Chapter Six: Ash

"Whoa! This is Camos?!" Lily giggled at my outburst.

"It is. Isn't it beautiful here?" She spun around on one foot, her long hair blowing around along with her body. "My yard was fashioned after this place."

"I can tell."

There were many types of Pokémon running around, flying, and swimming everywhere I looked. Camos seems to be the most Pokémon diverse region I've ever seen!

"There is no one type of Pokémon originating here, other than what people haven't discovered yet. I myself have found many dragons that aren't even in the Village of Dragons. There may be some rare Pokémon here as well, like Uniswan. That's why the best pageants are hosted here. The diversity of the region helps with the diversity of the show. Oh, Ash! You have no idea how happy I am that you came with me! This is going to be so much fun!"

"Well, well, well. I never thought I'd see you again. Where's your unattractive friend and her even less attractive Emolga?"

"Huh?" I turned around and saw three overdressed female trainers standing there with their Pokémon. "Oh no. Not you three," I sighed.

"You know them?" Lily asked, also facing the girls.

"That's Moira, Mona, and Cher. They claim to have the three most beautiful Pokémon in Unova." 'Not that it's important.'

"Well, I'm sorry to let you three know, but you do not hold that title any longer. I do," she said haughtingly. Pikachuett nodded on top of her head.

"And who are you?" Mona asked.

"I am Lillian, the first show girl to start off with her very own show that is still popular anywhere after two years. I take it the three of you are competing in the pageant today." The three nodded. "I do find your Pokémon to be very adorable. But it won't be enough. Ash."

"For this pageant, you need at least two team members! Good luck finding someone in ten minutes!" Cher called after us as we walked away. I watched Lily clench her hands into fists.

"My pageant partner is all the way in Sinnoh. There is no way I'll get another in such short notice."

"Pikachu." Pikachuett laid her head onto her trainer's sadly.

"You only need one partner?" I asked cautiously, almost reluctant of where my mind was going at the despair in the blond's face.

"I do." She sighed and crossed her arms, still looking down. "This would've looked great on my show's website too. I could've shown off Uniswan in her home region."

"What exactly do you do in a pageant?"

"It's almost like a contest, only without the battles. You mostly dress up really well and show off your…." She gasped and spun around to look at me. "Are you saying you'll be my partner?!" I shrugged and nodded. She squealed and hugged me tight. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Come on, we have to get ready!"

~Line Break~

I sighed and straightened my coat. I guess I kind of misunderstood Lily when she said we dress up really well. She has me in a white coat and tie for the first round of the pageant.

"Pika." I looked down and almost laughed. Pikachu was in a similar suit as me. I knelt down closer to his level.

"I guess we both got caught up in impressing Lily, huh buddy?"

"Pikachu." He nodded.

"Next we have your favorite show girl, Lily, and the future Pokémon champion, Ash!" I took a deep breath and walked with my partner out to the edge of the runway after the top coordinator's announcement. Lily and Pikachuett stood on the other end, both wearing pink riding suits.

"Uniswan, it's time for your close-up!" she sang. The crowd cheered as her Pokémon appeared in front of me in a burst of fluffy pink clouds.

I set Pikachu on Uniswan's back and walked to the center of the runway where Lily and Pikachuett were now waiting. She set Pikachuett down beside Pikachu; we walked down the catwalk on either side of Uniswan. The crowd stood and went crazy as Pikachuett sent a light thunder bolt around us, creating a sort of frame; Lily blew out kisses to the audience while I waved.

"Now this is a wonderful match up! Two Pikachus, a Uniswan, and two well known trainers!"

"Swan!"

"Pikachu!" We stopped at the end of the catwalk and posed for pictures.

"Hold hands, hold hands!" people in the crowd chanted. The Pikachus grabbed hands; I felt a hand slide into my own.

"You don't mind, do you?" Lily asked quietly, leaning into my side with her head on my shoulder. I shook my head, and her free hand reached up to pluck off my hat (not my usual. It's a fancier one).

"Wonderful!" photographers and reporters cried as she put the hat on her own head. I glanced over and saw the Pikachus doing the same.

"Give it up for Lily, Ash, Uniswan, and their Pikachus!" We waved as we walked up the runway.

"So, how did I do?" She gave me back the hat.

"You were amazing! If you weren't so bent on being a Pokémon master, I'd dump my old pageant partner for you." My heart gave a leap at her words. "I'll see you 2nd round." She kissed my cheek, waved to me, and walked away with Pikachuett and Uniswan.

"Pika pi?"

"Yeah, I'm falling really hard."

Reviews are greatly appreciated.

-RozaCourt