Wow...this chapter is long...I was actually gonna break the ending of this one and put it in the next chapter, but I decided not to.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Zoey woke up bright and early the next day. She was excited for the festival.

"Oh...I get so giddy just thinking about it!"

The girl released her Pokemon for breakfast. "Good morning guys!"

Her Pokemon gave a cry in return.

"Today is a big day!"

"Charmeleon char?"

"No, not the Gym battle."

The lizard was confused. The only time Zoey mentioned the big day sentence was when they were going to fight in the next Gym.

"Today is the day of the Cherry Blossom Festival!"

Her Pokemon just blinked. They had no idea what that was.

"Oh...well, it's a mini tournament for girl Trainers. It'll be fun! And then we can go to the Gym! It'll be good practice for our battle with the Leader."

Charmeleon got the idea and thought it was a good tactic. "Char!"

"Well, let's get you all some breakfast, and then off to the festival!"

"Oh, you're up Zoey!" said Nurse Joy as she came in. "And I see you're already dressed."

"Yup! I'm so excited! I can't wait to go and battle!"

Joy smiled. "Well that's good to hear! I got breakfast ready for you and your Pokemon, just in case you got up early."

"Thank you!"

Zoey and her Pokemon ate a hearty breakfast. She returned her Pokemon except Charmeleon, and thanked Nurse Joy for her hospitality. Then the girl went outside into the warm morning sunshine.

"It's so beautiful today! And to think yesterday it was all rainy."

"Char."

Zoey saw in the distance a crowd of people. "That must be where the festival starts! Come on Charmeleon!"

The human and her Pokemon ran towards the crowd.

--

Zoey looked around and saw the same group of girls from last night, including Jessica. The blonde saw her and walked over.

"Zoey?"

"Hey Jessica."

"Are you here to watch?"

"No."

"Take pictures?"

"No."

"Get pointers? Pokedex info?"

The girl sighed. "No...I'm here to enter!"

"Are you serious? They let you?"

"Yeah!"

"Well, you must of gotten in late because you're not even wearing a kimono."

Zoey noticed that Jessica was wearing the traditional kimono, like the other girls who were competing.

"Oh...well, I didn't get one..."

"Sucks for you."

The girls began to walk towards a small arena surrounded by sakura trees.

"Well," said Jessica as she smiled. "It looks like it's time for the festival to start! Better not be late." The blonde began walking towards the other girls and Zoey followed.

She felt weird being the only one without a kimono. But she never got one, and Zoey guessed that Ruby had given all the girls these dresses at the hotel.

She saw Ruby in a kimono as well and she had a microphone in her hand. There was another woman standing next to her. She wore a green one, and her hair was short and dark. Zoey thought she was very pretty, but she didn't even know her name. So she just decided to identify her as Kimono Lady.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen," said Ruby. "To the annual Cherry Blossom Festival! As you know, the first day always starts off with the mini tournament, and the remaning two days are celebration. So I hope you enjoy the show, and I hope the beautiful young ladies competing will give it their all!"

The redhead looked around for Nurse Joy, who came up at the last second. She had the sign up sheet and a small basket that held each of the Trainer's names.

"Thank you Joy," said Ruby as she took the sheet. She began calling out the names as the girls walked up to the battle area and faced the crowd.

When she came to the ninety-eigth number, her daughter's name came up.

"Scarlette!"

The girl walked proudly up to her mother.

"Jessica!"

The blonde came next and looked full of pride too.

"And last but not least...Zoey Ketchum?!"

The girl walked timidly up to the other girls. She was definately the odd one out in appearance. Some of them giggled. Ruby clenched the paper in her fist. But then she calmed down and took the basket from Nurse Joy.

"Alright," she said. "These young ladies will battle each other randomly as I pick out two names from this basket. The first is...Scarlette, my own daughter, and Zoey..."

The two girls walked up to either side of the area and faced each other. The green kimono woman watched with interest.

"So, it's you again. Zoey right?"

"Yes. I didn't think I'd see you here. And I didn't know that lady is your mother."

"We look a lot alike don't we?"

"I guess."

Nurse Joy stood on the side lines. She was the referee. "Ready...begin!"

Scarlette took out a Pokeball from her sleeve. "Go, Jigglypuff!" Out came the pink ballon.

"Jiggly!"

