Chapter Seven – Brawl In The Family
Robbie galloped swiftly through the quiet Pueltown, racing straight for the Puel Harbour. Keith and Reese watched as a large pearl white cruise ship came into view; they were sincerely glad it hadn't sailed off yet. Robbie slowed down his pacing as he ran along the harbour towards the vessel and eventually stopped. A couple of other Almia citizens were preparing to board the ship as Keith climbed down from the Sawsbuck's back, taking his wheeled suitcase with him. Reese leapt from Robbie's head to Keith's rucksack and held onto one of the shoulder straps as Keith and Robbie walked up the ramp leading to the ferry's entrance and the crewman standing next to the doorway.
"Where're you headed, kiddo?" the crewman asked politely, wearing a smile on his face.
"Unova," Keith replied.
"Right-o," the crewman said politely as he turned towards a machine and pressed some buttons on the keypad underneath it. While Keith took something from his pocket, the crewman pulled a small rectangular piece of yellow paper from the machine above the keypad. Keith gave the crewman three twenty dollar bills in exchange for the ticket. The crewman looked at the Sawsbuck behind Keith, which made Robbie feel a little anxious. "Is this your whole party?"
"Party?" Keith asked in confusion.
"Yep; are you only travelling with those two Pokémon?" the crewman elaborated.
"Oh," Keith sighed with relief. "Yeah, I am. I have a Pokémon egg in my pack, but it hasn't hatched yet."
"We don't normally count a Pokémon egg unless it hatches," the crewman laughed. "Right, let's find a cabin for ya." He looked inside a metal box next to the ticket machine and pulled out a white card with a large red stripe on it and the number "23D" in bold black lettering. "This one should do it," the crewman smiled as he handed the card over to Keith.
"A key card?"
"To your cabin, kiddo; you'll need somewhere to kip for the next three days!" the crewman laughed. "We have plenty of cabins here, so if that one doesn't suit you, come and find me or any of my colleagues and we'll get you a bigger cabin."
"Thank you," Keith smiled gratefully. The crewman nodded.
"You'll find the ship's itinerary and meal schedules in your cabin; enjoy your trip." With that, the crewman allowed Keith and Robbie to finally enter the ship. Robbie nodded courteously at the crewman as he passed. "You're welcome."
Keith eventually entered the designated cabin, after using his key card to unlock the door. The cabin was smaller than his room at the Ranger Union, but Keith was glad it was big enough for Robbie to fit in. The cabin itself looked modest and quaint; it had two identical single beds opposite one another, the carpeting was a pale shade of blue and there was a small chest of drawers in between the two beds. There was also a doorway next to Keith, which, as he found out when he opened it, led to the rather cosy en suite. Keith closed the cabin door, sat the suitcase and rucksack down in front of the chest of drawers, pulled out the egg case from the rucksack and placed it on top of the chest of drawers before lying down on one of the beds. Robbie carefully lay himself down on the other bed as Reese hopped onto Keith's chest. Reese lay down as Keith began to stroke the Buizel's bone dry fur. After a few minutes, Keith and Robbie both felt the ship beginning to move. Keith sighed.
"Okay. We're officially on our way to Unova now. Let's hope for the best."
"Saws," Robbie nodded.
"Bui," Reese agreed. Keith looked back at the yellow and black egg sitting inside its glass case.
"I wonder what it'll hatch into?" he asked quietly.
The next morning in Unova was sunny and bright, with a very slight cooling breeze flowing through the atmosphere. Several large towering trees stood firmly in the incredibly peaceful forest, the grass beneath them was fresh and vibrant, and the water in the rather vast pond was cold and incredibly fresh. The Pokémon Centre was the only real building in the entire forest, but a set of stairs led to a doorway built into the largest of the forest's trees. A flash of white light shone briefly in one small part of the entire forest, and, in an instant, a Gardevoir appeared, holding both hands over her chest. Behind her were Hayden, Lily, Keenan, Iara and Alexa.
"Quiet as usual. Easily my favourite place in the Unova region," Hayden said as he admired the serene atmosphere of the forest. Alexa opened her eyes and breathed in the crisp air.
"Do you feel all right?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Alexa replied. "I just didn't want to get a headache from the teleportation. That's all."
"Sounds reasonable," Lily smiled. Keenan looked around the forest as Iara climbed onto his head.
"I don't see anyone else here," he remarked.
