Hey guys! I know I'm overdue on this but the adult life is harder than I thought it was going to be. Don't worry I haven't give up on this! I promise that I will finish this story no matter what! I hope you guys enjoy this late update.

The crowds cheering never ceased as Saki and Steven watched the contestants and their Pokemon on the magnificently designed stage. Red velvet curtains gently danced to the beats and breeze of the music, in the center of the large polished oak stage stood a petite woman. Short gingery red hair that seemed to have a single hair out of place, her pale yellow shirt tucked in her shimmering gold skirt as she help the black and blue microphone in her hair close to her ruby red lips.

Behind her was a panel of three judges, as one appeared to be the Nurse Joy of Castelia City, the one in the middle looked to be a distinguishable man. His grey top hat was placed on the table in front of him as he adjusted the monocle on his left eye. The final judge on the man was a peculiar man attire as his pants seemed to be designer made as they had a very noticeable vertical lime green, red and black stripes on his pants, his shirt matched the green on his pants as the red scarf around his neck was a shade or two lighter than his pants.

"Alright, it's time for our final act on the first stage, it's Lillian!" The lights dimmed slightly as Lillian ran out on stage. Light golden waves down past her shoulders as the pink and gold frilled dress she wore just seemed to dazzle in the spotlight, in each of her hands she held a Pokeball. The stars disintegrated at her feet at small little shimmers of stardust added to their dazzling entrance.

"Glameow! Cubchoo! Let's give them a show they'll never forget!" she announced as she threw them high in the air, a loud snap echoed as a spiralling cascade of golden yellow stars lead the way as Glameow and the small white and blue bear cub jumped from star to star before landing in front of Lillian.

She was practically smiling ear to ear at the execution of her Pokemon's entrance. "Flawless entry! She's already got this in the bag!" Saki cheered as she and Steven were watching from the stands.

Steven chuckled, "not even a minute yet and you're already betting that she's gonna win?" he sarcastically asked her as she jokingly glared at him.

"I know she'll win, I've seen all the routines she's planning on using today." Saki said as she sighed, "the only real thing I'm worried about is her being able to execute them in battle, it's easy to practice but when you add the factors of battling then it's something completely different." she explained.

"Glameow throw Cubchoo up in the air!" Lillian commanded as Glameow grabbed Cubchoo and boosted it up in the air, coiling its tail Glameow using it's tail like a spring propelled Cubchoo up high. "Now use Hypnosis and Cubchoo use Brine!"

Forming three golden rings, Cubchoo unleashed a wave of water that began to fall in the center of the rings. "Glameow keep using Hypnosis!" Standing at the center of the created vortex. The water from Cubchoo's Brine continued to be pushed up as it danced around on the waves.

"Marvelous! You really get a chance to admire Cubchoo's cuteness as it's playing in the water!" Nurse Joy remarked as the crowd seemed enamored by Cubchoo's playfulness.

"Nicely done!" Steven commented as both he and Saki were captivated by the scene. "Not only is she showing off their cuteness but also their ability to control their abilities!"

"Playtime is over Cubchoo, use Icy Wind!" Lillian shouted as Cubchoo tried to push itself high on the reverse tides. As it got high enough it let out the chilling breath within itself as the vortex of water was starting to turn into pure ice only to be help onto Glameow's Hypnosis rings. "Now both of you, use scratch!"

Both of Lillian's Pokemon attacked the block of ice mercilessly as it broke off into waves of shaved ice that made both of them glow in a ray of beauty. "Now Cubchoo use Powder Snow and Glameow use Captivate!" as the block of ice was scratched away, Glameow whipped its tail around as small pink hearts started to form as Cubchoo blew out a delicate wave of snow.

Both of their attacks combined as the pink hearts turned into a more pastel pink shade before bursting into little sparks. Glameow and Cubchoo stood before Lillian as she took a bow along with her Pokemon.

The crowd cheered like crazy as Saki and Steven stood up from their seats, "that's how it's done!" Saki cheered as she hugged Steven. She might have doubted Lillian before in the past but her performance so far proved to her that her cousin had more than just potential but determination to be a Pokemon Coordinator.

"That was a stunning performance from Lillian and her Pokemon, now before we move on to stage two of the Castelia Pokemon Contest, Castelia's own gym leader Burgh has an announcement." the announcer said as Burgh came out on stage.