"Go Cubone!" Zoey tossed the Pokeball up in the air and out came Cubone.

"Cubone!"

Ruby looked shocked. "I thought I told that girl to have no male Pokemon!"

The other girls overheard.

"Huh? That's a male Pokemon?"

"That's not fair!"

"How come we don't get to use a male Pokemon?!"

"What makes her so special?"

"Jigglypuff, use Rollout!"

The pink little ball curled up and began spinning foward in place. Then she rolled at a high velocity towards Cubone. He got hit.

"Yes!"

"Cubone! Are you ok?"

The little Pokemon began to cry. "Cuuuuuboooone!!" Tears geysered out of his eyes.

Jigglypuff looked sympathetic. "Jiggly..."

Zoey knew what was going on, and she thought Cubone was briliant.

"Cubone, now use Bone Club!"

The little creature got up on his feet and charged at Jigglypuff. He began wacking her with the bone in his hand, holding it with both paws. He smacked her on the head many times.

"Cu bone cu bone!"

"Jiggly!!"

"Jigglypuff!" said Scarlette. "Use Pound!"

Jigglypuff punched Cubone in the face and he fell down. He got up slowly and rubbed his skull.

"You can do it Cubone! Use Headbutt!"

Cubone charged at Jigglypuff, who dodged elegantly, almost like dancing. Scarlette smiled.

"Now use Rollout again!"

Jigglypuff rolled towards Cubone, but then Zoey said "Use Dig!"

Cubone dug a hole in the ground. Jigglypuff however, went down inside and rolled Cubone out through another end. But this other end hadn't been dug yet, so Cubone got extra damage.

"Cubone!"

"Oh no!" said Zoey as she looked at her Pokemon soaring in the air, the bone falling from his paw. Jigglypuff looked proud and so did Ruby.

"Now," said Scarlette. "Finish it off with Rollout again by leaping up!"

Jigglypuff did exactly that. Zoey was sure that Cubone was gonna get hit, but then she saw the bone above Jigglypuff. The crowd gasped as the bone striked Jigglypuff on the head, making her loose momentum on the Rollout.

"Hurry Cubone! Use Headbutt!"

Cubone faced foward at Jigglypuff and slammed his head on her. She took a pretty hard hit and crashed onto the ground.

"Jiggly..." She had swirls in her eyes.

"Oh no!" said Scarlette. "My poor Jigglypuff! Return!"

Cubone recovered his bone as it fell down back to him. He landed softly on the ground.

"This match goes to Cubone!" said Nurse Joy. The crowd cheered.

"Yes!" said Zoey. "You did it Cubone!"

She ran up to hug him and he let her by holding out his arms. He liked being held. The girl thought this was very cute and cuddled him in her arms. Cubone blushed and smiled.

"Cu bone bone!" He was very happy.

"You did a good job little buddy! Take a rest." She returned him back inside the Pokeball.

Kimono Lady smiled, but Ruby fumed.

"Go, Corsola!" said Scarlette. Out came that same Pokemon Zoey had trouble with.

"Gloom, let's go!"

"Corsola!"

"Gloom gloom!"

"Corsola, use Bubblebeam!"

"Destroy it with Razor Leaf Gloom!"

The coral Pokemon shot a stream of bubbles at Gloom, who spun around releasing sharp leaves that cut through the bubbles. They reached Corsola and it stung her.

"Recover!"

Corsola glowed and was restore. "Cor!"

"Alright..." said Zoey. "What should I do..."

Gloom just stood there looking at Corsola. Both had determined expressions on their faces.

"Gloom, use Bullet Seed!"

Gloom lowered her head and from the bulbs shot out multiple seeds. They struck Corsola.

"Recover!"

"Let's try a combo Gloom!"

"Gloom?"

"Use Sweet Scent!"

"How can a Pokemon that smells so horrid have an attack like Sweet Scent?" asked Scarlette. "That's like trying to put you in a kimono!"

Zoey clenched her fists and glared at Scarlette, who only smiled. Kimono Lady didn't like that statement.

Gloom released the sweet smell and Corsola became attracted to it. The crowd thought it smelled good too.

"Cor..." She began walking towards Gloom.

"No! Wait Corsola!"

Zoey smiled. "Now use Razor Leaf with Poison Powder!"

Gloom spun around again and used the same tactic she had when at the S.S. Anne. Corsola got caught again. But this time, Zoey didn't hold back.

