Author's Note: Another thanks for those who submitted their characters! Finally, this is the real deal - let's see who got paired up with whom!

~ Meteor Mashed! ~

14 February
Dance Zone, Wish Park

Darwynette stood with her brother Roselio in front of Chandelure's grand tent. They were also with Darwin's good friend Altaria Cottonspores, who had agreed to accompany Darwin to the Dance Zone even though she wasn't participating in the Meteor Mash-up.

"I don't see him," Darwin hissed after tossing a few discreet looks around.

"See whom?" Roselio asked.

"Duh? My boyfriend?" Darwin drawled in reply, looking around furtively again. "He's late. That's weird. He's never late before. Well, once he was, but he was only ten minutes late, and us high schoolers don't count that as late late; we call that fashionably late."

"Maybe he decided not to participate after all," Roselio said brightly, at which her sister glared.

"Shut up, are you trying to discourage me or what? Have you seen him, Altaria?"

Altaria looked around. She saw a no-nonsense looking Pikachu, her fur glowing with yellow electricity as if she was getting ready for battle. There was a nervous Flaaffy with her hands shoved deep in her fluffy fleece. There was a quiet Gardevoir reading a book, an elegant-looking Braixen, a Sableye standing off to one corner, and a Riolu chatting with an Umbreon.

"Nope, don't see him, Darwin," Altaria told her friend.

The Grass-type groaned. "Where is my boyfrieeend?"

Suddenly Roselio exclaimed, "There!"

Darwin jumped with surprise, her hands automatically flying to the white petals on her head to make sure they were tidy. "Where? Where?!"

"Huh?" Roselio turned to his sister. "Oh sorry, no, I didn't mean Hypno. I just saw my friend Breloom over there. Sorry. False alarm." He grinned in his usual happy-go-lucky manner before going off to talk to his friends.

The Roserade stared after him with a scowl. "False alarm indeed," she grumbled under her breath.

Kind-hearted Altaria put a soothing fluffy wing on her friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, he'll be here," she reassured.

"He'd better be," Darwin snarled.

...

A lot of Roselio's friends were participating in the Meteor Mash-up. The particular group of friends he was walking to was from a rescue team called Team Overgrow. There was Breloom, the team's action-loving but stubborn leader; Treecko, the cool, calm, and collected team brains; sweet but shy Cleffy Clefairy; and tomboyish Lombre Raindish who loved adventure as much as a boy.

"Hello!" Roselio greeted them brightly when he got near.

"Hey!" Breloom exclaimed.

"Hola," Lombre said in her mother tongue.

Treecko nodded. "Good morning."

Cleffy said, "Hello," and blushed.

"Are you excited to know who you're paired up with?" Roselio asked, practically brimming with excitement.

"No," Treecko said coldly in contrast to the Thorn Pokémon's excitement. "I didn't have a say in this at all. This was all Lombre's idea."

"And Cleffy's," Lombre added defiantly. Cleffy only blushed.

"I think this would be quite a fun experience, Treec," Breloom said. "We get to meet new people and stuff. When else do you get to meet people you've never imagined meeting before?"

Treecko frowned at his friend in a disapproving manner. "You forget, Breloom, that this is a randomized pairing event," the wood gecko said. "What if instead you get paired up with someone you've already met? What if I turn out to get paired up with Tsutarja? If that happens, I am sure we'd be doing nothing but argue."

The girl Treecko was referring to was Snivy Tsutarja, another of their friends. Although she was the princess of the Arbor Area in PokéPark, she preferred going on adventures over practicing royal mannerisms. She was also rather haughty and smug, but quick-witted. Due to the wood gecko's and the grass snake's similar traits, they constantly get on each other's nerves.

Roselio turned to Cleffy, who seemed to have the curious habit of blushing whenever he was around (but he never noticed that, thank goodness).

"What about you, Clef? Are you hoping to get paired up with someone in particular?"

"S-s-someone in p-particular?" she stammered, suddenly finding something really interesting to look at on the ground. "N-n-no, I'm like the others - I'm here to m-meet new p-people."

Roselio smiled at her. "Well, that's really nice," he said brightly. "Breloom's right - this is the perfect chance to meet new people."

Cleffy nodded. "Y-yeah. I g-guess so."

...

After Team Overgrow, Roselio saw Froslass and Staraptor standing with Snivy and her PokéPark friends.

There was Oshawott Mijumaru, Area Keeper Samurott's assistant. He likes to see himself as a great detective or an investigator, but that means he is also quick to get suspicious and loves making up the most ridiculous conspiracy theories.

The other was Tepig Pokabu of the Crag Area. You'd think that coming from the rugged and rocky terrain of PokéPark makes Tepig the rowdy tough-guy type, but he was actually a rather docile and soft-spoken Fire-type, although he does get really determined when it comes to serious matters and values honesty very highly.

