June 15th, 2007

"Thank you for waiting Kori," the Nurse Joy from Jubilife City said. "your pokémon egg is healthy. Just continue to take really good care of it and a healthy pokémon will surely hatch from it. Also, your pokémon are fully recovered." "Chansey." called Nurse Joy's pokémon assistant. Kori pulled out her pokédex.

Chansey- the Egg Pokémon. A kindly Pokémon that lays highly nutritious eggs and shares them with injured Pokémon or people.

Chansey smiled. "Chansey." Kori smiled as she put the device back in her pocket. She grabbed the tray with Swablu's pokéball, Chimchar and the egg.

"Chimchar," the fire type called in greeting.

"Glad to see that you're feeling better." Kori and her pokémon have going through some tough training since they reached Jubilife City. They wanted to be at their best before challenging the Oreburgh Gym. "Chim chim." Chimchar jumped on Kori's shoulder as she pocketed the pokéball. Kori grabbed the egg and walked towards the exit. As she was exiting the building, she collided with another girl before falling on the ground.

"I'm so sorry!" Kori looked up. The girl looked older, had long brown hair in a brown beret, wore glasses and held a camera. She seemed really nervous. "Are you okay?"

Kori waved off her concern. "I'm fine and I'm sure Chimchar is too."

"Chimchar." she said with a smile. The other girl helped Kori up.

"Are you sure?" she asked, "Is your egg okay?"

Kori checked to make sure. "It's alright," she said with a smile. "My name is Kori and this is Chimchar. I'm a pokémon trainer." She held out her hand and the other girl shook it.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Lyssa and I'm a pokémon photographer." The two girls walked over to one of the tables and ate together. It was an instant like for the two of them as they continued to talk with each other about their goals.

Kori and Chimchar learned that Lyssa was from Pacifidlog Town in the Hoenn Region. She wants to take pictures of every pokémon she meets, especially in battle. She even showed some of her work as well as her father's, who was her role model. Lyssa even took some pictures of Chimchar.

"I came to Jubilife because I wanted to catch the pokémon contest that was supposed to be happening in the city," Lyssa explained. "I was hoping to take pictures of it."

"There's a contest happening here?" Kori asked.

"Uh huh," Lyssa nodded. "It's happening tomorrow."

"Then I might check it out," Kori said. "After we leave Jubilife City we're going to Oreburgh City to challenge the gym there, but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done before then." "Chimchar."

"What do you mean?"

"It's just that the Oreburgh Gym, is a rock- type gym," Kori explained. "Chimchar is a fire type and has a disadvantage. She doesn't know any moves that would be too helpful against rock- types." "Chim chim."

Lyssa nodded. That does sound difficult. "Any ideas on what to do?" Kori shook her head sadly. "Hey, cheer up! You still have time and I'm sure you'll figure it out before you reach the gym." Kori and Chimchar smiled at that.

"Hey, excuse me?" A voice said, interrupting their conversation. "Kori, Lyssa and Chimchar turned to the voice. It was a boy with a Pikachu. "Sorry but I listening to your conversation. You were talking about the Oreburgh City Gym. My name is Ash and this is Pikachu." "Pikachu."

Lyssa smiled. "My name is Lyssa and this is Kori and Chimchar." Kori waved. "Chim," said Chimchar.

"Please to meet you," Ash said. "Anyway, I heard your conversation and I think I can help you. I plan on challenging that same gym."

"You can?" Kori asked excitedly. "How?"

"I think your Chimchar can learn Iron Tail."

"Iron Tail?" Both girls asked.

"Char?" All three were confused,

Ash and Pikachu smiled. "If you come with me outside, I'll show you," Ash went to the counter where Nurse Joy, probably to get his pokémon back. They followed him to the arena outside. Lyssa sat on the sidelines with her camera while Kori and Chimchar stood in front of Ash and Pikachu.

"I think it's easier to just show you in a battle instead okay?" Ash said. Kori quickly nodded.

"Chimchar be ready okay?"

"Chim!" Chimchar was fired up for this.

"Alright Pikachu! Start with Iron Tail!"

