodge she would've lost more points than she did.

"Oh yes, if I remember correctly, Battle Portions give each competitor one hundred points. They can only lose points, and the entire point—" Aurelio chuckled at his pun, "—of the Battle Portion is to decrease your opponent's points, either to nothing or lower than yours in the five minutes you're given. You can lose points from getting hit by an opponent's attack, having your attack work in your opponent's favour, having your attack be deflected, or when your opponent performs an especially beautiful attack. If your Pokémon is deemed unable to battle, you lose all your points."

True to Aurelio's word, Alyssandra did loose points for that last attack. Flygon's speed and accuracy were the cause of that, but Alyssandra wasn't going to go down so easy.

"Lopunny, go jump through those rings and use High Jump Kick on Flygon!" cried Alyssandra, who took advantage of Marion's constant tossing of the rings to her advantage.

"Punny!" nodded Lopunny as it jumped with its hind legs and bolted straight towards Flygon.

"Flygon, Dragon Breath!" returned Marion, hoping to get Lopunny in mid-air, but Alyssandra was prepared.

"Protect!" she shouted back.

With a quick "Lopunny!" and another understanding nod, a clear bubble appeared around Lopunny, breaking the blue flames with its shielding power. As the flames parted around the bubble, Lopunny appeared as a comet to the crowd, causing ah's and cheers to rise up from the audience.

Lopunny made it through the second to last ring just in time to be able to hop off the top of the final one, which had sunk down in the split second it had taken her to block the attack.

Jumping from the ring with as much force and strength she could muster, Lopunny landed its High Jump Kick right into Flygon's back, sending it down towards the ground a bit before the Dragon type Pokémon recovered.

"Goooon!" cried the Flygon with a slight wince as it fell from the sky.

Marion lost at least a quarter of her points for the failed Dragon Breath and for the High Jump Kick landing.

"Amazing folks! Not only did Lopunny managed to jump through four of the five rings, but it blocked a Dragon Breath attack and landed a High Jump Kick of its own!" stated the Announcer, giving a recap to anyone foolish enough to have been looking away.

From what Aurelio could tell, Alyssandra was in the lead with ninety points, and Marion was second with seventy-five, but with a little over four minutes left on the clock, anything could happen.

Indeed, Marion knew this as well, because she smiled as she grabbed her rings, three in the left hand, and two in the right, and tossed them all in front of her Flygon. The rings floated between him and Lopunny, who had now landed back on the ground, in the middle of the ring.

"Flygon, use Sandstorm!" cried Marion with calm.

Her Flygon gave a small roar, and flapped its wings, causing sand and wind to blow high speeds at Lopunny.

"Oh no," said Aurelio, clearly cheering for Alyssandra by this point, "I know this tactic. And even if I didn't, it doesn't take a genius to see where this is going!"

"What is Marion planning to do with that Sandstorm folks?" asked the Announcer rhetorically.

Flygon by now had engulfed the entire stage in sand and only shadows of the two competitors and their Pokémon were visible.

Lopunny covered its eyes as the sand threatened to enter them, but that was the Pokémon's only mistake.

Alyssandra bit down on her lip and watched helplessly as what happened next unfolded before her eyes.

Flygon, under Marion's command, flung the rings towards Lopunny with its tail. The rings landed around Lopunny like a ring toss game.

"Shake them off!" yelled Alyssandra, hoping her Pokémon would be able get the rings off before anything worse happened, but it was, once more, too late, as with each struggled move, the rings tightened around Lopunny until they were bound as tight as skin.

Suddenly, the sand began to clear, making matters worse as the entire stadium gasped—announcer, judges, crowd, and all—as they witnessed the wriggling Lopunny and a triumphant looking Flygon.

"Amazing! As if by magic, Marion has not only trapped Lopunny with her rings, but she has made them tighten around her opponent!" exclaimed the Announcer in amazement, bewildered by what he was seeing.

"And to add insult to injury—or is it injury to insult in this case?" wondered Aurelio as he commentated to himself, "Regardless, to make matters worse, Marion is having Flygon prepare another Dragon Breath."

Things looked grim for Alyssandra and her Lopunny, bound tightly by the metal rings. The poor Pokémon didn't have much left in her, and Alyssandra had just lost thirty points for the ring trick. This attack would probably take another bit off, and with two minutes left on the clock Alyssandra was starting to panic.

No, no she couldn't panic; panicking didn't make anything better. Just like Niya said, she needed to remain calm.

Alyssandra took a deep breath and calmed herself. She had just the move to deal with this situation, and she didn't even know it.

"Lopunny, Ice Beam quickly! Aim for Flygon's Dragon Breath!" shouted Alyssandra.

Lopunny stopped struggling and prepared an Ice Beam. "Looooo," started Lopunny, charging the attack as a white ball before its mouth, "Punny!"