"They shouldn't be too long unless they're inside the Pokémon Centre," Hayden stated. He looked around the forest himself and soon looked up at the sky. "Oh! There's Hailey, at least."
Alexa, Lily, Keenan and Iara looked up and spotted four large Pokémon flying overhead; the Pokémon were a Salamence, Altaria and two Unfezant. One of the Unfezant had a magenta crest on its head and a mint green underbelly, whilst the other had no crest on its face and a chocolate brown underbelly. The four Pokémon landed on the grass near the Pokémon Centre as Hayden, Lily, Keenan and Alexa approached them.
"Travelling in style, Colin?" Hayden asked playfully.
"It's a nice day for David to stretch his wings," Colin smiled as he petted his Salamence on the head. "Isn't that right, mate?"
"Yrrgh," David nodded happily. Hailey climbed off of her Altaria's back, causing a blue and white beachball to roll down the Altaria's spine.
"So, you ready for a battle?" she asked Alexa and Keenan. Keenan nodded.
"Yep! If the twins are up for it, anyway," he said cheerfully.
"Of course we are!" Daphne smiled as she and Peggy dismounted from the crestless Unfezant. Peggy carried the little Swablu in her arms. "The question is, are you?"
"I think the question is if Alexa's up for it," Daniel stated as he dismounted from the crested Unfezant one handed; he held a rather thick book in his left hand. "Considering her concussion, I mean."
"I should be okay," Alexa replied with uncertainty.
"I hope so," Daniel stated, rather coldly.
"Where's Harvey?" Hayden asked quickly.
"On his way?" Hailey replied as she shrugged. The crestless Unfezant looked up.
"Fezant!" Daphne looked at the Unfezant in confusion.
"What's up, Sally?"
"Fezant!" Sally replied as she pointed at the sky with her wing. Everyone looked up at the sky and spotted a Dragonite and an Archeops descending towards the ground. As soon as the pair touched the ground, Harvey and Troy climbed off of their backs.
"Hey, how's it going?" Harvey asked casually.
"We've just got here, so we don't know," Hailey smiled.
"But what kept you? Hayden got here first," Colin asked with a small laugh.
"Naomi called," Harvey replied, losing his smile.
"I see. Sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Colin apologised.
"No, don't worry about it," Harvey said kindly. "I just told her to call back later tonight, it's not a big deal." The Dragonite looked at Harvey worriedly. "I'm fine, Rena."
"Drrrgh..." Peggy approached the large Archeops curiously, who, in turn, looked down at the little girl in confusion.
"If we're going to watch a battle, why don't we get some drinks?" Troy suggested. Peggy held one arm up to Archeops, who just stared at her palm in bemusement.
"Sounds good; I can use the time to get prepared," Alexa agreed. Archeops tilted its head and blinked.
"We can all use the preparation time," Daniel stated. "It's only fair."
"Yep!" Keenan agreed.
"Okay, Troy and I can get the drinks," Harvey smiled.
"I'll go with you; you might need the extra pair of hands," Colin volunteered.
"Sounds good," Harvey nodded. "Thanks. Let's go then. Back in a bit." Harvey, Troy and Colin walked towards the Pokémon Centre as Alexa and Keenan walked away from the group. Keenan spotted a lone Beautifly hovering in the sky; it waited a few seconds before it flew away. Keenan blinked, but thought nothing of it and followed Alexa.
Alexa took a black Poké Ball with a golden centre and red rings around the top half from the back of her pink belt while Keenan took a normal red and white Poké Ball from his pocket. The pair opened their Poké Balls and released the little Buneary with a green ribbon around her neck and a Riolu with a red and yellow band around his waist.
"Buneary~!"
"Buh!" Alexa picked up her Buneary and held her with both hands while Keenan crouched to the Riolu's level.
"You ready to battle, Kyle?" Keenan asked. Kyle smiled.
"Buh-HUH!" he replied keenly.
"How about you, Jollie? Are you ready for a battle?" Alexa asked.
"Bun, Buneary!" Jollie replied happily. "Bun! Bun-buneary!" Alexa placed the happy Buneary on her shoulder as she took two Poké Balls from her belt and expanded them.
"I knew you'd say that. Phoenix, Ryder, front and centre!" Alexa opened both Poké Balls, releasing her fuzzy Lucario and slender Charizard from their respective Poké Balls.
"Need us for anything?" Ryder asked.