"Pika!" Pikachu jumped into the air and flipped. Kori and Chimchar watched as its tail began to glow.

"Dodge it Chimchar!" At the last moment, before Pikachu came down, Chimchar jumped to the side to avoid it. Chimchar watched as Pikachu's tail came down on the dirt where it once stood, causing a huge hole to appear on the ground. "Char," she whispered in awe. Chimchar could imagine the damage she woul, have taken had she not moved.

"Whoa," Kori muttered. Iron Tail was a strong move.

"That's Iron Tail," Ash explained. "It's effective against rock types. If Chimchar wants to learn the move, then it's going to need to exercise its tail." Ash told Kori the best way to do that.

Kori grinned. "Thanks Ash!"

"No problem," Ash said. "Hey what are you two doing tomorrow?"

Lyssa stood. "I'm going to be watching the contest."

"So are we." Kori explained. "Chim."

"Hey that's great." "Pika." Ash explained. "Me and a friend are actually going to be competing in it. See you tomorrow." Ash and Pikachu waved as they walked away.

"Bye." They all waved as they left. "This is great!" Kori yelled, holding the laughing Chimchar in the air. "Now we're gonna teach you Iron Tail!" "Chimchar!" Lyssa smiled as Kori attached a good small sized to Chimchar's tail with a rope, then she went down and started with Chimchar. Lyssa smiled at their enthusiasm. They'll be able to get this move with that energy. Lyssa was only too happy to help. The fast friends only parted ways when they were in their rooms in the Center to rest for the night. Chimchar jumped into the bed while Kori searched for her journal.

Journal Entry, June 15th, 2007

Today has been a really great day. Not only did me and my pokémon make some really cool friends, but I also found a move Chimchar could learn that would help in our upcoming Gym battle; Iron Tail. I really can't thank Ash enough for that.

Speaking of Ash, I'm really glad to have met him and Pikachu. Even though we're rivals working towards the Sinnoh League, he was still really nice and offered to help me and Chimchar. Lyssa was really awesome.

Chimchar had a hard time exercising her tail but she was so good about it. She really wants to learn this movie. This all just reminded me that I haven't spoken to my familiy in about a few days now. Oops. Not good. I'll have to call tomorrow or else mom will keep worrying about me. Time to sleep now.

-Kori

June 16th, 2007

Kori was up with Chimchar and Swablu, eating breakfast together, after Kori finished talking to her family on the phone. They were glad she called, scolded her for not calling sooner and wished her luck. Taylor really liked Swablu. Lyssa had come and they agreed to sit together to watch the contest before she left again. Right now, she needed to buy a new memory card for her camera and pick up her other photos. Kori talked with her pokémon, while she cleaned the egg.

"I really need to thank you both for all the hard work you've both put into training," Kori said. "Swab." "Chim." "You guys have been great. And you've made really great progress. Today, we're going to take it easy and watch the Pokémon Contest" "Swab?" "It's really cool Swablu, you'll see." "Chim chim." Chimchar seemed to know about and he trusted his Trainer, so he'll watch it. "After the contest, we'll leave the next day after for Oreburgh." "Swablu." "Chimchar!" Chimchar really was very was a very excitable pokémon, Swablu seemed to be the opposite of her and more calm. Kori has realized her pokémon had their own personalities.

They all left the Center, both pokémon on Kori's shoulders. Kori decided that Swablu should be part of the fun too.

As soon as they crossed the street, Chimchar jumped off of Kori's shoulder. "Chimchar wait!" Kori and Swablu went after Chimchar as she suddenly stopped in front of a store window.

Kori caught up. "Chimchar you really shouldn't just run off like that." she said in a scolding manner. Swablu cooed in agreement. Chimchar continued to look at the store window. Kori and Swablu looked to see what caught Chimchar's attention. The only thing Chimchar seemed to be looking at is a choker with a dark blue ribbon with a small sapphire in the center. It really was beautiful. Kori knelt to Chimchar's level. "It's beautiful." Chimchar nodded. "Do you want it?" Chimchar turned to Kori; she looked very unsure. The trinket was really beautiful, but it looked like it could be expensive. Could her trainer afford that? "Chim?" Kori moved the egg to her bag and carried Chimchar in the arms. Swablu settled back on her shoulder before she went inside the store. A nice looking cashier smiled at her.