"Usually we don't have exhibition matches before the battle rounds of our Pokemon Contests but today we will make the exception," Burgh said as Saki glanced over at Steven.

"Please tell me you didn't have anything to do with this," she said to him as he could see a fire in her eyes.

"I'm just as surprised as you are!" he said as he waved his hands in front of him, "I know you wanted today to be Lillian's showcase!"

"We have a very special guest among us, the Hoenn Region's very own Champion Saki Omi!" The spotlight hit Saki as she could feel her face getting warm as the crowd gasped at the realization that the Hoenn Champion was in their midsts. "Come on down Saki, don't be scared." Burgh joked as Saki pulled off the white premier ball from her belt.

"It's you who should be scared," Saki said back with a smile. "Take the form of Skarmory!" she commanded as Zoroark instantly changed her forms the second she was released from her Pokeball. Climbing onto the seat, Saki jumped onto the Pokemon as they descended down to the stage.

Once on the stage Zoroark changed back into her original form, "arrkkk!" she howled.

"Easy girl," Saki whispered as she petted Zoroark's mame. "I'm surprised you knew I was here I was hoping to battle you tomorrow,"

"Why wait," he said as he handed the microphone back to the announced, "if you want to know your cousin asked me to battle you," Burgh said as Saki looked over to the corner of the stage and saw Lillian watching her from a distance. "She's a talented young coordinator."

"Thanks," Saki said with a smile. "This isn't a normal exhibition match is it?" she asked as Burgh shook his head.

"Not at all, I want to see the beauty of your Pokemon, I want you to give it your all in a one-on-one Pokemon battle." Burgh dug around in the pockets of his pants, "and if you're able to defeat me you'll get this guy. Deal?"

Saki could see that in his hand that he was holding the Castelia Badge, the next badge she needed to earn. "Deal! But I'll warn you my best friend here isn't one to play nice!"

Burgh threw out a Pokeball, "what a coincidence neither is mine. Go Leavanny!"

Before Burgh stood a two legged insect looking Pokemon, on the back of its head it appeared to be a leaf that was split in two that was perfectly symmetrical as the bands around its arms and legs looked like pieces of armor.

"Zoroark use-" before Saki could even give Zoroark a move to attack with a loud smashing sound echoed from the top of the contest hall. "What is that?" Looking up towards the glass ceiling of the building both Burgh and Saki could see a few dark figures and a giant dark mass standing above them.

Another loud smash echoed as the figures jumped down from the opening as the once blue sky was soon shrouded with grey clouds. Two Team Plasma grunts stood in between the two trainers on the battlefield as the large mass landed before them creating a giant cloud of dust in its wake.

"This isn't good!" Steven said as he brought out his Pokeball, "Metagross, we have an emergency!" he called out as Metagross appeared before him floating above the shocked spectators. Jumping onto Metagross, Steven looked down as the dust started to clear as a good portion of people were beginning to flee the contest hall. "What is that?"

A light lavender shade of metal ropes were around the shoulders of the brown shaded Pokemon, the large concrete pillars it held in each of its hands were damaged and crack but still appeared to retain its cylinder shape. The lower portion of its body seemed a bit smaller than its bulkier upper portion as the angry look in its eyes sent shivers down the spines of anyone who glanced at it. "Con! Kel, keldurrr!"

Pulling out her Pokedex, "Conkeldurr the muscular Pokemon and the final evolution for Timburr. Conkeldurr uses the momentum from its concrete pillars to deliver devastating blows." The Pokedex announced.

"Attention all Pokemon Coordinators! You are all a disgrace to your Pokemon! Making them perform in these shows, dressing them up and making them do what you want. It's unfair to them!" the female grunt announced as those who still remained listened to her.

The male grunt stepped forward, "Lord Ghetsis has shown us that we should not treat Pokemon like this and not contain them or force them to do as we say! We must liberate our Pokemon and give them the freedom they deserve!"

"Except you steal Pokemon regardless of what other do and think!" Steven spoke up, as he and Metagross appeared before them on the stage. "You have no right to tell people what they can and cannot do when all you really are is a bunch of crooks!"

Saki could see the fire in his eyes, he was about unleash the pent up anger for people like Team Plasma. An anger she never wanted to see. "All you are is insane!" Burgh intruded as he and his Leavanny were not amused in the slightest bit. "What you did just now….you could have hurt innocent people and their Pokemon! I will not stand by and let you with what could have happened!"

