Author: Hey guys, it's me. One quick thing before Ryex does his bit. I have multiple stories out right now, and just wanted to tell you to head to my profile to check them out. It explains Kara's existence in the between chapter commentary, as well as bits and pieces of Ryex's past. Two different stories though!

Ryex: Huh? Why are you here?

Author: Just giving the shippers a quick bit of info.

Oh, OK then. So, I've been thinking. Why not call them the hugged? I mean, you have a free hug obsession so...

Author: I thought we agreed to keep that quiet!

Ryex: My bad.

*I punch Ryex*

Kara: To the story!

Ryex: Why did you do that?

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Ryex's POV

"Hey Ryex." I turn to my head to the side as Fall begins talking. "Weren't we supposed to participate in a contest and competition?"

"Oh yeah, that's true! Guess Ash and May would be really ticked off, huh?" I turn to Ash as he looks at me with a childish grin. "Let's stay for the tournament then take off, K?" He nods at me then turns back to his meal.

"Well, looks like you get to have some fun, huh?"

"Yup." Fall grins before getting up and bowing to the queen and walking to the door.

"Wait a second miss Terra." Fall turns around and stands straight, but I could see that something was bugging her.

"Yes your majesty?" She bows slightly then smiles.

"I wish for you to be aware of the status of your 'request'. It is waiting for you in your room." She bows, thanks the queen, and walks out.

Fall's POV

Once I was able to leave, I ran to my private quarters as fast as I could. As soon I reached it, I slammed and locked the door worriedly. I turn and see the box on the desk and smile slightly, despite my weariness and worry. Ryex didn't know that me and May had been shopping and that I bought my contest outfit yesterday. I walk over and see the black velvet dress with white threading sitting inside. I walk into the bathroom and change into my training outfit before sneaking out under the light of dusk. I sprint to the spot me and may chose to meet at for some private training on contest moves.

"Hey Fall. Thought you wouldn't be able to make it tonight." She grins at me before pulling out a pokeball with a light blue snowflake on the button.

"And miss the opportunity to train with a top coordinator? Not Likely." She glared at me, though I didn't know why.

"Ash doesn't know about that, so stay quiet about that."

"OK. But why is it such a bad thing that you won?"

"Because Ash already feels terrible about never winning any leagues, and now I've gone and won one before Ash even became runner up. I feel terrible about it." I nod at her explanation before pulling out my pokeball.

"Ready to train?"

"Yup."

Ryex's POV

Me and Ash go our separate ways in the corridors with him going to crash in his room and me going to check up on Fall. I walk with purpose until I hear knocking on a nearby door. I turn around to see a pink haired woman with a black top and red skirt on, her eyes gleaming.

"What do you need Ursula? I'm a tad busy right now." She walks forward before angling her hips at a sassy angle.

"I was going to see you silly!" I glare at her, before turning back around and continuing on my way. "See you tomorrow sweetie!" I frown but don't say anything to the girl walking away. I go to Fall's door and knock lightly, expecting a response. When there wasn't one for a minute or two, I knock again.

"Fall? You in there?" I knock again before pressing my ear to the door, hoping to hear something. I pull back and look around worriedly, looking for proof that Fall was here. The handle was still slightly warm, so that was... reassuring? I wasn't sure whether or not to be worried or not, because it could've been from someone else opening the door. I dash to my room and lock the door, and walk to the balcony doors. I glance out them to see a pillar of ice in the courtyard. I go into my bedroom before falling face first on the bed, sleeping.

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I wake to someone knocking on my door, as I groggily open my eyes on the pillow. I turn over in my undershirt and shorts then sit up. I walk over and unlock and open the door to see Fall standing there.

"Come on Ryex, we only have and hour until the contest!" My eyes widen before my hand shoots up to my neck, enveloping me in a white light.

"Let's go!" My team was in the bag hanging on the wall which I grab before running out with Fall. She was wearing a blue dress and holding a bag in her hands. We run out the doors to see a bright day outside and confetti flying around outside in the cool morning air. Me and Fall run to the conjoined halls as fast as we could and sign up just as fast. I go into the male changing room on the right while she goes into the female changing room on the left. She smiles at me as she walks in and I give her a toothy grin before going inside the blue colored room. Once inside I touch my neck and switch into an outfit that was still my uniform but a bit more... flashy for lack of a better word.

Ash's POV

Me, Sky, the golden haired girl Star, and Violet were sitting talking in the main viewing area before the lights dim.

"Everybody, please direct your attention to the monitor situated in the front of the room please." A female voice calls through the speakers as the lights turn off. I turn my attention to the large monitor in the room which was booting up.

"Thank you so much for joining us for this contest citizens of Rota and all you lovely travelers out in the crowd today! Now a short explanation of what will happen during the contests. When an appeal begins, the hall's respective side will light up. When that happens, you will be able to act like there is one contest hall and cheer and applaud like usual, and the other hall won't be able to hear you, and vice versa. Now, they can see you through the night vision camera above this monitor so they can see your reaction to what happens. All scents that are used you will be able to smell, and you will understand the rest of the slight rule adjustments when the contest begins. Enjoy!"

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Ryex: OK guys, the hug freak is gone and I am still standing!

Kara: Yay!

Sheela: Oh looks like the baby's gone and wet himself.

Kara: Have not!

Ryex: OK you two, knock it off before I throw you out.

Sheela: Fine.

*Walks out*

Everyone but Sheela: See ya later!