"Not really; Jollie just wants you two to watch her battle," Alexa replied. "Kyle's battling too."
"Oh, really?" Ryder asked as he looked at the little Riolu walking over to him. "Oh, sweet! I don't think I ever saw you battle before!"
"Buh," Kyle shook his head.
"So my little sister and aura buddy are battling side by side?" Ryder asked eagerly as his tail began to wag quickly. A smile and a nod from Alexa made Ryder's eyes light up with delight. "Aw, that's so awesome!"
"Alex, is Phoenix going to watch as well?" Keenan asked.
"Yep. It felt appropriate for the mentor to watch his student battle," Alexa smiled.
"Phoenix never mentored Jollie?" Keenan said in confusion.
"Buneary...!" Jollie rubbed the back of her neck nervously, causing the little golden bell around her ribbon to jingle a little.
"Not until recently," Alexa explained.
"Still yearning to evolve, I take it?" Keenan questioned.
"Neary," Jollie nodded. Alexa looked towards the twins; they had their backs turned against her, and, through the corner of her eye, spotted Hailey talking with Hayden and Lily. Jollie watched the confused Archeops staring at the little girl holding her arm up to its head.
"Daphne, Daniel! You guys ready yet?" she called. Daphne turned her head to face Alexa.
"Why, are you?" she called back.
"I am, at least!" Keenan looked at Kyle, who gave the boy a definite nod. Keenan nodded in return and faced Daphne.
"So are we!" Keenan called.
"Excellent!" Daniel smiled as he turned around. "We're ready when you are!" Harvey, Troy and Colin exited the Pokémon Centre with various soda cans in their arms.
"Just in time," Hailey smiled. "Looks like they're starting."
"Oh, really? Great!" Harvey smiled. The adults sat on the nearby wooden bench as Phoenix and Ryder approached them and the other Pokémon. Peggy ran over to Hailey, who lifted her up and sat her on her lap. Daniel and Daphne returned their Unfezant to their Poké Balls and confronted their cousins as Jollie and Kyle stepped forward.
"Okay, ready?" Daphne called.
"Ready!" Alexa and Keenan replied; Alexa still sounded slightly uncertain. Daphne and Daniel each took a Poké Ball and tossed them in the air.
"Mary, you're up!"
"Paul, go!"
Both Poké Balls opened with a loud pop and released a Plusle and a Minun from the white streams of light.
"PLUH!"
"MINUH!"
"Hm; this should be interesting," Colin remarked. Hailey nodded.
"Mary and Paul are known for being a superb combination," she stated. "Heck, they were meant to be together, like Roland and Rhonda."
"Hello, everyone!" Hailey was stunned to see Adelina and her Delcatty walking towards them.
"Adelina? Fancy seeing you here," Hailey remarked.
"It's a beautiful day, is it not? I decided to take advantage of the lovely weather to practise my Pokémon's Contest appeal, but my Beautifly saw you during practise and, well, here we are," Adelina explained politely. Keenan overheard her explanation and started to grow suspicious. Nevertheless, he retained his focus on the battle that was yet to start. "So, what's going on?"
"My twins are about to battle Hayden's duo," Hailey explained. "Why don't you watch with us?"
"Oh, really? I'd be delighted!" Adelina replied graciously. Hailey shuffled over a little, but Adelina sat on the arm rest of the bench instead, much to Peggy's confusion. Ryder glanced over at the newcomer and glared at her. A nudge from Phoenix caught the Lucario's attention.
"Uh, sorry, Phoenix."
"So, are you ready?" Daniel asked, rather impatiently.
"Of course!" Keenan replied.
"Then let's begin!" Daphne exclaimed eagerly.
"Kyle, use Shadow Claw!" Keenan instructed quickly. Kyle lunged at the Minun with the lump on his arm glowing in an eerie dark purple glow, which grew into three large claws as it enveloped his paws.
"Jollie, Fire Punch!" Alexa called. Jollie hopped towards the Plusle with the fluff on both of her ears burning rather fiercely.
"Mary, Helping Hand!" Daphne exclaimed.
"Paul, Spark attack, go!" Daniel shouted. Mary and Paul touched hands as Mary sent blue electric sparks from her cheek, which flowed down her arms and ultimately into Paul's cheeks. Mary began to spin her Minun ally and tossed him at Kyle and Jollie as he unleashed a large burst of electricity from his cheeks. The electricity was powerful enough to strike both Kyle and Jollie in one hit. Kyle and Jollie fell to the ground, but managed to stand back up again.
