Fang: Roza does not own Pokémon. Only Lily and the made up rare Pokémon associated with her.

Chapter Seven: Lily

"Well, we're getting closer," Ash was muttering as Pikachuett and I walked to him and Pikachu. I smiled at him. His outfit consisted of a slightly formal shirt and white jeans pants.

"Don't worry. The final round is show given by the Pokémon. Which means we can dress more casually if we want."

"Huh? But Pikachu has never done anything like that before."

"Don't worry about that either. Pikachuett and Uniswan will be doing most of the work." I straightened my light pink skirt and white as the coordinator called out our names. "Uniswan, it's time for your close-up!" She came out and we mounted her.

"This round is a speed based obstacle course. Good luck you two! Your time starts… now!"

~Line Break~

"That was amazing! I've never gone through the course that fast before! You are extraordinary, Ash! I didn't know can you solve riddles!"

"Thanks I kind of caught on to it during my journeys," he said rubbing the back of his head.

"Lily!"

"Huh?" I turned around and saw a boy running towards us. I was confused until he was stopped by a group of adoring girls to give them autographs. "Jake!" I ran to the raven show boy and jumped into his outstretched arms. My feet were in the air as I hugged his neck; his arms were around my waist.

"Hey, Lily Pod." I laughed at his pet name for me.

"I can't believe you're here! I thought you were in Sinnoh for the pageants and contests there!"

"I was. But I heard that Team Rocket abducted you in Unova, so I rushed there. But then your friend said you came here. So I took the next place here to make sure you're alright."

"Aw, thank you." He set me down so that both of us could sign a few autographs and take pictures. "But it wasn't necessary. I'm fine."

"I had to check on my favorite show girl." I giggled as he tapped my nose. "Haven't seen you since our last show together."

"Jamming Pokémon with Jacob Pokey. With a special appearance from the Rare Lily." I grinned.

"Hey, that is an amazing outfit! What you do, compete in the 2nd round of a pageant?" I nodded, and his face fell. "But today's is a team pageant, and I just got here. How are you competing?"

"I found another partner. Jake, I really wanted to show off Uniswan during this one because she's from here and this is Grand Opening Pageant. I'm sorry I betrayed you." I touched his cheek. "Forgive me?"

"Already forgiven." He turned his head to kiss my palm. I giggled lightly.

"Lily?" I turned around and saw Ash standing there with Pikachu and Pikachuett. My partner climbed onto my head.

"Speaking of newfound Camos, this is Ash, the future Pokémon champion. I met him in Unova and, get this, he has a Pikachu for a partner and best friend too! Ash, this is the show boy trainer legend Jacob Pokey."

"It's nice to meet you," Ash as they shook hands.

"You too." Jake pulled me into his side with an arm around my waist. "I'm glad you could fill in for me. I know how my Lily gets about her pageants."

"Oh, stop it Jakey." I pushed him playfully, giggling again. "Come on, Ash. We have to go get ready for the final. See you around, Jake!" I pulled Ash towards backstage.

~Line Break~

"Will both finalist groups please join me on stage at this time?!" Pikachuett climbed onto my head as I led Ash, Pikachu, and Uniswan out to the coordinator. "I just want to say both teams were amazing! It was a tough decision, but there can only be one winner!"

I glanced over and saw Moira smiling confidently behind her fan beside Mona. 'If I lose to them, I lose my credit. I hope that doesn't happen,' I thought.

"And the winner of this year's Camos Grand Opening Pageant tiara: Ash and Lily!" I squealed lightly at this.

"We won! Ash, we won!" A young girl walked onstage holding a pillow with a sparkling pink tiara on it. As Pikachuett climbed down to my shoulder, Ash lifted the accessory and placed it on my head. I blushed at the look on his face. He was… proud and… admirable and… something else I can't identify.

After waving and blowing kisses, I led the others offstage to where Jacob stood waiting for us.

"You were great up there, as usual. It's no wonder you won the tiara with such style, grace, and ease." He moved his hand from behind his back. In it was….

"A pink lily? For me? Oh, thank you Jake!"

"A rare lily…" he slid the flower into my hair above my temple and caught my chin to make me look him in the eye (not that I wasn't already), "for the rarest Lily of all."

As I hugged my friend, I felt Ash's eyes boring into my back. And I felt a strange sense of… guilt.

Reviews are greatly appreciated.

-RozaCourt