It looked like blue lightning as it shot towards Flygon, whom had just fired the Dragon Breath. The two moves collided, exploding, with the Ice Beam cancelling out the Dragon Breath; five points from Marion.

"All right! She's got it!" cheered Aurelio.

"One more time Lopunny!" cried Alyssandra again, "Aim for the wings!"

Another on target shot, and this one froze Flygon's wings, rendering it flightless.

Fifteen points from Marion, because the attack was strategic.

Alyssandra was in the lead now.

"Again!" shouted Alyssandra one more time.

Flygon took a direct hit from the Ice Beam, a doubly super effective move on a Ground and Dragon type Pokémon. This was the one that brought Flygon to its final few breaths. It was worn out, it was weak and Alyssandra still had a little under a minute left.

Wasting no time, Alyssandra used these precious few seconds to freeze off the rings with another Ice Bream, making them brittle from the cold and shattering them with a little force.

Then, Alyssandra gave a saddened look to Marion, as the Pokémon Coordinators both knew that this was the final move, and with Flygon in the weakened state as it was, and the metal rings broken, Marion was finished.

Alyssandra prepared the coup de grace in the form of a final Ice Beam, right at Flygon.

The Pokémon took the hit, facing it with bravery, even though it knew this was defeat. With ten seconds left on the clock, Flygon was left unable to battle, and Marion's points depleted.

The entire arena was left in silence, and the judges and announcer were no exception either.

"The Flygon knew it was the end, and faced it bravely," said Aurelio gently, "Pokémon are such mysterious and noble creatures." And with that, he faded away into nothing, disappearing once more.

Finally managing to say something, the announcer took a hold of the situation and spoke. "Well that was certainly a suspenseful match, wasn't it folks?" asked the announcer, once more rhetorically, "Well, I'd love to say let's pass it to the judges for their final word, but it wouldn't be a day of surprises if we didn't have another one up our sleeve! That's right folks, not only did we throw Grand Festival Rules at our contestants to test them, but now we have a special guest judge for the Battle Portion!"

Everyone murmured in excitement, each audience member guessing whom it might be.

The second row of curtains behind the three main judges and the main stage parted, and several spot lights flashed on, all focusing on Fantina, who twirled a bit and walked down towards the announcer and the main stage.

There was a massive cheer from the crowd as she did.

"That's right, folks! It's none other than Fantina Konstantinova!" cried the Announcer, "Hearthome City Gym Leader and local superstar Top Coordinator! She is our surprise guest judge! Fantina, what are your words on the battle?"

There was brief silence from Fantina as she took the microphone and thought hard about her answer. "It vas truly exhilarating," started Fantina, "Both Pokémon fought tooth and nail, like their lives vere on the line. Their grace, their beauty, their strategy—magnificent! A Pokémon Battle is more than just strategy; a Pokémon Contest is more than beauty! As a Pokémon Trainer, Gym Leader, and Pokémon Coordinator, I know vhat it takes to be the best in all fields, and how closely related all fields are!"

Fantina paused, walking towards the stage; Marion and Alyssandra stood side by side, waiting for judgement, their Pokémon resting in their Poké Balls.

"Marion is a strong Trainer and Coordinator, she can command a Flygon at such a young age like she vere a General commanding an entire army," said Fantina with her usual whimsy, "And Alyssandra, though she is new to this, is getting a quick hand on it. Her ability to think of a strong strategy under fire and in the heat of battle, or even in the middle of defeat, that is her strength! It is, vhat I believe, makes her most dangerous. She is unpredictable, and you never know vhat she vill pull from her sleeve vhen everything is on the line!"

"But of course, there can only be vun vinner!" continued Fantina, beginning to bring everything to a close with her final few words, "And vhile it pains me to choose only vun of you, I deem that the points should remain. Alyssandra De Rossi you are the vinner of this first battle!"

The crowd let out a roar, and everyone back stage cheered for Alyssandra fervently.

Even Marion gave a hearty clap to her new friend, and the two walked off the stage together, hand in hand after taking their final bow together. After all, this amazing battle wouldn't have been possible without Marion, she was just as much to thank as Alyssandra was.

"You did great under pressure, I must say," said Marion with pride, "If Fantina is right, you must have sleeves the size of the Tohjo Area. And your Lopunny lasted better against my Flygon than I expected. You must have trained her very well."

"Well, I try," laughed Alyssandra, "Sam's helped me a lot, so has Niya. And I did watch my sister raise her Lopunny before she became Champion. I've watched and learned, you know?"

Marion nodded, and the two quickly returned to back stage.

Unfortunately, contest rules did not permit them leaving the backstage area until the end of the Battle Portion; at least, victors were not permitted to leave.

