This chapter, we start with featuring our very first contest! I hope that it lives up to expectations! Olivia's performance should be something to see!

Rosealine gold: Interesting thoughts.

Aquahaze675: Basically? Yes.

KedharS: And a new type of competition.

Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings

Chapter 444

Cynthia didn't want to wake up. Not only was she so tired from staying up last night making poffins with Giselle, but the hotel that Olivia had chosen for their party to stay at was the fanciest one in Slateport City. Which meant that the rooms were magnificent, far better than any Cynthia had stayed at previously.

Which meant that the bed was luxurious, and she never wanted to get out of it.

But with Sango's prompting, she managed to drag herself out of bed and stumble into the bathroom, changing into a nice set of clothes for her to go out in. Outside of the hotel was a large field, and that's where the girls found Olivia. She was the only one still there. And surprisingly, she was dressed down for someone about to participate in some major contests, wearing a slip of a white dress with black lining, and a black purse over her shoulder.

"Where is everybody?" Cynthia asked, confused. She looked around, as did her Vulpix, Cynthia testing the waters by letting her out for the day. Cynthia was holding her gently in her arms. "Did they already go? What about my sister?"

"Maddi's over there," Olivia said, pointing to Maddi, who was sitting on a bench watching Olivia, Grim floating beside her. Olivia stroked her chin as she eyed Maddi up. "That girl's rather cute, you know. She's also staring at me with such a cute look in her eyes… mmm, wonder if she's interested in something a little more fun…"

Sango and Cynthia rolled their eyes.

"The rest of them already headed to the contest hall to prepare," Olivia explained, shrugging her shoulders.

"So why are you here?" Cynthia asked. "Don't you need to prepare?"

"I prefer to arrive fashionably late," Olivia replied, giving her a wink. She gestured to a fancy suitcase standing in the grass. "Everything I need is right in there. And as for my pokemon, well, they're excited too. Would you like to meet them before we begin?"

"Really?" Sango asked, her face lighting up.

"Can we?" Cynthia asked, excited. She had never seen Olivia's pokemon before, neither of them had. But it would be nice to get a sneak peek before the contests began. It felt so naughty… like the girls were doing something wrong.

"…I'd like to see, too," Maddi said, hopping off the bench and walking over, staring curiously at Olivia, her eyes glimmering with anticipation.

"Sure thing, cuties," Olivia said, giving her impromptu audience of three humans and three pokemon a flirty wink. "Now, let's go!"

Olivia reached into her purse, taking out three pokeballs and flinging them into the air. She then took out two more, one in each hand, and held them up, pressing the buttons.

The five pokemon emerged on the lawn.

The three girls were surprised. Olivia's pokemon were not what they had expected. Sango assumed that someone like Olivia would have a team of beautiful and classy pokemon. While this wasn't wrong, the only pokemon that absolutely fit that category was her Rapidash.

Cynthia's jaw dropped in surprise. Fighting alongside Caelia for weeks, she knew full well what a Rapidash was supposed to look like, and to her surprise she saw that the pokemon wasn't the cream-colored horse with a horn and a long, flowing mane of flames that Rapidash usually resembled. It looked almost like a different pokemon at first. Her body was thin and sleek, with a noble, regal aura that perfectly matched her trainer, and her horn was longer and spiraled, a deep violet shade. Her mane, rather than fire, was long and luxurious, colored in lavenders and blues and glimmering with light and sparkles. It was only when she said "Rapidash!" that the girls knew what type of pokemon it was for certain.

The Rapidash wasn't the only familiar-looking yet entirely different pokemon, either. Beside it was a Slowbro, whose pink body was slathered in splotches of purple. Rather than the Shellder that normally bit down on a Slowbro's tail, there was a shell that covered his left hand, resembling a spiky gauntlet of sorts. He looked out with a dopey expression that seemed unsuited for an elegant lady like Olivia.

