Pokémon Trix: Tales of Soot and Ash

by Ohirume

Imagine a version of the Pokémon world where Ash Ketchum came into possession of the most powerful device in the world of Ben 10. Now imagine that written by some psycho. Yeah... Pokémon/Ben 10 crossover, sort of. Weird censoring. Tell me what you think. Due to this websites regular glitches/breakdowns, chapters and status updates will be posted on DeviantArt. Username: Ohirume1

55. Ch 49: Princess Festival

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I am so sorry that I cannot offer any help beyond saying that**

Omega: *raises brow while looking at clipboard* Princess Festival? The **** is that?

Faux: *blinks in surprise* You don't have that in your world?

Mizuro: I don't think so. What is it?

Gem: *raises finger* It's kind of like a holiday for girls. Every store and restaurant in the city has crazy discounts for them. *sweat drops and smiles nervously* And the guys have to carry everything for them.

Nuevo: *sweat drops* So, it's like Hinamatsuri but with more shopping.

Seishin: Exactly.

Pike: *blinks in confusion* hina-what?

Laura: *frowns* Aw man. I wish I could've seen that.

Illavera: *sighs before perking up and glancing at Omega while smirking* Well…

Omega: *notices and sweat drops*

Faux: *blinks in confusion* Huh?

…

Ohirume: And, yes, this episode does take place next. They aired out of order after the Porygon crisis.

Seishin: We can prove this because Jessie had her lickitung in the farfetch'd episode.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

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Princess Fest! Re: Vive!

.

Everyone waited around a forest clearing impatiently. Soot was pacing. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, Electra, and Pidgeotto sat on a fallen tree. Charizard and Aerodactyl sat on the ground next to the others.

Misty looked around while frowning, "He should've been back by now, right?"

Brock crossed his arms while looking down thoughtfully, "Well, it's been over twenty minutes since he flew off. He had to have timed out at least once."

Soot frowned; still pacing, "Yeah. That's what I'm worried about."

Charizard and Aerodactyl shared a worried look. Pikachu, Electra, Clefairy, and Pidgeotto did as well.

After a moment, Pikachu's and Electra's ears shot up before they looked up into the sky.

Pikachu smiled and jumped to his hind paws, "He's back!"

Everyone else looked at the Electric-type before following his gaze. They all smiled or sighed in relief when they saw the braviary flying their way.

Ash touched down in front of them before tapping the symbol on his chest with a wing and became engulfed in green light. Everyone stood back up and walked over to him as he emerged human. Pikachu and Clefairy ran ahead, jumped on Ash's shoulders, and nuzzled him.

Ash chuckled before petting them, "Hey, I wasn't gone that long."

"How'd it go?" Brock asked.

"Yeah." Misty followed, "Did James make it out?"

Ash smiled at them, "Safe and sound. I just saw him, Growlie, Jessie, and Meowth flying off in their balloon. Jessebelle and Hopkins were nowhere to be seen."

Everyone sighed in relief.

Soot perked up upon realizing something and looked at Ash, "Wait, Growlie?"

Ash smiled nervously, "Yeah. It looks like he joined James. We have a new opponent."

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra frowned unsurely and Aerodactyl grinned.

Charizard blinked and Pidgeotto tilted her head in confusion, 'Growlie?'.

Misty blinked in surprise, "huh…" She frowned, "I'm not really sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Brock scratched the side of his head, "Same. I mean … I guess James and Growlie kind of deserve it after everything that happened."

Soot frowned, "But now we have to worry about battling him next time Team Rocket attacks."

Aerodactyl perked up and looked at Soot, "Next time?"

Charizard looked at the Rock/Flying-type, "We'll tell you about it later."

Ash sighed, "Well it's already done and it's not like we're gonna try and change it. Probably best to just leave it at that."

"Fair." Brock, Misty, and Soot each said while looking down thoughtfully.

Brock looked at Ash, "So where are we headed next?"

Ash put a hand to his chin, "Well, given the path we chose, the next stop should be-"

"Hold on a sec." Misty jumped in with a raised finger; catching the others' attention, "I actually had a little detour in mind."

Ash blinked in surprise before shrugging, "Alright. It's only fair after Brock asked us to hit Scissor Street."

Clefairy and Aerodactyl raised a brow, 'Hit?'

"It's an expression." Ash said.

Soot raised a brow, "So where'd you have in mind?"

Misty smirked, "Do you happen to know what day's coming up?"