"Hello!" Roselio greeted all of them.

Staraptor turned to him. "There you are, Ro!" he exclaimed. "We were wondering where you'd got to. I thought you decided to drop out or something."

"Drop out? Of course I didn't drop out."

"That is good to hear," Froslass replied smoothly. "We were talking about what kind of Pokémon we wish we would get paired up with."

Roselio shrugged. "Well, I'm actually OK with any Pokémon as long as she's nice to talk to."

"I'd like a Pokémon of a few words," Snivy said teasingly, "unlike a Sea Otter Pokémon I do know who likes to talk. A lot."

"Well I want someone who isn't annoying," Oshawott retorted. "Unlike some grass snake we all know."

As you can see, Snivy and Oshawott are neck and neck when it comes to joking around. Both think the other is annoying.

"I'm OK with anyone as long as she's pretty," Staraptor said shortly. "I saw a Braixen earlier. Yeah, I want someone like her. Tall and... You know. Pretty."

At that, Froslass rolled her eyes. "I on the other hand would like someone knowledgeable," she said. "We can discuss science and technology and things that really matter."

Staraptor laughed. "Y'know, Fro, I think you could really do with a funny Pokémon," he joked. "I mean, to get your mind off "things that really matter" and have some fun for a change."

Froslass' mouth formed a tight grimace as she said, "No," but if anything, Staraptor only continued to laugh.

The only thing that managed to quiet him down was Lopunny's sudden shout.

"All right, Pokémon! This is what you've all been waiting for! I'm going to announce the pairings for the Meteor Mash-up! Let's hear some noise!"

...

Meanwhile, Darwin and Altaria were still looking all over for Hypno and not seeing him anywhere. He was still nowhere to be seen when Lopunny said that she was going to announce the pairings.

"I don't want to participate if Hypno doesn't!" Darwin complained as she and Altaria walked back to the front of Chandelure's tent where Lopunny was standing with a microphone. The Roserade had her gaze on the ground forlornly and was waving her arms about in indignance. In short, she wasn't looking where she was going. "I don't want to get paired up with one of Roselio's annoying friends!"

"Umm, Darwin-" Altaria started, but it was too late as Darwin was already slamming into someone's back.

"Hey, what're you doing in the middle of the-" Darwin started angrily, but then the angry look on her face was replaced by a silly smile and a blush when she finally saw who it was. "Err, I mean, sorry, Hypno~! That was entirely my fault, I wasn't watching where I was going~! Hehehehe!"

Hypno whirled and met Darwin's eyes. "Darwynette? What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? I'm participating in the Meteor Mash-up, of course~! Ooh yees, I love the Meteor Mash-up, it's a really good idea~! I didn't know you were also participating. Yeah. I didn't know that at all."

Altaria observed the stupid fan-girly look Darwin had on her face and couldn't help but pipe up with amusement, "Yeah, she didn't. At all."

However, by this time Darwin's face had taken on a radical change and she frowned.

"Oh, and by the way, Hypno, it's Darwin and not Darwynette, thank you."

»̶✽«̶

After saying their "see you later"s to Hypno (and Darwin gushing "I hope you get paired up with someone nice!" before going away), Darwin and Altaria found themselves back in front of Lopunny. Altaria was still amused because the silly smile hadn't left Darwin's face.

"I told you he'd come," she said lightly. "Oh gosh, you can be so erratic when you're in front of Hypno, Darwin! One second you're a crazed fangirl, the next you're scolding him for calling you Darwynette. What's wrong with the name, anyway?"

"Nothing is wrong," Darwin said haughtily. "It just sounds like the name of some French queen from my history textbook who got beheaded."

Altaria was about to say something when Lopunny spoke into the microphone.

"All right, I'm going to announce the pairings right now! Keep your ears open, everyone!"

Darwin shot a smug look at her friend. "Now, Altaria, get ready to witness something that has been written in the stars unfold."

...

Lopunny looked down at the sheet of paper in her hands.

"OK, let's just start, shall we...!"

She paused dramatically. Altaria noticed that Darwin was tapping her toe impatiently, as if she couldn't wait to hear that she'd been paired up with Hypno. Altaria shook her head. She could only hope that if Darwin wasn't paired up with Hypno after all, she wouldn't be too disappointed. Like Froslass, Altaria knew that there wasn't such a thing as "written in the stars".

"Hmm, the first guy we have is Breloom Kinogassa! 'Perks of dating me: No one will ever hurt or even annoy you because they'd already eaten my fist before they could.' Ooooh, interestiiing, we have a Tough Guy here!" Lopunny looked down at her list and paused again for a dramatic effect. "OK, so Tough Guy Breloom will be paired up with... Braixen Ter Una! Ooh, she has a soft spot for anyone who has a lot of skills!"

Staraptor huffed in disappointment. "Aww man, that pretty Braixen's been taken!"