"Finish her with Bullet Seed!"

"Gloooom!" The plant Pokemon shot the seeds harder this time, striking Corsola in the face.

The pink Pokemon stumbled, and then fainted.

"This battle goes to Zoey!" said Nurse Joy happily. The crowd cheered again.

Zoey looked overjoyed. "You did it Gloom!"

"Gloom!" she said as Zoey bent down to hug her. "You deserve a rest." The Pokemon was returned.

Scarlette returned Corsola. "Oh...how dare you Zoey Ketchum!"

"Hey, it was a fair match!"

"No it wasn't! You're not allowed to have male Pokemon here!" She turned to Ruby. "Mom! Do something!"

"Zoey Ketchum!" said Ruby. "You are disqualified for having a male Pokemon in your party! I told you that yesterday!"

"But that's not fair!"

"No, it's not."

Everyone looked at the Kimono Lady. She walked over to Ruby. "There is nothing in the rules saying that the Pokemon has to be a female. And you and your daughter are banned from this festival for today. Please step down and watch in the crowds."

Ruby growled and gave her the microphone. Scarlette stomped her foot and walked with her mother back to the crowd.

"Sorry about that," said Kimono Lady into the device. "We shall now continue. Good job Zoey on passing this round by the way." She took out two more names. "Next is Jessica and Jenny."

Jessica walked to the place Zoey was standing and Jenny to the other. Zoey rejoined with the kimono girls and watched.

"Go, Rattata!" said Jenny.

"Weepinbell, I choose you!"

Rattata came out of her Pokeball and so did Weepinbell. Now that Jessica knew any gender Pokemon was allowed, she let Weepinbell fight.

Zoey took out her Pokedex. "Weepinbell, the Flycacther Pokemon. Weepinbell has a large hook on its rear end. At night, the Pokemon hooks onto a tree branch and goes to sleep. If it moves around in it's sleep, it may find itself on the ground in the morning." She put the Pokedex away and watched the battle.

"Weepinbell, use Stun Spore!"

The Pokemon blew yellow spores from his mouth at Rattata. She got hit.

"Now use Cut!"

Weeepinbell hopped over to Rattata and sliced her. The little mouse fell down and fainted.

"Weepinbell wins this match!"

Jessica placed her hands on her hips and smiled. The other girl looked frustrated.

"Go Poliwag!"

Out came a tiny blue Pokemon. "Polie!"

Zoey took out her Pokedex again. "Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokemon. It is possible to see this Pokemon's spiral innards right through it's skin. However, the skin is also very flexible. Even sharp fangs bounce right off it." The device was put away again.

"Return," said Jessica. She took out another Pokeball. "Go Poliwhirl!"

Out came another blue Pokemon that looked a lot like Poliwag. "Polie whurl!"

"Another one?" Zoey said as she took out her Pokedex again. "Man, maybe I should just keep this thing in my hand."

"Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokemon. Its body surface is always wet and slick with an oily fluid. Because of this greasy covering, it can easily slip and slide out of enemy clutches in battle."

Jessica attacked first. "Use Mega Punch!"

"Counter it with Double Slap!"

Poliwhirl charged at her younger version and lugged a huge punch at Poliwag. She didn't even have time to attack.

"Now use Water Pulse!"

Poliwhirl shot a stream of water from her mouth, encircled by thin water rings. Poliwag got hit again.

"Finish her with another Mega Punch!"

The Pokemon charged at Poliwag, who was sent flying after impact.

"Return Poliwag!"

"The winner is Jessica!"

The blonde smiled again, but more proudly. "Man, this is a piece of cake. Good job Poliwhirl." The Pokemon was returned.

Kimono Lady took out more names.

--

The battles were interesting to watch, and Zoey saw a few Pokemon she hadn't seen before, but they weren't from this region so she couldn't get their data.

Charmeleon gained a lot more experience as did Cubone. Pidgeotto too and even though Nidorina wasn't the fastest out there, she sure knew how to kick butt. Gloom was still afraid to fight because people didn't like how she smelled, but she gave it her all and only came close to fainting once.

There were breaks in between. During that time, the girls who survived the other rounds got their Pokemon healed and something to eat. By this time, it was high time in the afternoon. Zoey couldn't believe how fast the tournament was ending. Time sure flies when your having fun.