"Jollie! Are you okay?!" Alexa panicked.
"This isn't working out...Kyle, use Drain Punch!" Keenan yelled. Kyle growled at Paul and charged at him with a clenched fist surrounded by swirling green energy.
"Paul, Mimic!" Daniel shouted. Paul leapt in the air to avoid Kyle's Drain Punch as his tail and blue ear tips shone brightly as he kept his eye on Kyle's attack.
"Jollie, Low Kick!" Alexa cried.
"Mary, Helping Hand again!" Daphne yelled. Mary leapt into the air, avoiding Jollie's swerving foot as she fired a bolt of blue electricity straight at Paul, who absorbed it into his cheeks.
"Now, Drain Punch!" Daniel yelled.
"Kyle, Aura Sphere!" Keenan yelled.
"Pardon?" Adelina was astonished at the odd instruction. Sure enough, however, Adelina witnessed Kyle forming a sphere of blue aura in his palm and firing it at the Minun, who was about to attack Kyle with a punch surrounded in swirling green energy. Paul was blown backwards and crashed into the ground.
"Oh, no, Paul! Mary, go help him!" Daphne cried.
"Jollie, Return!" Alexa instructed suddenly. Jollie's body became surrounded in a divine white glow as she tackled into the Plusle while her guard was down.
"I-I don't understand this! How is that Riolu able to use aura!?" Adelina asked in astonishment.
"In extremely rare cases, they can," Harvey explained.
"Well, this is the first time I've seen a Riolu using Aura Sphere...where did he ever come across a Pokémon that special?" Adelina asked with intrigue.
"From Alexa," Hayden replied. "She rescued him from some criminals in the Almia region. He was originally left in her care, but, given the fluffy Lucario over there," he continued, hinting towards Ryder. "Alexa decided to give him to Keenan." Adelina looked over at the Lucario observing the battle.
"Aww, he's so adorable! He looks very cuddly!" Adelina smiled cheerfully.
"Daniel, we're going to have to step up our game," Daphne said quietly. Daniel looked at her, looking very disgruntled.
"Agreed," he replied. The twins nodded at each other before facing the battlefield. "Paul, Lucky Chant, go!"
"Mary, Light Screen!" Daphne yelled. As Mary's ears and tail shone in a brilliant yellow glow and causing a yellow hexagonal barrier to form around her and Paul, Paul placed his paws together and began chanting inaudibly, causing a small ring of white sparkling light to circle around him and Mary.
"What do we do, Alex?" Keenan asked quietly. Alexa observed the situation Daphne and Daniel presented them with, but had troubles concentrating. Jollie looked back at Alexa with concern.
"Bun! Buneary!" she cried.
"Yo, Alex! Focus!" Ryder called. Alexa looked towards Ryder in confusion. "Whatever you're thinking about, forget it! Concentrate!" Alexa looked at the seemingly well-protected Plusle and Minun again.
"Jollie, Agility!" Alexa finally shouted. Jollie smiled as she began to hop rapidly around Mary and Paul.
"Don't look at her!" Daphne cried quickly.
"Now, Paul, use Helping Hand!" Daniel yelled. Keenan suddenly felt a slight nudge from Alexa and looked up at her. She hinted towards Paul's electric sparks hitting Mary before looking at her rapidly hopping Buneary. Keenan smiled happily.
"Kyle, Copycat!" he suddenly yelled.
"What?!" Daniel exclaimed in horror. Kyle's body burned in a light blue glow and fired electric sparks at Jollie, who skidded to a halt just in time to let the sparks hit her body.
"Now use Sky Uppercut!" Alexa cried. Jollie's right ear fluff shone in a glistening pale blue glow as she curled it up and landed an uppercut punch with it as she bounced towards Mary. The Plusle cried out in pain as she flew upwards, her hexagonal barrier breaking like glass as Jollie's ear fluff struck underneath her chin.
"No, the Light Screen!"
"Forget it, Daphne, they're using mostly physical attacks! It won't do Paul and Mary any good," Daniel said grumpily. "Paul, use Thunder!"
"Mi-NUUH!" With every ounce of energy he had, Paul unleashed an enormous burst of electricity from his entire being, which fired straight into the air. Jollie, unfortunately, landed straight into the electricity, and cried out in sheer agony as the electricity coursed through her body.