A very busy attendant passed by like a broom, and swept Marion away from backstage like she was dust being swept into a dustpan, leaving Alyssandra to face her next battle alone.

"I can't believe it, another win!" shrieked Alyssandra as Sam examined the ribbon before passing it on to Niya, who beamed with pride at her student.

Valentina was happy too, and Jeremy and Pikachu were giving Alyssandra their congratulations. Even Fantina and Drasna were cheering on the newly appointed victor of the Hearthome City Pokémon Contest.

Marion, who had celebrated with Alyssandra just a few moments before, had left. Gone off to fulfil a promised meeting with someone important. She didn't say whom, but it was important enough to leave a celebration for Alyssandra's third contest victory—and the way the group threw celebration parties, they were not events to miss.

But, even with the loss of Marion—much to Alyssandra's regret—Fantina, Valentina and Drasna would be enough to make the party even better than just four teens and a Pikachu.

Lopunny was exhausted; the first battle it had fought wore it out, and the other three just made it worse.

Even with medicinal remedies and resting periods between fights, it was still worn out and was already on its way to the Pokémon Centre with Nurse Joy.

"Congratulations, Alyssandra. You truly deserved that vin!" said Fantina with verve, "I knew I vas right about your talent, and my niece vas right too!"

"Way to go sis," added Valentina as she rustled her hand through Alyssandra's hair, "I knew you and I could pull together a decent appeal, and you obviously get your battling skills from me."

Jeremy came next with his congratulations. "You did great Lyss! The way you took out that Rhyhorn in that last match with your Lopunny's Ice Beam!" said Jeremy, as if reliving it before his eyes, "I didn't think you would make it after everything Lopunny went through, but you did it, and I'm glad!"

"Pika! Pi-Pikachu! Pikaaaa!" added Pikachu, munching, once more, on an Oran Berry it had stolen from Valentina's pouch, much to Jeremy's displeasure.

"Congratulations Lyss! I knew you could do it!" said Niya, hugging her best friend closely, "Three down, two more to go! And I have so much more to teach you!"

Alyssandra smiled, happy with her new win, and hopefully two more on the way. "And you Sam? Don't you have anything to say?" said Drasna with a raised eyebrow patting Alyssandra on the back.

Sam rolled his eyes and walked forward to hug Alyssandra. "Congrats, Lyss, you were amazing," said Sam sincerely, "Truly, even I couldn't have pulled off a battle like that."

"Don't say that my boy! Don't put down your skills!" said Aurelio, appearing behind Alyssandra suddenly, "And while we're on the subject of skills, do your ancestry a favour and kiss the girl! Make the move! Ask her out!"

Sam wanted to speak to his grandfather, or at least sigh deeply, but he held back until later, but his mind was full of thoughts.

"You really think so, Sam?" asked Alyssandra, pulling out of the hug.

Sam nodded, but Valentina put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't go putting your skills to shame," she smirked, "You're good too. I'm sure you're both just as capable as we saw Lyss was today. Besides, if you're going to compete in the Hearthome Battle Tournament tomorrow, you'll need confidence!"

"Wait, Sam, you're actually competing in that?" asked Jeremy, confused at Sam's sudden participation.

"I—wait, no, I never signed up. What do you mean?" he asked, just as confused as Jeremy.

"Well, I know you were thinking about it, and Palmer told me he suggested it to you, so I sort of just pushed you into the pool a bit," shrugged Valentina nonchalantly, "I signed you up myself—so you better show up. I'm putting my word on the line, and if you're a no-show I'll punch you!"

Aurelio let out a hefty chuckle. "You had better listen to her Sam, she's feisty," he smiled, "Even more so than I remember. Besides, the Hearthome Battle Tournament is worth it—especially if Palmer is going to be there. He's always there, usually chasing Cynthia…poor boy. He never knew what he had until he lost it…"

Aurelio disappeared again, and Sam was left wondering what his grandfather had meant. But he said nothing and made sure to make a note to bring it back up again later with his grandfather when they were alone.

"All right…fine, I'll join," agreed Sam, "Besides, I could use some battle practice if I'm going to beat Maylene and Wake!"

Fantina raised an eyebrow at Sam, and the two remembered their conversation.

Sam smiled at Fantina, and the tall woman chuckled. "You smile like your uncle," she noted, her mind now off in thought, "You have his smile, exactly how his is."

"Thank you," nodded Sam amiably, "Now, I have one condition before I join. I want the rest of you to join me. If I'm going to get some battle practice, so should the rest of you."

Everyone looked at Sam blankly, suddenly put on the spot as they realized the tables had been turned—craftily as well—by Sam.

"I'm glad you say that Sam," smiled Valentina, playing along with him, though very serious as well, "Because I signed everyone else up too. Now, how about we go get some food to celebrate Lyss' victory?"