Finally, it was the last battle.

"Ok," said Kimono Lady. "It's time for the last battle of the day. The two victors are Jessica and Zoey. They shall be fighting in this final round."

Zoey was nervous. But she saw Nurse Joy who was beaming at her. Then she felt confident again.

"Ready to lose Ketchum?" asked Jessica. Her tone of voice annoyed Zoey.

"No. I think I can win this one."

"Well see about that."

"Ready..." said Nurse Joy. "Begin!"

"Go, Weepinbell!"

"Pidgeotto, let's do this!"

"Weepinbell!"

"Pidgeoooo!"

"Use Stun Spore!"

"Blow it away with Gust!"

The bird Pokemon flapped her wings rapidly, causing the spores to fly high into the sky. They vanished.

"Use Razor Leaf!" Weepinbell shot leaves from his arms.

"Pidgeotto, use Whirlwind!"

"Pidgeooooooo!"

She flapped her wings violently and they scrambled the leaves. Weepinbell started to lift off the ground.

"Now finish him off with Quick Attack!"

Pidgeotto slammed into the other Pokemon, who was thrown to the ground. He fainted.

"Return Weepinbell!" Jessica took out another Pokeball. "Go Poliwhirl!"

"Good job Pidgeotto." She was returned. "Go Nidorina!"

"Poliwhirl use Mega Punch!"

"Water Pulse!"

Nidorina began to materialize water above herself as Poliwhirl charged at her. The tadpole struck her in the face and Nidorina skid backwards. The water shot at Poliwhirl who sidestepped, but then cringed. The blast hit her.

"What's wrong Poliwhirl?!"

The Pokemon was poisoned. "Poli...whurl..."

"Poison Point!" Zoey cried in surprise. "If a Pokemon strikes Nidorina too hard, it ends up getting poisoned. How convenient!"

"Nido!"

"Double Kick!"

Nidorina charged at Poliwhirl and slammed her feet into her face. She was thrown back.

"Come on Poliwhirl! Use Bubblebeam!"

The Pokemon struggled to her feet and was about to use it when Zoey said "Dig a hole Nidorina!"

The blue Pokemon dug rapidly into the ground. Poliwhirl was ready if she attacked. But the Tadpole Pokemon was weakened by the poison. She was barely standing.

"Now Nidorina!"

The rabbit-like Pokemon jumped out of the ground from behind Poliwhirl and slammed into her back. The Pokemon fell and fainted.

"Return!" said Jessica. Zoey is getting good...

"You did it Nidorina!"

"Nido!" She was returned.

"Go Raticate!"

"Raticate?"

A brown rat came out of the Pokeball. He growled. "Rrrrahcate!"

The Pokedex was taken out "Raticate, the Mouse Pokemon. Raticate's sturdy fangs grow steadily. To keep them ground down, it gnaws on rocks and logs. It may even chew the walls of houses."

"Ok...what Pokemon to use..." said Zoey. "Go Gloom!"

"Gloom gloom!"

"Raticate use Quick Attack!" The rat charged at Gloom, who slammed into her. Gloom squealed.

"Use Bullet Seed!"

Gloom shot multiple seeds from the bulbs on her head. Raticate dodged them with a sidestep, but this was an opening.

"Use Razor Leaf!" Gloom twirled around and the leaves came rushing at the opponent. Raticate tried to dodge them with Quick Attacks. And it was working until...

"Sweet Scent!"

"No!"

Gloom released the sweet smell, which was colored pink by the way, and Raticate became delighted. He walked over to Gloom when Zoey said "Poison Powder!"

Purple spores scattered in the air, falling all over the battle area and on Raticate. Even if he wouldn't of gotten hit, he still would of stepped on the spores sometime around.

The big rodent cringed. "Rrr...rat..."

"Now finish him off with Razor Leaf!" Gloom spun around once more. She succeeded in knocking out Raticate.

"Return..." said Jessica. She only had Butterfree and Ivysaur left. Better weaken her Pokemon...So I'll start with Butterfree...

"Go, Butterfree!"

"Return Gloom! Go Cubone!"

"Freeeee!"

"Cubone!"

"Use Stun Spore!"

"Dig!"

Butterfree flapped her wings and spores spread in the air, but Cubone dug a hole to prevent paralysis. Butterfree swerved around the hole, waiting for Cubone to come out.