"Jollie!" Alexa cried worriedly. Ryder also began to panic, showing concern for the little Buneary, but Phoenix looked on with indifference. The electricity knocked Jollie down to the ground with great force. "Jollie! Are you okay?! Say something!" Alexa pleaded.
"Oh, dear...I hope Jollie's all right," Lily said worriedly. Hayden nodded in agreement and sighed a little.
"Still, I don't think she's in any real danger. It's not Cynthia Alexa's dealing with," he stated.
"Cynthia?" Adelina questioned.
"Alexa battled the Sinnoh League Champion – Cynthia – three years ago," Hayden explained. "There was no victor, but let's just say it wasn't the simple and clean battle Alexa was expecting."
"Not to mention this is Alexa's first legitimate battle since she left to become a Pokémon Ranger in Almia," Lily added. "Still, she's doing very well, considering."
"Seems like it," Colin agreed. "That trick with Copycat was actually a smart move."
"I agree; you don't see that move every day," Hailey chuckled.
"I'll say," Colin smiled.
"Is the bunny going to be okay?" Peggy asked worriedly.
"Blu, Blu," Piper chirped sadly.
"I don't think this fight's over yet, kiddo," Troy smiled.
"Hailey, I don't understand what your brother meant about this whole Cynthia business," Adelina whispered.
"Long story short, all of Alexa's Pokémon needed emergency medical treatment after that fight, despite being incredibly lucky to escape with their lives," Hailey replied in a low murmur. Adelina looked at the battle with interest.
Jollie moaned as she strained onto her feet. She shook her head quickly as she hopped out of the ditch she left in the ground.
"Bun!" Alexa sighed with relief.
"Thank goodness. Okay, Jollie, Fire Punch, let's go!" she declared.
"Buneary!" Jollie hopped quickly towards Mary with both of her ears burning in dazzling red flames.
"Kyle, Aura Sphere!" Keenan yelled.
"Mary, Mimic that Aura Sphere!" Daphne exclaimed.
"Paul, Spark attack!" Daniel shouted. Paul conjured up electric sparks from his cheek, which surrounded him as he ran quickly towards Jollie. The tips of Mary's ears and her tail shone beautifully as she tried to dodge the incoming Aura Sphere; despite her efforts, the sphere of blue aura struck her shoulder.
"Nice shot!" Keenan complimented. Jollie suddenly stopped in her tracks and jumped into the air, causing Paul to accidentally cease his attack and look up in confusion.
"Now, Mary!" Daphne exclaimed. Mary held both paws together and spawned a sphere of silver aura and fired it at the falling Buneary.
"Kyle, stop that sphere!" Keenan yelled. Kyle raced towards the silver sphere, but Paul regained his composure and finally restarted his Spark attack, tackling into the Riolu. "Kyle!"
"Jollie, batter up!" Alexa smirked.
"Bun!" Jollie spun around in the air, causing her flaming ears to hit the silver sphere, which resulted in a small explosion that pushed the little Buneary backwards. She landed on her feet, near Kyle and Paul. Paul ran away from Kyle and stood next to Mary.
"Hmm. Seems we're at a stalemate, wouldn't you agree?" Daniel asked with intrigue.
"Perhaps. But someone has to yield sooner or later, "Alexa retorted, with a smile on her face. "Jollie, Return!"
"Buh-neary!" A heavenly white light enveloped Jollie's body as she ran towards Paul.
"Kyle, Drain Punch!" Keenan commanded.
"Paul, you use Drain Punch as well!" Daniel exclaimed.
"Mary, Aura Sphere!" Daphne cried.
"PLUH!" Mary conjured up her sphere of silver aura in her paws.
"MINUH!" Paul raced towards the Riolu with one paw veiled in a spiralling green light, dodging the attacking Buneary on his way. Jollie quickly leapt in the air to avoid the silver sphere and dived head first towards the perplexed Plusle.
The two Drain Punches clashed, resulting in a small explosion that knocked both Kyle and Paul away from each other. They both skidded along the ground on their feet and stood up properly.
Mary had no time to dodge and was ultimately hit by Return with full force. Jollie managed to leap away from Mary, who skidded along the ground on her back. Jollie landed on her feet next to Kyle while Paul helped Mary onto her feet.
"Paul, Helping Hand!" Daniel shouted.
"Mary, Thunder attack, now!" Daphne exclaimed.