No one had time to argue or complain about being dragged into the tournament as well as Valentina ran off down the street towards the nearest restaurant that interested her.

Pikachu was the next to follow her, knowing that wherever Valentina was, so were Oran Berries.

Jeremy went after Pikachu, while Alyssandra and Niya went after Valentina.

Sam followed suit in order to catch up with his friends. Leaving only Drasna and Fantina standing there.

The mother and daughter looked at each other a smiled, and walked down the street casually, not bothering to run. They would get there when they got there, and there was no rush.

Sam reclined on the park bench, the crickets chirping around him and the moonlight peeking through the clouds. Across from him sat the ghost of his grandfather, the two laughing as Sam told him the story of his life since Aurelio's passing.

"So, you're telling me you actually had a battle in a cave?" chuckled Aurelio as he rubbed his eyebrow, "You're my grandson all right. Goodness, I should've left you with your grandmother more when you were a kid."

Sam smiled. "You were a great influence," said Sam happily, "You know, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be this great at battling."

"I didn't teach you much, you know. Everything you've accomplished, that's all you," smiled Aurelio, as he looked hard at his grandson, so proud of what he had accomplished in the years since his passing, how far he had come from the little child who refused to leave home.

"Has Palmer offered to train you yet?" asked Aurelio again.

Sam shook his head. "Not yet, but even if he did…I don't know what I'd say," replied Sam after some serious thought.

Truthfully, he had always dreamed about it, hoped for it, but Sam knew that if it ever happened, he would say no until he had seen the whole world with his friends. He would wait until he and Lyss had tied the knot—if that ever happened—and when Sam was finally ready to leave communication and civilization behind for a long time, to train with his mentor and hero he would go.

"I see. Well that's to be expected I guess," chuckled Aurelio once more, stroking his moustache, "You always did hate travelling."

"Not anymore!" said Sam defensively, "It's just…there's…you know, things I want to do first. That's all."

Aurelio raised an eyebrow with a smirk, giving his grandson a sideways glance like he knew something Sam didn't.

"What?" asked Sam, avoiding eye contact, "What do you want?"

Aurelio just continued his coy grin. "You know," he said nudging Sam, "It's Alyssandra, isn't it?"

"I just…" started Sam, "I'm not giving that an answer!"

Aurelio laughed heartily, and Sam's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. "Oh, just tell the girl you love her and get it out the way. It's not that hard!"

"Yes, it is!" said Sam, standing up and walking over the nearby railing where the creek ran by. It trickled gently over the many rocks and stones, while fish jumped up into the moonlight, breaking the gentle surface of the stream.

"I asked Nancy to marry me after we knew each other for six months," said Aurelio, "If I can do that, you can pull off asking Alyssandra to go steady after knowing each other your whole lives!"

"It's not that easy though, grandfather," said Sam gently, looking into the stream again, "Every time I look at her, I look into her big, beautiful brown eyes and my knees go weak. And she smiles at me, with her pretty smile, and looks at me with those eyes and…my mouth can't talk. And then there's her, gentle, smooth skin…her kind, soothing voice…her long brown hair; and you know those times when she gets mad, she gets this fire in her eyes and it's just…it's beautiful."

Aurelio stood up, his hands in his pockets, his black trench coat flowing behind him. He stood beside his grandson, the two looking up at the sky. For a time, they said nothing.

Sam just smiled at the stars, Alyssandra going through his mind, while Aurelio looked at his half-grown grandson.

"You've got it bad my boy," he said seriously, "You're in love, and I think Alyssandra is the one for you. All you've got to do is make your move, and I think you'll be okay. Don't worry about being scared or getting nervous. You and Alyssandra, I believe, are truly meant to be together, and when love is real, it finds a way."

Aurelio looked at his grandson, tears welling in his eyes. It was just a gentle glisten, but there were tears nonetheless. Tears for his grandson, and how much he had grown. How he was slowly becoming a man that Aurelio was proud of every day, and tears for the fact that Aurelio had a chance to appear before Sam again and guide him through life as he had always hoped.

Aurelio was happier now than even the day Sam was born; this was the pride of a parent for their child.

"And how do you expect me to do that?" asked Sam, turning to his grandfather for an answer, but he got none, as Sam had noticed when he turned around.

His grandfather had disappeared and was no longer standing there beside him.

Sam laughed a bit, though it was painful laughter. Just when he and his grandfather were making progress, he left again, and this wasn't something Sam blamed his grandfather for.

If anything, Sam blamed fate, but it was something Sam would have to live with nonetheless, and something he lived with for the past seven years.

But at least he had his friends, and at least he had Alyssandra, and were it not for them Sam knew he would not have made it as far in life as he did.