Most unsuited of all, though, was her third pokemon, which seemed more suited for a trainer like Sylvia. Her body was crafted of ancient stones with runic glyphs carved along its surface, in the shape of a serpent. A single, dark eye poked out of a stone jutting out of the slab. It, and other stones, were connected to the main body by twisting, shadowy tendrils, in the form of arms and a tail. "Runerigus…" the pokemon rumbled, her single eye glancing around.

The next pokemon was smaller, a human-sized blue and black octopus with squirming tentacles, filled with yellow suction cups. A yellow splotch over his face resembled a mask, blue eyes peeking out of it. He wriggled forward, looking around. "Grapploct," he growled, staring at the girls.

The last pokemon was another one more suited for Olivia. A Pikachu. Cute and adorable, smiling up at them with big, sparkly eyes. The heart-shaped tip of her tail confirmed she was a girl, and a black marking on that part of the tail was even shaped like a heart to further emphasize it.

"Whoa!" Cynthia said, marveling at the different pokemon as she walked over to them. "All these are yours? Is that really a Rapidash?"

"A Galarian Rapidash," Olivia said proudly, running her hand along the regal pokemon's side. "I call her Twilight."

"And that's a Slowbro, right? Is it also from Galar?" Maddi asked.

"Most of my pokemon are," Olivia replied. "Belle over there is the only exception. Well, one of the only exceptions anyway."

She let that hang cryptically in the air, before continuing.

"Rooney is a Runerigus, and Benny is a Grapploct," Olivia explained, introducing the two pokemon that the girls didn't recognize. "And my Slowbro's name is Ren."

Olivia had a surprisingly pedestrian naming sense.

"So five pokemon? For the five contest types, I'm guessing?" Maddi prodded, trying to figure out if Olivia had any more surprises. Olivia shook her head.

"Just four of them. Belle over there? I'm currently raising her to excel in any kind of contest! So she could serve as an alternate! I just need to prepare more Rainbow Pokeblock+ for her to eat," she explained. "Twilight is my Beauty Contest ace, Ren is for Cuteness, Rooney is Cleverness, and Benny is for Toughness. And for Coolness-"

"Wait, wait, wait," Cynthia interrupted her, shaking her head, trying to wrap around what Olivia was saying. "Did you just say that your Slowbro is your pokemon for the Cuteness category?"

"…Yes, is that a problem?" Olivia asked.

The three girls looked at her in disbelief. They glance among themselves to make sure that they weren't the weird ones, and no, everyone was on the same page that this made no sense. They all took another look at the Slowbro.

"…I guess… some people could find it cute?" Cynthia offered.

"Yeah, like Kate, since it's a poison type?" Sango guessed, staring at the purple splotches.

Olivia just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"You'll see, she promised."

"So wait, then you don't have a pokemon for Coolness?" Maddi asked.

Olivia's smile grew wider. She reached into her purse and took out one last pokeball.

"Oh, believe me, I do," she replied, her tone deep and mysterious. "You might consider her… my secret weapon, of sorts."

The menace in her voice sent a shiver down the girls' spines. But it passed almost immediately and she returned to her cheery self.

"Now then, let's get started!" Olivia declared, recalling her pokemon. "The contests will be starting shortly, and we must be going!" She shot the girls a coy smile.

"That star must always make a fashionably late entrance, after all."

When they entered the contest hall, Cynthia found herself more than a little flustered. She was used to being around others, but, well…

She didn't expect Olivia's reception to be so… much.

Reporters and photographers swarmed immediately, taking countless photos of the model as she strutted into the lobby, and who was Cynthia? A mousy little tagalong trying to keep her head down, right next to someone who was apparently a major star. Sango and Maddi were equally embarrassed, keeping their heads down and trying to seem as small as possible in the face of such blatant attention from the paparazzi, even if they weren't the focus.

"Olivia!"