"What can I do?" said Zoey to herself quietly. "Butterfree is a Bug-Flying Pokemon...Even though Boneclub could attack her, Cubone would have to jump up...but then again...all his other attacks would have to be used after he jumps...that's the only way he'll attack her...Oh...but I believe in Cubone! I know he can do it!"

"Butterfree!" began Jessica. "Use Gust inside the hole!"

"Freeeee!"

The butterfly flapped her wings violently and the Gust attack went inside the hole, causing Cubone to forcefully pop out of the ground. He landed on his behind.

"Now use Tackle!"

Butterfree dived down and accelerated at Cubone, tucking in her wings. She was about to make contact, when Zoey said...

"Boneclub!"

Cubone stood up quickly and swung his bone like a bat. It smacked Butterfree right in the face and she fell on the floor.

"Now use Headbutt!" Cubone charged at Butterfree, his head lowered. The opponent was trying to get up.

"Stringshot!"

From where she lay, Butterfree shot silk out of her mouth and it wrapped around Cubone's torso, causing him to fall down. His arms were immobilized.

"Now use Tackle again!" The bug Pokemon got into the air again and darted at Cubone, slamming into him.

"Cuuuubooone!" he cried. Zoey clenched her fists.

Buttefree flapped her wings elegantly. Cubone struggled to stand, but he was only able to sit on his bottom. He had tears in his eyes.

"Cuuu...b...boooone..."

"Don't fall for it Butterfree!" Jessica shouted. But Butterfree, being a female Pokemon and therefore having some motherly nature, became sympathetic.

"Freeee..." She fluttered over to Cubone.

"Butterfree! Damn it! I told you not to go over there!"

"Now, Headbutt!"

Cubone pushed himself up with his legs and slammed his hard skull right into Buttefree's belly, causing her to lose her breath for a moment. The impact hurt, and she fainted.

Jessica growled. "Return!"

Zoey smiled as Cubone walked up to her, still tied with silk. She giggled as she unwove him. "You did it Cubone! You're a lot stronger than I thought! Good job!"

He smiled. "Cubone!" He was returned.

Jessica scowled. "How in the world did you get to be so good?!"

"You could say I resolved. I believe in my Pokemon more now, and I also believe in myself too. I think that's why I'm getting better at this whole battling thing."

"Well, let's see how you do against this!" She tossed her last Pokeball in the air. "Ivysaur, show your stuff!"

"Ivysaur!"

"You ready Charmeleon?"

"Char!" The red lizard stepped into the battle area, and tightened the bow on her tail.

"Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!" Hundreds of leaves shot out under the palm leaves on her back.

"Charmeleon, charge into the leaves!"

"Huh?!"

"Block them as much as you can!"

Charmeleon did as she was told. She ran strait through the leaves, even though some of them cut her. Zoey knew Ivysaur was Jessica's strongest Pokemon, and even a Fire type would have a slight struggle. So she decided to try something different.

"That's suicide!" Jessica yelled. "Ivysaur, use Vine Whip!"

"Saur!" Slender vines shot out of her back.

"Now Charmeleon, use Flamethrower!"

Charmeleon released an intense stream of flames that burned the vines and traveled all the way towards Ivysaur. She was in terrible pain. "Ivysaaaaaaur!!"

"Oh no!" cried Jessica.

"Now use Slash!" Charmeleon raised her claws.

"Poison Powder!" Ivysaur released purple spores in a blast-like motion. And since Charmeleon was in close range, it affected her more.

"Ch...char..." She stopped and fell on one knee. Jessica smirked. "Now use Tackle!"

Ivysaur charged at Charmeleon and crashed into her, sending the Pokemon skidding across the floor.

"Now Bullet Seed!" Ivysaur shot multiple seeds at Charmeleon. Every single one struck her.

"Ch...chaaar..."

"One more Tackle!" Ivysaur charged again.

"I've got to think fast!" panicked Zoey. "Um...oh! Scary Face!"

Charmeleon looked at Ivysaur and gave a terrifying glare. "Chaaaaar."

Ivysaur stopped dead in her tracks. "S...sa..saur..."

"Now Flamethrower!" Charmeleon shot another stream of flames that burned the plant Pokemon's skin.