Ash raised a brow, "What day?" He pulled out his Pokédex and flipped it open, "Well, today is-" He tensed up before frowning, "Oh crag."

Brock looked at the device as well before sweat dropping, "Oh … right."

Soot propped herself up against Ash's shoulder and looked as well. She grinned as her tail started wagging.

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra looked as well before raising a brow in confusion, "Huh?"

The Flying-types all shared a confused look and shrugged.

Misty grinned, "That's right. It's-"

.

*The next day

"The Princess Festival!" Misty said excitedly with a raised hand, "My favorite holiday!"

Soot sweat dropped while smirking, "We know, Mist. You said the same thing yesterday."

Misty turned to look at her; still smiling, "Well, yeah. But you can't blame me for being excited."

Electra and Clefairy looked around at the decorations and signs curiously. The former dressed up in her pink shirt and baby blue belt.

Electra blinked, 'It almost looks like the carnival.'

Pikachu frowned in confusion, "I still don't get it. Is today really that special?"

Ash sighed, "For girls, it is. The Princess Festival, and I quote, 'salutes girls and woman everywhere. Every store becomes a bargain hunters paradise with all kinds of beautiful new clothes and toys for sale at drastic discounts."

Soot smirked, "If you're female, that is."

Brock sweat dropped, "And the guys get to carry everything."

Misty looked at the trio in surprise, "You all seem to know an awful lot about this."

Ash looked at her, "Mom started bringing us here after Soot turned three. Thankfully, I only had to carry whatever mom bought for Soot."

Soot smiled dreamily, "Good times…"

Brock sighed, "And I have four sisters, remember? Most of my brothers and I have been dragged here since I was twelve."

Misty grinned, "Well then, good to know you've had practice." She pointed ahead, "Let's go!"

"Actually," Ash said, "I need to stop by the mall real quick. I'll meet up with you guys for lunch."

Everyone else looked at him in confusion.

Misty pouted sourly, "But it's the Princess Festival. "

"I know. I know." Ash said while waving his hands defensively, "But I swear I have a good reason." He held out a hand to the side, "We found out last festival that the mall has a workout dojo. I only need to run by there to see what my new weight limit has become since scanning nidoking. It won't be more than a half-hour."

Misty sighed, "Alright." She looked at Ash and smirked, "But you'll be on bag carrying duty when you get back."

Ash sweat dropped and smiled nervously, "Yeah. I kinda figured."

.

*Deeper in the Festival grounds

Soot and Misty led the way through the road of stands as they looked around. Electra rode around on Soot's back, Clefairy was in Misty's arms, and Pikachu was walking alongside Brock as the two guys carried a few bags.

"I can't believe they talked us into this." A deep male voice said from one of the stands.

A sigh followed, "Yeah. Once was enough."

The group perked up upon recognizing the voice and looked over. They found two figures looking towards one of the stands.

One of them was an eighteen-year-old with black hair and brown eyes. He wore a red jacket with a black undershirt, light blue jeans, and black sneakers. He also had a raichu themed belt wrapped around his waist.

The other was a young trainer who also had black and brown eyes. He wore a blue jacket with white rims and a black undershirt, dark blue jeans, black, fingerless gloves with red cuffs, red and black sneakers, and a red baseball cap with a white rim and a white half-pokéball symbol. He also looked like a carbon-copy of Ash; despite the clothing and lack of watch.

The Ash look-a-like smiled softly, "But at least they're enjoying it."

Everyone's eyes widened when they heard Ash's voice come from him.

"Ash?" Misty asked in surprise.

The kid flinched and looked over. The teen looked as well before tensing up.

The group walked over to them before Brock raised a brow, "Ash, what are you doing here? I thought you went to a workout dojo."

Soot looked at the teen warily, "And, uh, who's this guy?"

Clefairy raised a brow, "And why are your clothes all different?"

The kid smiled nervously and waved his hands, "S- sorry. I think you have me confused with someone else. I'm ... Tom ... Ato."

The teen shot 'Tom' a glance, 'Seriously, fox?' He looked at the others, "And I'm his cousin. Zeke Kagari."

Seishin: Ooo. Two Strikers instead of one.

Omega shot a quick glare upward, 'Shut up, headache!'

Brock stared in surprise, "Huh." He scratched his cheek and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry for the mix up, then."

Misty frowned and raised a brow while looking at Faux, "Still, it's crazy. You look and sound just like our friend Ash."

Electra smiled excitedly, "So he's a doppelganger!"