"Well hello," she said. "How can I help you today?"

"Hello," Kori greeted back. "My Chimchar and I were admiring this beautiful choker in your window. I was wondering how much it is."

The store cashier smiled. "It certainly is beautiful," she agreed. "Right now it costs $80 dollars."

Kori smiled. "I would like to buy it please."

"Of course. Please hold on while I get it for you." The cashier walked over to the window. "So," cashier started. "Are you and your Chimchar entered in the contest?"

"No," Kori said, smiling, "but we're on our way to watch it. I only came in because my Chimchar seemed to really like it."

The cashier smiled as she came back with the choker. "I'm glad to hear that," she said. "It would certainly match Chimchar's eyes." She looked at Chimchar. "I really hope that you enjoy it Chimchar."

Chimchar smiled. "Chim." The cashier rang it up as Chimchar continued to admire it. Kori paid for it and put it on Chimchar's neck. They all left the store and said goodbye to the cashier.

"Where is Kori already?" Lyssa asked. The contest was about to start so to save their seats, she had her Corsola sit inside with her stuff. At that moment, she saw Kori running with her Chimchar in her arms and a Swablu on her shoulder. Good.

"Hey!" Lyssa started waving as Kori walked closer.

"Sorry!" Kori exclaimed. "I was held up a little."

"No problem, just glad that you're here." Lyssa noticed the choker around Chimchar's neck. "Beautiful choker Chimchar!" Lyssa gushed. Chimchar smiled. "Char chim."

They jogged into the building and up to their seats. A good position to see the contestants. Kori noticed a pink and blue pokémon that looked like a piece of coral holding their seats, she pulled out her pokédex.

Corsola-the Coral Pokémon. Corsola live in the clean seas of the South. They apparently can't live in polluted waters.

Lyssa extended her arms. "This is my Corsola." "Corsola." "Swablu. "Chimchar."Kori smiled. "Nice to meet you Corsola." Kori's pokémon sat next to Corsola on either side as they got to know the newly introduced pokémon. Kori sat next Lyssa. The head of ceremonies, Marian, announced the first contestant.

It was a girl about their age with short orange hair in an elegant white suite. She held out a pokéball and threw it. "Misdreavus, curtains!"

It seemed like a large billow of smoke, an effect created from the ball capsules ad seals. Kori took out her pokédex, hoping that the information would come, even if she couldn't see the pokémon. The Pokédex showed the image of it.

Misdreavus- the Screech Pokémon. It is a pokémon that startles people in the middle of the night. It gathers fear as its energy.

They all watched in awe as the Misdreavus used Double Team in the smoke and they made mysterious shapes. Definitely the perfect way to show off a ghost- type, Kori thought. Lyssa shot as many pictures as she could. "Great act," Lyssa whispered.

Zoey then commanded Misdreavus to use Confuse Ray. At that moment, all of them raced out of the smoke, finally revealing the pokémon's image. Eventually the copies disappeared., leaving the real one as the center attention. With one last move, Shock Wave, Kori was awed by Misdreavus power. "Char..." so was Chimchar it seemed. Kori was definitely learning a lot from Zoey's performance alone. I definitely want my pokémon to be that strong, Kori thought, looking at her Chimchar and Swablu. Their eyes seemed glued to that last display. Finally the performance was over.

The last few performance were alright but none of those that came after Zoey and Misdreavus seemed as skilled; they were a tough act to follow it seemed, but there was at least one act that was... interesting to say the least.

A coordinator named Jesselina along with a Carnivine that was released from a big heart. Kori already had her pokédex ready.

Carnivine- the Bug Catcher Pokémon. It binds itself to trees in marshes. It attracts prey with its sweet-smelling drool and gulps them down.

"Oh yuck" Lyssa said when she heard the pokédex entry. She snapped another picture as Jesselina ordered Carnivine to use Bullet Seed, aiming for the giant lollipops. A great way to show Carnivine's skillful aim, but that wasn't what made it interesting.