"Finish her off with Slash!" The Lizard Pokemon got up and charged at her opponent. With the last bit of energy, she raked her claws strait across Ivysaur's face, making it sting her hide. She let out a cry, and then fainted.

Jessica was speechless. "No...I...Ivysaur lost?!"

Joy smiled brightly. "And the winner of this tournament is Zoey Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The crowd cheered.

Zoey bent down and sprayed some medicine on Charmeleon. She was able to stand up again. "You did it Charmeleon!" She gave her a big hug. The lizard patted her Trainer on the back and smiled. "Char!"

"We finally beat Jessica!"

This was big news to Charmeleon. Her eyes sparkled. She had finally won a rival battle and she could tell her Trainer was overjoyed. Charmeleon didn't fail this time. She had gotten stronger, and this battle proved it.

Kimono Lady put the microphone close to her mouth. "Congratulations Zoey! You won the Cherry Blossom Tournament! Please, come up here to recieve your prize."

Zoey and Charmeleon walked up to the pedestal. The woman smiled and Joy came over.

"Let me take your Pokemon and heal them for you Zoey. I have a small machine right here."

"Alright, thanks!" She handed the rosette her four Pokeballs. Charmeleon was already healed, so she didn't need to be returned.

The pretty kimono woman gave Zoey two stones and placed them in her hands. "What's this?"

"That's a Moon Stone and a Leaf Stone. They're evolution stones and they're rare. The Moon Stone is very hard to find. You can buy Leaf Stones at the Celadon Department Store, but why waste money?"

Zoey gasped. "What Pokemon can evolve from these?!"

"Lots of them!" smiled the woman. "You'll just have to find out which ones."

Nurse Joy returned. "Here you go Zoey!" Then she took out a camera. "I need to take a picture of you and your Pokemon."

"Oh. Ok!" Zoey released her Pokemon. They gathered together, Pidegotto sitting on her master's shoulder, and Cubone in her arms. The other three were standing.

"Say cheese!"

"Cheese!" The picture was taken. Zoey returned her Pokemon once more. Then Kimono Lady gave a silver trophy to Zoey. It was very pretty. The bottom was made of polished wood, and the silver part were vines, growing upwards. And at the top were pink colored cherry blossoms.

"Thank you so much!" Zoey turned to Nurse Joy. "Here you go!"

"Huh? What's this for?"

"I told you I'd win for the Pokemon Center. So take the trophy! You can put it on the reception counter."

Joy was...well, overjoyed. "Oh Zoey! Thank you so much!" She took the trophy. "I'll make sure to put it in a place where everybody can see it!"

Kimono Lady turned to the crowd. "The battle tournament is now over! The remaining days of the festival are yours to enjoy!" The crowd cheered, then began to seperate and have fun.

The woman turned to Zoey. "You are a Pokemon Trainer, yes?"

"Yup!"

"And I'm pretty sure you'll want to battle the Gym Leader in this town. Correct?"

"Yes!"

"Well, then follow me please. I'll lead you to her Gym."

"Ok!" Zoey was oblivious as to who this woman really was. But not everybody was born perfect.

--

The young trainer looked at the Gym. It was constructed like a green house.

"Wow. There's so many plants here!"

"I know," said the woman. "Come inside if you wish."

Both of them stepped inside. Like the Cerulean Gym, there was a reception counter. A few ladies were standing beside it. They saw the woman and smiled.

"Hello and welcome back! You've returned to the Gym! How was the festival?"

"It was marvelous. It's just too bad that the host was telling lies about the rules...only beautiful girls got to participate. I hope that doesn't lower other girl's self-esteems..."

"So who was the champion?"

"This young lady here." She gestured her hand to Zoey.

Some of the ladies walked over to her. "Oh how wonderful! You're a cute young Trainer! What's your name?"

"Zoey Ketchum."

"Then you're that man's daughter, I assume?"

"Yes."

"Well lucky you! Zoey Ketchum, you're going to be the first person to battle the Gym Leader ever since the festival started!"

Zoey's eyes sparkled. "Really?! Where is she?"

"Right here."

The girl turned to Kimono Lady. "You're the Gym Leader?!"

"Yes. My name is Erika and I am the Gym Leader of Celadon City. Pleased to meet you."

I think this has been one of my longest chapters ever...

Oh and coming up soon, there will be some fluff between Zoey and one of the guys...is it Gary or Joey? You're gonna have to wait and find out. :3