Pairing 1: Breloom x Braixen

Meanwhile, Lopunny looked as if she was excited herself. "And that's our first pairing, folks! And now... Moving on to the second one!

"Treecko Kimori! A lover of science and silence. Ooh, totally the brainy type, yeah? He's getting paired up with..."

Another dramatic silence. Darwin's toe-tapping intensified.

"Amelia the Umbreon! She loves to write... And she's good at singing! How very romantic~!"

Pairing 2: Treecko x Amelia

"Moving on... Ah, Oshawott Mijumaru, Area Keeper Samurott's young assistant! 'Perks of dating me: If you die, I can find your killer. I'm a detective.' Oooh, isn't that just convenient? Now, Oshawott will go with... Lizzy the Flaaffy! She likes to believe that she has good wool. I hope Oshawott thinks so, too~!"

Pairing 3: Oshawott x Lizzy

"OK, OK, crap, can't you go any faster," Darwin mumbled under her breath.

Altaria looked at her with amusement. "Be patient!"

"Now, Staraptor Mukuhawk! He loves sports and aerial acrobats! Oh, he turns out to be the daring type! He'll get paired up with the soft-spoken Tori the Gardevoir, who loves to read and study. How interesting; the daring and the book-smart types! I wonder what will happen?"

Pairing 4: Staraptor x Tori

"What's gonna happen is me taking over the mic if you don't hurry up." Another impatient comment from Darwin.

Altaria laughed, but it wasn't just because of Darwin's impatience. It was also because she heard Staraptor say from somewhere behind her, "Oh, maybe not the Braixen, but Gardevoir are pretty, too. Yeah. I like that."

Well. At least someone's having fun, Altaria thought.

"Roselio de la Verde! Oh, French family name, eh? How romantic! He loves Spinda's smoothies, friendly chats, and... What's this? Red bowties?"

Darwin slapped her forehead. "I can't believe that silly brother of mine actually put that down."

"...He'll get paired up with Storm the Pikachu, a tough-girl type who loves battling!"

Darwin burst out laughing. "That settles it - he's gonna have his butt kicked for sure."

Pairing 5: Roselio x Storm

Lopunny went on, "OK, now we have Nile the Riolu! He claims to have the 'devil-may-care' attitude, so he's a totally laid-back guy. He's getting paired up with... Cleffy Clefairy! She has a talent in cooking and medicine, and loves people who listen well!"

Pairing 6: Nile x Cleffy

"Next we have Gremlin Ombre the Sableye! Hmm... He seems to be quite the joker type! He loves comedy and making others laugh! He's getting paired up with Froslass Yukimenoko, scientist and a believer in rationality! That's quite the polar opposites - but then again, any pairing will work if both put their all into it~! First impressions are especially important~!"

"Come on, come on." Darwin was back to being impatient.

Pairing 7: Gremlin x Froslass

"Rem the Whimsicott! He loves competition and, get this: he's looking for a rival! Wow~! That's unusual~! However, he also loves the violin, and philosophy, and cooking! And that's even more unusual~! He'll be paired up with Lombre Raindish, a tomboy who loves electric guitars, combat boots, and cooking Mexican dishes! Heheheh, I can already imagine them cooking stuff together~"

Pairing 8: Rem x Lombre

"Come on." Darwin had to hold back her vine whips from shooting out and grabbing Lopunny's microphone. "Say it, Lopunny. Say it already!"

Altaria glanced sideways at her friend. There were only four Pokémon left: Darwin herself, Hypno, Snivy, and Tepig. It could go either way.

There's no such thing as "written in the stars", she thought. I hope she won't be too disappointed...

Lopunny continued, "OK! Another one with a French family name! Darwynette de la Verde-"

At the mention of her name, Darwin jerked her head up. "Finally," she cried out.

"She's getting paired up with...!"

Darwin turned to Altaria with a smug look. "Wait for it... Wait for it..."

"Tepig Pokabu!"

"See...!" Darwin started to say victoriously...

...When she seemed to crumble like an ancient artifact left to disintegrate in the wind.

"Wait. What?" Her mouth was hanging open, very un-French-last-name-like.

Pairing 9: Tepig x Darwin

Altaria could only pat her friend's shoulder awkwardly as Lopunny went on, "And that leaves Hypno Silvertrance, hypnotizing extraordinaire, with Snivy Tsutarja, the adventurer princess of the Arbor Area~!"

Pairing 10: Hypno x Snivy

Lopunny put down her paper, took a deep breath (it's understandable, she's been chattering on and on) and finally exclaimed with her usual but one-of-a-kind flair:

"Let's Meteor Mash!"

...

Author's Note: ...And there we have it! The pairings for the Meteor Mash-up! I'll begin writing their adventures (and misadventures) together in the next chapters! Stay tuned on Wish Park FM, everyone!

(...Anyway, poor Darwin. I guess that's what you get for being such a pain.)