It was when the red- headed coordinator ordered Carnivine to use Bite. And Bite it did, only on Jesselina. The show ended with Carnivine biting Jesselina so that her head was completely in its mouth. Jesselina screamed.

"What the hell?" Kori whispered in shock. The pokémon and their trainers shared a look with each other. "Did they mean to do that?"

Lyssa shrugged. "I have no idea... but Jesselina must have a high tolerance for pain or something because I know I would not be waving to the crowd with that monster on my neck." They all nodded in an empathetical manner. They listened as Marian introduced the next contestant.

"And now we present from far away Pallet Town in the Kanto Region, now making his Jubilife City debut, say hi to Ash!"

Lyssa and Kori both jumped out of their seats and clapped as loud as they could. Chimchar got up and yelled and danced as Ash came unto the stage, looking confidant and undeterred.

"Aipom!" Ash yelled, throwing the pokéball. "I choose you!" From the rain of stars came a purple monkey with a hand on its tail.

Aipom- the Long Tail Pokémon. It lives high among the treetops. It can use its tail as freely and cleverly as its hand.

"Wow..." Kori whispered. They were awed as Aipom used Swift, causing the stars to collide with the stars from the ball capsule to be negated and turned to pretty dust. Then Double Team was used to create five copies. Finally, the duo finished their act with Aipom using Focus Punch with its tail while spinning like a top to take out the copies.

Lyssa, Kori and their pokémon were having a ball. That act was totally awesome!

After Ash and his Aipom were done accepting their round of applause, the final contestant really floored Kori.

"... so lets give her a warm welcome," Marian concluded. "Dawn!"

"What?" Kori whispered, eyes widened. Lyssa noticed her reaction.

"Do you know her Kori? She comes from the same town as you."

Kori's teeth clenched. Both Chimchar and Swablu noticed their trainer's reaction as well. This seemed so unlike her.

"I know her," Kori explained. Dawn was now just standing on stage. "We don't get along with each other."

"Oh..." Lyssa said. She shrugged and they continued to watch the show. Plenty of people don't get along.

"Okay Piplup!" Dawn called. "Spotlight!" her pokémon was released from a bunch of bubbles; how appropriate for a water- type.

Piplup- the Penguin Pokémon. A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without care.

Sounds like the perfect pokémon for Dawn, Kori thought meanly. She instantly regretted it. Piplup really is a fine pokémon, even if it wasn't her first choice and this is Dawn's performance. She should just enjoy with the crowd.

Piplup began the performance by using Bubblebeam, causing all the bubbles to float into the ceiling. Next, Dawn commanded it to use Peck. Piplup's beak glowed and became a lot bigger than normal. Kori, reluctantly, and Lyssa was impressed; that move definitely took a lot of training on their part.

Piplup then moved and jumped into the air, facing the bubbles. Piplup finished up by moving faster than Kori and Lyssa could catch, popping the bubbles and causing the ceiling to sparkle. They all clapped. It was very good, for Dawn's first time anyway.

Finally Dawn and Piplup were aloud to leave as the Judges tallied their results, calling a brief intermission. Kori, Lyssa and their pokémon went into the dressing room. They wanted to congratulate Ash. Lyssa held her Corsola and Kori held her egg while Chimchar and Swablu were on her shoulder. After passing a bunch of coordinators they finally spotted the familiar boy and his Pikachu.

"Hey Ash!" Ash turned to the voice and smiled. "Hey Kori! Lyssa! Glad you made it!"

The girls walked over. "Great performance. We were watching the whole thing," Lyssa explained. Ash's friends seemed to be studying them; the other contestant, Dawn, who was having a glare fest with Kori. Hmmm... I'll have to ask about that in more detail, thought Lyssa. The other friend, an older, tanned skinned boy smiled.

"Hello," the boy said hilding out his hand. He had a nice smile. "My name is Brock."

Lyssa shook his hand. "My name Lyssa and this is Corsola." "Corsola."

Kori smiled at Brock. "I'm Kori." She pointed to her pokémon. "These are Chimchar and Swablu." "Chimchar." "Swablu."