Olivia paused as there was a break in the crowd, people parting in hushed whispers as another girl walked up to Olivia. She was dressed in a blue outfit with a short frilly skirt over white shorts, and a white and blue sleeveless top that revealed her midriff. Her hair was styled in a bizarre aqua-colored series of stylish ponytails, and her cuffs and ankles were covered in fluffy cotton to resemble clouds. Her aqua eyes were shining with glee as she greeted the other girl.

Cynthia's jaw dropped.

"No way…" she breathed, not able to believe who that was in front of her. EVERYONE knew who she was, she was the shining jewel of the Hoenn Region.

"Lisia, hello there," Olivia greeted her with a polite smile.

"So you've finally decided to start challenging contests in Hoenn?!" Lisia gasped in excitement. "I heard the rumors from Verdanturf and Fallarbor, but it's so great to see you here! You're joining the contests today?"

"Yup," Olivia said, flashing five perfectly pink painted fingers to the girl.

"If only I knew, I would have signed up for more than just the one contest," Lisia pouted. "But I thought it was better to let the rising stars challenge the lower ranks. I'd love a chance to perform with you five by five!"

"But you're competing in the Coolness Contest at 6:00, right? In the center stage?" Olivia asked, her eyes flashing. Lisia's face brightened.

"Then you…"

"I saw your name and I just had to sign up for that one," Olivia nodded, grinning back. "It should be a blast."

Lisia's lips curled into a smile.

"Well then, Olivia, sorry to say but I'm going to stop you from conquering 'em all! Because no one will defeat Ali and me in Coolness, or any category! But I can't wait to see what performance you put on, that's for sure! The fans are going to be ecstatic! That's why I always choose the last contest to participate in, but this one…"

"It'll be the show of the day, that's for sure," Olivia agreed. "And then, we can head to Lilycove, and I'll give you the five by five you've been hoping for."

She glanced at Lisia's stomach briefly, and licked her lips.

"…Among other things."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, 'Liv!" Lisia winked. "But win or lose, the important part is that we'll give a show that can't be compared."

Lisia stuck her hand out.

"Absolutely, Lissi," Olivia agreed, taking her hand. The two girls' display of sportsmanship elicited even more flashes from cameras, nearly blinding Cynthia, Maddi, and Sango. Lisia peeked over Olivia's shoulder, her face brightening up again.

"Oh, and who are these fresh-faced girls?" Lisia asked. "Oh, please tell me they're entering the contests too!"

"No, they're still amateurs," Olivia said, shaking her head. There was an evil look in her eye as she glanced at the girls. "They're not interested in contests, anyway."

Cynthia gulped, thinking that would make Lisia angry. She didn't want to make Lisia angry. She wanted to make Lisia- no, BAD Cynthia! Those are bad thoughts!

"Y-you… you're Lisia…" Cynthia stuttered.

"Yup!" Lisia said, smiling brightly. "And you girls are in for a treat!"

Her eyes took on a look of menace on their own.

"I'm going to help show you girls just how great contests can be. Stick around after my performance, tonight," she said, winking at all three of them, but the fluttery feeling in Cynthia's chest and the wobbliness in her legs made her feel like Lisia was speaking directly to her. "So long Olivia! I'll be watching!"

Lisia fluttered off, Olivia turning back to the girls.

"I'll be off then, I have a magnificent dress to change into. Here are your tickets! So long!"

And with that, Olivia and the crowd headed towards the Beauty Contest Hall, leaving the three of them alone.

"So, uh…" Sango was the first to speak. "What now?"

"Psst!" A whisper in the distance caught Cynthia's ear. She turned to see two figures in trench coats, hats, and sunglasses huddled in the corner. Perverts? Flashers? She squinted her eyes. She could make out blonde hair on one of them, dark hair and tan skin on the other. Curious and a little suspicious, she headed over to the decorated plant they were hiding behind.

"Darla? Lila?" Cynthia asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Shush!" Darla hissed, holding her finger to her lips and looking around frantically. "Don't use our names, we're hiding out!"