"Spoken like a true gym leader," Saki whispered as she and Zoroark nodded their heads. "Keep your distance Zoroark, it's a fighting type Pokemon!" she warned as Zoroark let out a high pitched howl as her sharp almost silver claws emerged from her paws.

"We will not let you insult Team Plasma anymore, for Lord Ghetsis! Conkeldurr use Stone Edge!" the grunts commanded as Conkeldurr raised up the two cement pillars before smashing them into the ground. Large stone pillars began to shoot up from the ground as everyone around the attack moved out of the way.

"Quick use Flamethrower!" Saki commanded as Zoroark dashed towards Conkeldurr unleashing the burning flames from her mouth as Conkeldurr appeared to not be taking the heat so well.

"Conkeldurr use Focus Punch!" the female grunt commanded as Conkeldurr locked its eyes onto Zoroark. Dropping one of its pillars it made it's move to attack Zoroark as it ran towards her.

"Dodge it quick!" Saki shouted as Zoroark jumped up, "now use Punishment!" surrounding herself in a dark mist, Zoroark bolted towards Conkeldurr as she hit it directly, knocking it back a bit before landing in front of Saki. "Nice hit!"

Steven jumped off of Metagross as he rushed over to Saki and Zoroark "Metagross, use Giga Impact!" he commanded as Metagross was enveloped in a fiery white orb of energy as it charged right into Conkeldurr, pushing it back a bit.

"Leavanny help them out! Use Razor Leaf!" Burgh told his Pokemon as the grass like blade hands began to glow bright. Slashing its arms towards Conkeldurr numerous half moon blades of grass were darting towards the invading Pokemon.

"Block their attack!" the male Team Plasma grunt yelled as Conkeldurr held up its pillars as they took the blow from Leavanny's attack. "Now use Dynamic Punch!" Charging towards Leavanny both of Conkeldurrs hands glowed.

"Use Protect!" A bright blue barrier surrounded Leavanny as it was focused on protecting itself from the harsh blows that Conkeldurr was throwing. "Leavanny...it can't keep it up much longer." Burgh whispered as the cracks in Leavanny's barrier started to show.

"Metagross use Bullet Punch!" Steven said as Metagross began to fire punches back at Conkeldurr each one pushing it away from Burgh's Leavanny.

"Stop interfering!" the female grunt yelled as she brought out a Pokeball. "I'll make sure to silence you both!"

Zoroark jumped in front of her, swatting the Pokeball from her hand before emitting a low harsh growl. "You forgot about us!" Saki told the grunt as she stood along side of Zoroark. "You're the ones who are interrupting! Ruining the Castelia Contest Hall, almost hurting people, you guys disgust me. The fact you would do things like this just to try and make a point about your Pokemon Liberation idea." Saki went off as a fire burned deep in her dark purple eyes.

"You're the disgusting ones here! You use your Pokemon to do the things that you do, we're not the criminals here! You are!" the female grunt yelled as she charged at Saki. Holding her fist above her head she was ready to attack her.

Grabbing her wrist and forearm with both hands, Saki turned her back towards the female grunt as she used her momentum. Using her shoulder as leverage she lifted the grunt off her feet before adjusting her hands and throwing the grunt square on her back. Just as she hit the ground Saki released her from her grasp, as she watch her gasp for air. "As Norman said once before if your opponent charges at you use their momentum against them." Saki stated.

She knew it was a good idea to take up some self defense classes from Norman while she was still in Hoenn. Both she and Zoroark smirked. "Are you ok?" the male grunt yelled as he rushed over to his companion. She nodded her head as she looked over at Conkeldurr.

"Leavanny use Aerial Ace!"

"Metagross, psychic"

"No you don't!" Both of the grunts got onto their feet as they rushed towards Conkeldurr, "this isn't over!" they yelled as throwing down a couple of dark orbs onto the ground. Upon impact a dark almost inky black cloud of smoke surrounded them.

Covering her mouth Saki couldn't help but cough as the smoke seemed to penetrate her lung, cause her to feel like she was coughing her lung out. "Ark, zoro" Zoroark cooed as she patted Saki on the back until her coughing ceased. "Zoroark, zo?"

Nodding her head, "yeah I'm fine don't worry." she reassured her friend. Looking around at the cleared smoke Saki could see no sign of Team Plasma as she shook her head. "They got away." she said as Steven walked over to her.