Ash pointed to the very silent Dawn. "And this is-"

"Dawn." Kori interrupted, voicer unusually flat. Everyone was confused. Something didn't seem right. "Nice job out there Dawn."

"Gee thanks," the blue haired girl answered sarcastically. Everyone noticed how the girls acted towards each other. "Chim?" "Swab?" Kori's pokémon shared a look with each other.

"So you... know each other?" Kori nodded. Dawn continued to glare. At that moment, Marian got the contest started and everyone that was there saw they eight contestants that would be in the second round. That included Ash, Dawn, Zoey and, to Kori's shock at least, Jesselina. They probably felt sorry for her and gave her the spot, Kori thought to herself. She still felt the intensity of Dawn's glare.

"I actually have to call my mom right now," Dawn said in a stiff way before she life. Kori wasn't sorry to see her go.

"We should actually get back to our seats too," Kori said. Her voice seemed normal once Dawn was gone.

"Why don't you watch the contest here?" Brock asked. "I insist."

"I actually can't," Lyssa said disappointed. I need to be able to get the pictures of the battles for this freelance job I'm doing right now, but Kori you should watch from here. I think our seats might have been taken when we didn't return."

Lyssa what are you doing to me? Kori thought. She had no intention of being stuck with Dawn's glare for the whole thing. But she didn't say that, instead she said, "Sure. Sounds like fun." Brock and Ash seemed nice anyway.

Dawn eventually came back in time to see the match ups. The first battle was between Ash and Zoey, who started treating Ash coldly once she found out that Ash would be competing in the Sinnoh League for some odd reason. We all watched as both contestants made it to the stage.

Ash stuck with Aipom while Zoey released Glameow instead of Misdreavus. Kori pulled out her pokédex to learn about it.

Glameow- the Catty Pokémon. Glameow hides its spiteful tendency of hooking its claws into the nose of its Trainer if it isn't fed.

Ouch..., Kori thought to herself. She noticed Pikachu talking with her pokémon and realized she never saw what the pokédex had to say about it. She pointed.

Pikachu- the Electric Mouse Pokémon. It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.

"Hello!" Kori turned to see Dawn glaring at her again. "Brock asked you a question."

Kori ignored her. "I'm sorry Brock. Didn't hear what you said." Let Dawn stew for all she cared.

"I was just asking about your pokémon egg," Kori looked at the egg in her arm. It's been shaking a lot more strongly. She was sure it was going to hatch soon.

"My mom gave me this when I started my journey," Kori explained. "I have no idea what's in it, but I can't wait for it to hatch."

Brock seemed to study it really hard. So did Dawn once she stopped glaring at me.

"I've never seen an egg like that before," Brock said. "Please, when it hatched I'd like to have a look."

Kori smiled. "No problem." They went back to watching the battle. It was becoming a one- sided match Zoey's favor. During the last seconds, when it looked like Ash and Aipom was going to make on last turn around, the timer went out, automatically making Zoey the winner of that battle.

Zoey warmed up after she found out that Aipom was the one who really wanted to compete. After telling Dawn to "raise Aipom", Zoey seemed to notice Kori. "Well hello. My name is Zoey."

Kori grinned. "I'm Kori and this is Chimchar and Swablu." "Chimchar." "Swablu." "Nice to meet you."

Zoey smiled. Suddenly we noticed a white glow. It was my egg. Everyone, including Lyssa who had been talking with Brock, surrounded me as I eased myself and the egg onto the floor.

"Whoa..." Kori whispered. She opened the container.

"Chim..." The fire monkey watched in fascination as the egg continued to glow and dissolve into a shape. Eventually the glow dissipated, leaving a small blue and white shape with a sea shell on its chest. It's curious, dark eyes looking at everyone. "Osha?"

"What pokémon is that?" Dawn asked from the back.

"I don't know..." Zoey said. "I've never seen it before."

"It's not showing on my pokédex," Ash said.

"It's because it's not a Sinnoh pokémon." Kori answered. "It's an Oshawott and is from a different region called Unova."