"Kyle, use Copycat!" Keenan yelled suddenly. Despite not knowing what to copy, Kyle took it upon himself to choose a target; his body began to burn bright yellow.
"Okay, Jollie, that'll leave you clear for a Sky Uppercut!" Alexa stated.
"Buneary!" Jollie raced towards Paul as her right ear fluff glowed in a pale blue light.
"Paul, quick, use Thunder!" Daniel cried.
"PLUH!" Mary's gigantic burst of electricity shot into the air and began to dive down towards the running Buneary.
"BUH!" Kyle unleashed his own shot of electricity into the air, which dived down and miraculously clashed with Mary's bolt, which released many small bursts of electricity down towards the ground.
Jollie sped through all of the bolts and crouched in front of Paul, who was ready to release a large stream of electricity of his own. However, Jollie quickly extended her glowing ear as she leapt upwards, knocking the Minun in the chin. Jollie rolled in mid-air, causing her to land feet first, as Paul fell flat on his back. Paul struggled onto his feet, groaning as he strained himself.
"M-minuh..!" Paul finally managed to sit up at the very least. He continued to strain himself as he struggled to stand up.
"Mary, Helping Hand, quick!" Daphne cried.
"Kyle, Aura Sphere!" Keenan exclaimed.
"Jollie, show Ryder your new trick!" Alexa grinned. Ryder looked expectantly at the little Buneary as she held both paws in front of her, forming a sphere of deep purple energy, which, in addition, constantly emitted black and magenta static all around it. At the same time, Kyle prepared his own sphere of blue aura. Daphne and Mary panicked, despite the Plusle sending blue electricity from her cheeks to her weakened ally.
"Mary, Light Screen!" Daphne cried. Mary quickly halted her electric attack as Kyle and Jollie fired their Aura Sphere and Shadow Ball attacks respectively. Mary looked at the incoming spheres as her tail and ears shone in a magnificent yellow light with fear. However, before the Light Screen could fully develop and before she could move away, the Aura Sphere struck her chest while the Shadow Ball crashed into Paul's face, knocking him down again. Both Mary and Paul fell in defeat, Aura Sphere and Shadow Ball having rendered them unconscious.
"Bun-neary!" Jollie hopped up and down with absolute delight until she stopped to look at her paws; her ears flopped downwards as a look of disappointment crossed her face. "Bun-neary..." Alexa laughed as she lifted Jollie into her arms.
"It's okay, Jollie, you'll find something that'll trigger your evolution soon," she said reassuringly. Jollie smiled and happily hugged Alexa.
"Bun-neary!"
"That was great, Kyle!" Keenan smiled.
"Buh!" Kyle held up his paw in front of Keenan. Keenan lightly slammed his palm against the paw, giving the Riolu the high-five he was wanting. Daniel and Daphne returned their Minun and Plusle to their respective Poké Balls.
"That didn't turn out like I'd expected it to," Daniel said glumly.
"Give Mary and Paul some slack; they're still training, after all," Daphne said cheerfully.
"I wasn't talking about Mary and Paul," Daniel replied quietly, looking discreetly at Kyle and Jollie. He and Daphne approached Alexa and Keenan as Kyle made his way onto Keenan's head.
"Great battle, you guys!" Daphne smiled.
"Are Paul and Mary going to be okay?" Alexa asked worriedly.
"Yeah, they should be," Daphne replied kindly.
"Seems like you still have your skills as a Trainer, Alexa," Daniel commented. "Why did you decide to throw it away to become a Pokémon Ranger?"
"I didn't want to put my Pokémon through the pain Phoenix went through against Cynthia," Alexa replied as Phoenix, Ryder and Iara approached them.
"That's the Sinnoh Champion, though; not every Trainer in the world is as stoic as she seems to be," Daniel replied, trying to sound nice. Alexa smiled kindly.
"Thanks, Daniel." Daniel gave her an incredibly tiny smile and nodded.
"Speaking of Cynthia," Ryder began. "Do you still think Halo's dad is her Togekiss?" he asked curiously.
"Is that true?" Daphne asked in shock.
"I think so," Alexa replied. "I don't know for absolute certain, but it would make sense. I mean, he hatched from the egg she gave me. Knowing that she had a Togekiss while the egg she gave me hatched into a Togepi...I can't see it as a coincidence, if I'm honest."
"Agreed," Daniel nodded. Alexa looked towards Phoenix as the adults began to stand up from the bench.