"That was certainly a performance I'll never forget," he told her as he pulled Saki into him. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, wait…" Saki could clearly remember Lillian standing behind the curtains before the ambush. Breaking out of the embrace, Saki ran over to where she last saw her cousin. "Lillian! Lillian!" she screamed out her name as her heart began to race. "Lillian please! It's over! Please come out!" Saki begged as both Burgh and Steven could see her concern.

Saki looked frantically around as she didn't see her, in her mind she was praying that Lillian had evacuated sometime during the ambush. "Saki?" she could hear Lillian's voice as she climbed out from behind the large speakers. She was visibly shaking.

"Thank goodness you're ok!" Saki said as she rushed over to her cousin, holding her close. "Are you ok? Are you hurt?" she asked as she saw no visible marks on Lillian. She appeared to be intact with no scratches or a single tear on her dress. But the look in her eyes said differently, "what's wrong?"

"Am I really a bad person for making my Pokemon do things like I've done?" she asked.

It appeared that Team Plasma's words had gotten into Lillian's head as Saki shook her head. "No don't you ever think that, those people will say anything and do anything to get people to bend the way they want. They've even done it to our own grandparents!" Saki told her as Lillian's eyes widened.

"They what?"

"They threatened our grandparents and attacked them numerous times, they steal people's Pokemon and will harm anyone who gets in their way. What they were saying was intentional to try and mess with your head. Besides you know your Pokemon love to perform." Saki told her as she and Lillian knelled down. "They wouldn't work as hard as you do if they didn't."

Lillian wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes, "you're right Saki...it's just I felt so bad thinking that I may have forced them into doing my bidding it made me feel unworthy of them."

Zoroark and the others walked over to them. "But you are," Burgh said as he got down and put a hand on Lillian's shoulder. "Your performance was impressive, beautiful. You captured the pure joy and showcased their strengths, you're more than worthy to have them by your side."

"Really?" Lillian's face went beet red as she didn't know how to respond next.

"Really," Burgh said with a smile. "Which is why you shouldn't be thinking about such things. Like Saki's said, Team Plasma has been trying to get into your head."

Saki helped Lillian back onto her feet as she nodded her head. "Yea...you guys are right."

"As for you," Burgh spoke. "I thank you both dearly for helping stop Team Plasma." Burgh pulled out the badge from his pocket as he handed it to Saki, "take it you've earned it." he said.

Saki was shocked, "but… I didn't really earn it...I….I" she was speechless, just being offered to take a gym badge without even batting.

"Seeing how powerful your Zoroark is, Leavanny and I wouldn't have stood a chance. Just think of it as my way of saying thank you for your help." he said with a smile on his face.

Steven put his arm around Saki as she looked up at him, he nodded his head as she carefully took the badge from Burgh's hand. "Thank you so much!"

"I should be the one thanking you," he told them. It felt weird to Saki just earning a badge without even battling, it was a new feeling one that she couldn't explain. She knew she had to give it her all in the next gym battle she was going to be in, no matter what she had to give it everything she had to make things feel right.

N shook his head as he saw the extensive damage done to Conkeldurr. All the available medics were on hand treating the wounds that it had sustained in its battle. "Just what did you two think you were doing!?" he said, the anger in his voice could rock the mountains. "Because of your actions Conkeldurr is in critical condition!"

Both of the grunts looked ashamed, "we're sorry Lord N we were just trying to send a message to those Pokemon Coordinators! We had no intention of actually battling." the male grunt confessed.

"Then what made you change your intentions? That poor Pokemon is wounded and you're hurt yourself!" N was furious it was one thing to go against orders but to go against direct orders and have things turn out like this was a whole different story.

"If it wasn't for that gym leader or that girl Saki and that guy with the Metagross we wouldn't have had the need for force." the female grunt explained as N's eyes widened. "Lord N?"

"I can't even stand to look at you two right now," he said as he walked away. He slowly walked down the corridor as he soon came to a stop. Letting his back hit the rock wall behind him he slowly sunk down.

He knew the extent of Saki's skills but to think she would help and do something like this to his friend was something else. His heart felt conflicted as he didn't know what to think, the woman he wanted as his Queen sided and helped wound a Pokemon. Granted his grunts actions were the cause of it.

"Saki….you still side with those who will never understand" he whispered to himself, "you see things very similar to me and yet you side with them…"