"Wow." Lyssa took a picture, the flash seeming to startle the newly hatched pokémon. "Osha!" It began to back away on the brink of tears.

"It's alright," Kori spoke softly. "No one here wants to hurt you. We just all want to be your friend."

"Osha?" Chimchar and Swablu greeted the Oshawott. "Chim." Chimchar smiled. Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulder to introduce itself with a "Pikachu!" Eventually Oshawott smiled and seemed to open up to them. Kori smiled at the sight before pulling out her own trusty pokédex.

Oshawott- the Sea Otter Pokémon. The scalchop on its stomach is made from the same elements as claws. It detaches the scalchop for use as a blade.

"Oh wow," Ash said, getting closer. Brock went in for a closer look as well. "What a cool pokémon."

"So the scalchop on Oshawott's chest is a weapon?" Brock asked.

Kori nodded. At that moment, Marian called out for Dawn in her battle. The coordinator seemed to find it difficult to drag herself away. "It's really cute," she said before leaving for the stage. Oshawott seemed to beam at the compliment. "Oshawott," it smiled rubbing his head.

Kori crawled over to Oshawott. "Hello Oshawott. My name is Kori and I really like your scalchop." Oshawott seemed to beam at that compliment and detached it, lovingly cleaning it before putting it back on its chest.

Is it alright if me and my friends look at it? I promise we'll give it right back." Oshawott nodded slowly and handed the scalchop to Kori, who in turn showed it to Ash and Brock, telling them to feel.

They both felt and were both surprised by how sharp it felt on the edges. Lyssa took a turn as well. They all thanked Oshawott when its scalchop was returned.

The friends continued to watch the match. Lyssa disappeared at some point to take more pictures. Dawn's match went off without any issue using Buneary to win the match for her.

Buneary- the Rabbit Pokémon. Its ears are always rolled up. They can be forcefully extended to shatter even a large boulder.

After that match ended, Dawn came back. They all watched as Jesselina overwhelmed her opponent in what seemed like a lot less than five minutes. With the end of that match began the semi- finals.

The first match was between Zoey and Dawn. Definitely a good match up there. Kori throught to herself. "Good luck you two," Kori whispered shyly.

Zoey smirked, while Dawn looked at Kori hardly; it wasn't a glare per say. Dawn then turned to the smiling and laughing Oshawott that was waving at them. Dawn slwly smiled and looked back at Kori. "No need to worry," she said, determined.

Kori smiled. Normally Dawn and her would have been at each other's throats or glaring some more. Maybe they were maturing; Dawn certainly looked stronger. Kori began to wonder if she did too since she left Twin Leaf days ago. Guess I'll find out when I get tp Oreburgh, she thought to herself.

Zoey and Dawn walked over to the stage. "I have no idea who is going to win this one," Kori said.

Brock nodded. "It really is anyone's guess at this point."

"It's definitely is going to be a good match though," Ash concluded. Kori nodded. It would probably be one of the best matches in the contest.

The battle was between Glameow and Buneary. In the beginning Zoey and Glameow seemed to be taking over; the pair just kept using Dawn and Buneary's moves against them. Kori had believed Dawn and her pokémon were going to make a comeback, especially after Buneary's last Ice Beam. Glameow dodged it, but the ground that was underneath it became icy, causing the Catty pokémon to slip on the field.

Dawn saw her chance. She ordered Buneary to use a Dizzy Punch and Bounce attack combo, making nice clean hits on the opponent. Buneary was in the air, going for another Bounce; it really looked like Dawn and Buneary were really going to win it.

But Zoey and Glameow made a brilliant comeback. Under Zoey's direction, Glameow used Shadow Claw on the ice that was under it, causing the detached blocks of ice to hit Buneary. Buneary was still in the air when it was being pelted in the air. Glameow concluded the match by using Iron Tail on Buneary. Kori was hoping that Buneary would get back up again, but the buzzer went off. It was too late and Zoey went on to the final stage, awaiting her next opponent.

Dawn left the stage afterwards and left to call her mom. Kori left the dressing room to find Lyssa and Corsola, leaving her pokémon to have fun with their new friends: Pikachu, Piplup, Buneary and Aipom. If Oshawott needed anything, Chimchar would just come get her.

