Thanks to Amy47101, Meemeeru, Lil'gigii, Darkkami, and Lily for the reviews!

My Great Big Adventure

I told Bianca I'd meet her in front of the Driftveil Gym in about an hour.

Unfortunately, my clothes were currently in the wash! They probably wouldn't be dry until tomorrow. Which left me with… the princess dress from my latest movie… Riolu Girl… or the plaid skirted dress I wore on the first day of Pokemon Today. Or my pajamas, but those are out of the question.

Princess, Superhero, or Student?

Ha, if only I still had the labcoat from Timegate Traveler. Then I could match Colress.

Colress… That creepy stalker! I haven't seen him in a while, but I had a feeling he'd rear his ugly head sooner or later. And he wants me to enter a tournament? Well, Bianca did mention he's taken control of the Pokemon World Tournament Stadium, and that he kidnapped several people to have them battle their Pokemon continuously…

That's right… He mentioned he's studying something about "bringing out a Pokemon's potential"… This probably some sick experiment of his.

I wonder how long the Pokemon can last… What happens if they faint? Is Colress healing the Pokemon? Or does he punish them if they lose? Whatever twisted plan he has, I have to stop it.

Though I still don't understand why he's so interested in me. I'm not that strong of a trainer, really. Hugh probably trains harder than I do.

Hugh… I have to do this for him. It's personal. And I bet that is exactly what Colress wants.

I finally decided on the plaid dress. While I changed, Zorua ran around the room and gathered my few belongings that had been spread out during my stay.

"Zorua… I don't know if it's a good idea for you to come," I told him. "Nothing personal, but you're a rare Pokemon. What if Colress sees you and tries to steal you? What if Team Plasma shows up? They might recognize you!"

The Pokemon rolled his eyes, not amused by my panic. Calm down, and watch.

Then… in a puff of smoke… Zorua turned into a Tranquill!

I screamed. Not very loudly, but enough to ruffle Zorua into changing back. He seemed to snicker at me.

"Holy CRAP I did not know you could do that!" I exclaimed, both angry and excited. "That's friggin awesome, and why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged.

"Well, keep in my purse when we get there. Unless somehow you are exposed, then turn into Tranquill I guess… I do use her the least, so…? Whatever, just don't be seen and it will save all the trouble, ok?"

He nodded, still amused at my antics earlier.

Finally, everything was packed and we were ready to go. Zorua nestled himself comfortably in my purse, and I headed out of my dressing room out towards the front entrance. As soon as I rescued Hugh and the others, I would have to come back for my clothes. As unfashionable as they are, I'm very reluctant to part with those garments.

Once outside, I called out Tranquill and informed her of our destination. She would have to fly off the usual route and land in front of the gym rather than the PokeCenter; Bianca told me the Center was crawling with tv reporters and policemen, and that it would be easier to just meet up with her and Clay at the gym. I hopped onto Tranquill's back and we took off into the night.

…I should have brought a jacket. It was dang cold! Thankfully the trip was only about thirty minutes. As we landed, Bianca and Clay hurried out to greet me. Bianca looked close to crying again.

"Thank goodness you're here," she said, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Ya must be Rosa," Clay started, holding out his hand. "Bianca told me all about ya, and how that rooster kid is yer friend."

Rooster kid…? Oh, Hugh.

I stifled a yawn. "Y-yeah. Oh, sorry, I guess I'm more tired than I thought."

Though Bianca was anxious to rescue Cheren, she and Clay both agreed that I should get some shuteye for the night. Tomorrow, they would help me sneak into the stadium. The plan was to bust the hostages out and avoid Colress all together, though there was a good chance he would expect this. Still, I wasn't about to waltz in, announcing my presence like a good little girl.

I might play his little game, but I would play it on my terms.

Before I could even get near the Pokemon World Tournament, I had to beat the fifth gym.

There is a hostage situation going on, and for some bizarre reason I've been chosen to save them, and I have to challenge the gym first? Ridiculous!

Bianca informed me that I had to have the Quake Badge in order to get past the gate… They couldn't make an exception?!

So, I spent a small part of the early morning taking down the gym. And I do mean a small part of the morning… I crushed them all, including Clay, easily with Servine, who evolved into Serperior.

I also decided to leave my purse with Bianca. I didn't want to risk losing it in case I had to make a mad dash or do some ninja moves (you know, because I could totally pull that off). However, this meant leaving Zorua behind as well. He was not happy with that; I don't think he trusts Bianca much. I personally think it's for the best, as now he will no longer be in any danger, and it's one less thing I have to worry about.

Without my bag, I borrowed a belt from Bianca, looped it around my waist, and strung my Pokeballs on it. I had also attached a small satchel to the back of the belt, to hold a few potions and such. Bianca also gave me the HM move Surf, which I taught to Azumarill.

Clay said he would have the police on standby once I was inside, and he gave me special directions for how to enter the stadium without being noticed.

So…

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of me getting that badge…?

… … …

Well, ready or not, Colress, here I come!