"Luckily, the Empress is here, and Lisia, which means the attention isn't on us," Lila said. The bitterness in her voice didn't make it SOUND lucky. "Anyway, you three are watching the Empress's Beauty Contest, right? We'll show you the way. We reserved some seats already, she wanted you guys to get the prime view!"

Lila and Darla escorted the girls into the stands, holding their pokemon tightly. Cynthia sat in the center with Sango and Maddi on either side, sandwiched by Lila and Darla. They were four rows back from the front and dead center, the perfect seats to watch the contest. There were already cheers of excitement building up, even though the contest hadn't even started yet.

"Greetings, everyone!" The lights dimmed and the massive stage lit up brightly. Standing in the stage was a woman with curly black hair down to her shoulders and a stunning blue dress. "I'm your MC, Hotaru, host of the Stage 1 Beauty Contests!"

The announcer took a perfunctory bow as the crowd applauded. Cynthia didn't get what the big deal was. But Lila and Darla were getting in on the cheering as well, stripped out of their disguises (though still dressed casually).

"Before we meet our competitors, I want to introduce our judges!" The lights flashed on a table where three judges were seated, each holding an electric signboard. The woman continued to talk, but Cynthia was ignoring her, just wondering when the pokemon were coming.

"Now that our introductions are completed, here are our four competitors! Starting in position Number One! Janie and Frost!"

A girl dressed in a beautiful white dress walked onto the stage with her Froslass, the pokemon's glistening skin standing out beneath the light. The girl, Janie, gave her a bow, as did her Froslass. A chorus of applause rose up.

"Number Two! Rhea and Hawthorne!"

Another girl, dressed in punk attire, walked out onto the stage, accompanied by a sleek and serene Houndoom whose fur was glossy and amazing. He pranced out, raising his chin proudly to more applause.

"Number Three, Jason and Silva!"

The third competitor was a boy dressed in a fancy suit, accompanied by a gorgeous Sylveon whose fur was sparkling. She batted her eyelashes at the crowd, receiving even more applause than the two who came before her.

"Oh, that Sylveon is beautiful," Sango said. "Olivia might have some steep competition."

"Don't worry," Lila said, shaking her head, smiling. "Those three don't stand a chance."

"And finally, Number Four, Olivia and Twilight!" The woman stepped aside to make room for the last of the competitors.

Olivia walked out on the stage, and Cynthia felt her heart stop in her chest. Olivia was dressed like a princess in a fairy tale, with a long, gorgeous gown the same lavenders, pinks, and blues of her Rapidash's mane. She walked alongside Twilight, her hand resting on the dip in her pokemon's back, Twilight walking with a dignified appearance as prim and proper as could be.

The crowd applauded even louder, it was clear who won the first round. Olivia received sour looks from the other competitors, but she didn't let it bother her.

"Now that we've made our introductions, we'll decide the order of appeals," Hotaru explained. "Our judges are deliberating right now! And the results are…"

As the competitors walked off the stage, the scoreboard above the judge's heads lit up, revealing the ranks. Olivia and Twilight were in first place, followed by Jason and Silva, with Janie and Frost in a close third, and Rhea and Hathorne right behind them in fourth.

"So Olivia won?" Sango asked, her voice nearly drowned out by the roaring of the crowd.

"No, it means she's going first," Darla shouted to her. "She'll get the privilege of showing off her pokemon's performance before anyone else! For better or worse!"

Sango thought that wasn't exactly fair, but she didn't really know and didn't want to shout over the crowd.

"Now, the Introduction Round has concluded!" Hotaru announced. "Next, the pokemon will begin the Appeals Round! They'll be showing off their beauty in all sorts of elegant ways, with their skillful and gorgeous moves! So, give a warm welcome to our first appeal… Olivia and Twilight!"

Sango and Cynthia weren't sure what they expected. Razzle-dazzle of some sort? But no. Hotaru stepped offstage and the lights dimmed. The crowd was silent.