"Hey," Lyssa greeted with a smile. "How's Dawn doing in there? I honestly thought she was going to win with that last combination."

Kori shrugged. "I guess she's upset about it. She's handling it pretty well though." Kori's face was without concern.

Lyssa raised one eyebrow. "What is with you two? She's been galring at you and you haven't exactly been warm to her."

Kori bristled. "I congratulated her when she made it past the appeals round."

Lyssa raised an eyebrow. "You congratulated her with about the same level of enthusiasm I used to do homework with. It wasn't what you said but how you said it. Now what is going on between you and Dawn."

"Nothing," Kori answered quickly. "We're from the same town and we just don't get along with each other. This is the most civil I think we've ever been to each other actually."

Lyssa didn't exactly seemed satisfied with that answer but it was the best she was going to get.

Eventually, the contest concluded with the battle between Zoey and Jesselina, which Zoey won. Kori was beginning to think that nothing stuck to Zoey, period. They all congratulated her when she received the Jubilife ribbon.

Kori, Lyssa, Ash, Dawn, Brock and their pokémon were saying their last goodbyes.

"Bye," Kori said Lyssa said, waving.

"Bye," Ash said. "We to see you guys again."

"And remember to bottle feed Oshawott for a while," Brock yelled. Brock, being a pokémon breeder had given Kori advice on how to take care of her newly hatched pokémon.

"I'll remember!"

"Chimchar chim." "Swablu." "Oshawott."

"Aipom ao ao pom." "Bun bun." "Pika." "Lup Piplup." The pokémon called waving to each other.

The girls were about to leave until a voice stopped them.

"Kori." The girl turned back, surprised that Dawn was the one calling. "Take care until next time."

Time seemed to stop as Kori wrapped her mind around it. She grinned. "You too Dawn," she said. And with that Kori and Lyssa head to the Pokémon Center. Kori yawned, just about ready to go to her room after such a day.

"Kori," Lyssa called. Kori waited.

"Yeah?"

"I know you're headed for Oreburgh City tomorrow...," Kori watched as Lyssa hesitantly contiued on. "I was wondering... if it was okay... if we maybe... travelled together...? I mean we don't know each other that well..."

"Okay."

"And... wait what?"

"I said okay." Kori said with a smile.

"You can come if you want. Welcome to team Kori."

Lyssa smiled too. "That's great! I guess I'll see you in the morning?"

Kori nodded, waving as she went to her room. Oshawott had fallen asleep in her arms. Chimchar and Swablu were barely awake themselves. Kori returned Swablu to its pokéball as soon as she made it to her room. After putting both Oshawott and Chimchar in the bed, she pulled out her journal.

Journal Entry, June 16th, 2007

So much has happened today. A lot of weird things.

I watched a contest live for the first time. It's definitely a lot more exciting live than on TV. I guess I could see the appeal if I wasn't more interested in competing in the pokémon League.

Another weird thing that happened had to do with that same contest; Dawn was competing in it. Something that shouldn't really surprise me considering that she never made it a secret that she was going to be a coordinator.

I expected the glares that I received from her but what I was so surprised because after the Contest she was almost... nice to me. Maybe she was secretly replaced with some pod person trying to take over the world.

Or maybe it has to do with Oshawott. My grandmother had this saying about how past anger seemed to be forgotten after witnessing the birth of a baby. Maybe it's the same kind of thing witnessing a pokémon being hatched from an egg. Maybe me and Dawn can be friends someday.

Also I have a travel companion in Lyssa. I like her. She's awesome.

That contest reminded me how important my dreams are. Me and everyone I met are on our journeys to fulfill those dreams and to do that, we need to be stronger.

-Kori

Kori's Pokemon

1. CHIMCHAR: (EMBER, SCRATCH, IRON TAILlearning)

2. SWABLU: (SING, FURY ATTACK, STEEL WING)

3. OSHATWOTT: (MOVES UNKNOWN)

Lyssa's Pokemon

1. CORSOLA: (MOVES UNKNOWN)