"What did you think of Jollie's performance, Phoenix?" she asked. Phoenix looked down at the little Buneary, who looked up at him anxiously. A smile and a nod from her mentor brought a smile to the little Rabbit Pokémon.
"Rhrrgh."
"Bun-neary!" Jollie cheered. Adelina and Huey approached Alexa, Keenan and the twins.
"That was certainly a very impressive battle," she said nicely. "Everyone fought so hard." She looked over at Alexa and Keenan. "Congratulations to your Buneary and Riolu on their victory."
"Thank you," Alexa said politely. Ryder kept his eye on the bronze-haired lady, but Jollie seemed to be attracted to the red heart tattoo on Adelina's arm.
"You two have such interesting Pokémon. I'd like to battle the pair of you someday; once the contest is over," Adelina smiled. Keenan didn't look too sure, but Adelina turned around and began to walk away before Alexa could say anything. "I'll see you at the Contest Hall this Sunday, Hailey; I still have much to prepare for."
"O-okay. I'll see you soon, Adelina!" Hailey called. Huey walked happily alongside his Trainer as she walked out of the forest.
Hailey, Colin, Harvey, Hayden, Lily and Troy all approached Alexa, Keenan and the twins. Peggy immediately ran towards her big sister and gave her a great big hug.
"Well done on the battle, guys," Colin said happily. "Mary and Paul did surprisingly well," he said kindly to Daphne and Daniel.
"Aw, thanks, Dad!" Daphne smiled cheerfully.
"Even so, they still have a long way to go," Daniel sighed.
"They're still young, Dan, give them time," Colin chuckled. "Mary and Paul will be on par with Roland and Rhonda soon enough."
"Just keep at it," Hailey smiled.
"And you keep at it, too, little lady," Hayden smiled as he stroked Jollie's cheek. "You'll evolve into Lopunny very soon."
"Buneary!"
"So, now that the battle's over...what are we going to do for the rest of the day?" Alexa asked. Ryder folded his arms in thought.
"There's the Charity Pokémon Tournament later this evening," Keenan said.
"That's not until about eight hours from now," Alexa laughed. Keenan laughed nervously as Iara leapt into his arms. Lily snuck a peek at Harvey's Xtransceiver for the time.
"There's still quite a lot of time before lunchtime," she said quietly. "Maybe we can stay here and decide our next course of action when it's closer to lunchtime?"
"Sounds good to me," Hayden nodded.
"Same; we can go to the Pokémon Centre for snacks and more drinks if we're peckish while we're here," Harvey added.
"I agree with that plan," Hailey smiled.
"Me, too," Colin added.
"What do you kids think?" Lily asked.
"I don't mind," Alexa shrugged.
"If we have something to do, I don't mine either," Keenan replied.
"Good thing we brought Peggy's ball with us," Daphne smiled.
"I brought my novel, so I know how to use up my time here," Daniel said plainly.
"C'mon, Peggy, let's get your ball!" Daphne said keenly.
"Okay!" Peggy smiled as she followed her sister over to where the beach ball rolled off to. Daniel walked away from the group as Troy approached Alexa.
"Nice going on the battle, girl."
"I shouldn't have hesitated, though," Alexa said quietly.
"Want to talk about it?" Troy asked. "Why you hesitated, I mean."
"I think we all know why I hesitated, but, yeah, I guess," Alexa said reluctantly as she and Phoenix followed Troy to a quieter part of the forest. Jollie leapt out of Alexa's arms and straight into Ryder's.
"Come on, Jollie, let's hang out with the other Pokémon," Ryder smiled.
"Buneary~!" Jollie snuggled into Ryder's fluffy chest as he walked over towards David and Hailey's Altaria.
The adults made their way over to the bench, careful not to kick any of the unused soda cans as they sat back on the bench and started their own private conversation.
Daniel sat in front of a large tree rather far away from the rest of the family and opened his book. He exhaled as he resumed reading "Night of the Clefairy Dance" in peace and solitude.
Iara ran around as Peggy, Keenan and Daphne played a game with Peggy's beach ball. Jollie occasionally leapt up into the air, trying to hit the ball with her head as the game progressed.
Phoenix sat behind Alexa and held her in a very gentle hug as she and Troy settled in a peaceful and relatively isolated area of the forest. Alexa sighed as she prepared to talk with her eldest cousin.
To be continued...