"What's going on?" Sango whispered.

"The competitors each give a typed document detailing their performance to the stage conductor," Lila explained, keeping her voice low. "So that they can get the stage directions just right. It's sort of like filming a scene for a movie or a recording of a stage performance. Just watch, she's going to start any moment."

Slowly, a pink mist began to fill the room, clinging to the ground. The spotlights caught it, casing an eerie glow over stage.

"Misty terrain, yippee!" Lila clapped excitedly.

From within the mist, a shadowy figure could be seen drawing closer. Twilight? No, it was Olivia who broke out of the pink cloud, twirling around, her arms spread out. With a flick of her wrists, she captured the mist in the palms of her hands, lifting it up and spinning it around her body, the mist just barely tangible, wrapping around her like a shawl.

"…I though her Rapidash was supposed to be the one performing?" Maddi dryly remarked.

"Hush! Just watch! She loves making herself part of her pokemon's performances, it's why she's such a phenomenal coordinator!"

A wind began to blow through the stage, filled with the scent of flowers. Olivia stopped and pointed her hip to the side, turning on her heel to bring herself into profile, her head glancing to her left at the rear of the stage. The wind was swirling the mist around, causing it to pulse and shift, the clouds growing larger as they were powered by fairy wind. And in the center of the pillar of smoke was the silhouette of a pokemon with a sharp horn.

In a flash, Twilight erupted from the smoke, dashing straight towards Olivia. Her horn was lowered as she charged, the audience gasping in shock and horror.

"What the heck?!" Sango and Cynthia exclaimed at the same time, startled. Maddi flinched too. Olivia didn't seem fazed at all. Like a Tauros tamer, she waited as the Rapidash drew closer. Then, just before the pokemon's horn pierced her face, she stepped to the side in so fluid a motion it was like she was a mirage. She reached out and placed her hand on Twilight's neck, and leapt upon her in a practiced movement, climbing astride the Rapidash without Twilight even breaking stride. The crowd gasped and applauded, letting out their baited breath as Twilight pranced to the edge of the stage, rising up on her hind legs and letting out a whinny. Her horn began to shine, light shooting up into the air, illuminating the stadium with a glow from her morning sun.

A wide smile crossed Olivia's face. She held Twilight in place for a few moments, letting her pokemon's majesty stand out as she stood still as a statue.

"Ya!" Olivia bellowed. Twilight brought her hooves down on the stage, and leapt right into the crowd.

Gasps and shouts rang out, Cynthia's eyes widening in shock. She was right where Olivia was going to land! She raised her arms to shield Aud from her, expecting the end to come. But it never did. Twilight's hooves landed on a screen of light, shining the colors of the rainbow. Immediately the crowd went wild, cheering as Twilight leapt from the screen and onto another, and another, galloping over the crowd. Each time her hoof landed, sparks of violet and blue flames burst out, growing in size with each step until a curtain of mystical fire danced around Twilight, the pokemon climbing higher and higher as her speed increased, circling back towards the stadium.

Sango and Cynthia both marveled at the display of color and light over their heads, applauding wildly. Even Maddi was stunned into silence, a shaky grin crossing her face.

Olivia and Twilight were a whirl of colors, approaching the glowing sun hovering over the stage as they went even faster, Twilight lowering her horn. With one final leap, she pierced the orb of light, shooting dazzling beams of spiraling color out across the air. Twilight and Olivia began to glow, Twilight using her healing wish to create a massive explosion of warm light that healed the hearts of everyone in the audience as Twilight landed on the stage, the mist dispersing as Twilight slowed to a trot, drained of her strength. She walked Olivia right to the lip of the stage, Olivia climbing off and landing with a flourish, arms out in a tight bow.

The crowd was raucous with calls of Olivia's name, among the things that were legible over the howls and shouts of awe.

Olivia's first performance has ended! Can anyone even hope to top such a majestic display?