Faux scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "I get that a lot." He flinched, "I mean the thing about looking like someone you know! Not about looking and sounding like someone named Ash K-"

Omega slapped a hand over Faux's mouth, "Thomas, you're rambling again." He looked at the others, "It's a bad habit of his."

Faux pushed the hand away and glared at Omega, "It is not!"

"He's also in denial about it." Omega stated.

Soot snickered before smiling at them, "Anyway, I'm Soot Ketchum."

"I'm Brock Slate." The Pewter Gym Leader said before gesturing to the Electric-type on his backpack, "This is Electra."

Electra waved while smiling happily, "Hi doppelganger!"

'Tom' sweat dropped.

Pikachu smiled, "Pikachu."

Clefairy smiled as well, "Clefairy."

The Cerulean Gym Leader gestured to herself, "I'm Misty Waterflower." She raised a brow, "Are you guys here on your own?"

Omega sighed and crossed his arms, "Nope. Our friends practically dragged us here." He looked at one of the stands, "The two brunettes."

Everyone else followed his gaze and found two girls looking over at everything on the shelves.

One of them was a seventeen-year-old with long light brown hair and blue eyes. She wore a red short-sleeved shirt with a navy-blue semi-circle on it, dark blue shorts, and red shoes with yellow and white stripes.

The other had golden-brown eyes and long auburn hair that was tied into a ponytail. She wore a green, sleeveless shirt, skinny jeans, and white sandals.

Brock blushed and smiled goofily when he saw them. Soot, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy noticed and sweat dropped. Electra looked up at Brock and pouted sourly. Faux noticed and glared at the Pewter Gym Leader.

Omega glanced at Faux and sweat dropped, 'Well crag.' He tensed up before groaning, 'Right ... that.'

"So, uh," Brock said in a dazed tone, "what are their names?"

Omega pointed a thumb to the girls, "The one in red is Haruka Kaina. Ponytail is Laura Neon." His eyes narrowed as he looked at Brock, "And she's Tom's girlfriend."

Brock tensed up and grimaced before looking at Faux and waving his arms defensively, "Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I swear I had no idea that you and her are together!"

Omega's eyes widened in surprise, 'Hold it. Is he freaking out 'cause Faux's here or does he actually have a code of ethics for this?'

Pike: Wha- the second one. Brock wouldn't hit on a girl who's in a relationship … if he knows they are, at least.

Luke: Agreed. He is not like that creep from the P1 Grand Prix who asked out Laura.

Faux glanced to the side sourly, 'Don't remind me.'

Mizuro: *blinks in surprise* Wow. A respectable ladies man. Go figure.

Gem: 'Ladies man'?

Mizuro: Well, it goes like-

Seishin: And temporarily disabling the cut-chats.

*static*

Omega smirked, 'By far Yukiro's best idea.'

Faux sighed before looking at Brock with a small smile, "It's okay. I'm just … a little defensive, I guess." His eyes narrowed, "But you'd better not try anything."

Brock nodded quickly, "Promise."

Everyone else in the group sweat dropped and shared a look.

Misty cleared her throat before smiling sheepishly, "Well, uh, sorry to leave so suddenly, but we have to go meet our friend at the food court."

Omega waved, "Nice meeting you, then."

Soot smiled up at him, "Same."

The group walked past the 'cousins' and continued down the road of stands.

After they were out of sight, Omega glared at Faux, "Tom Ato? Really?"

Faux glared back at him, "I panicked, alright?! Besides, it worked in Dark City."

Omega smirked slyly, "Better than 'Duston Snatcher'?"

Faux crossed his arms and pouted angrily, "It was the first thing that came to mind."

Laura and Illavera walked over to them with a cluster of shopping bags in each arm.

Illavera grinned and handed hers to Omega, "Here ya go. It is tradition, after all."

Omega sighed before taking all of Illavera's bags, "Yeah yeah, I get it. But I'm portaling these home the instant we're out of sight."

Faux sighed before smiling sadly and running his left arm through all of the handles of Laura's bags, "So where to next?"

Illavera smiled excitedly, "Food court! I heard about this super sweet peacha berry pie at one of the fast food places and I've gotta try it! That and I wanna see what a peacha berry is."

Laura sweat dropped and smiled nervously, "I think you mean 'Pecha Berry'."

Omega frowned, "Yeah, we can't do that yet."

Laura looked at him and blinked in surprise, "What? Why?"

"We just had a run-in with Trix's kid and travel companions." Omega stated before giving Faux a sideways glance, "With mixed results."

Faux glared at him, "Will you give it a rest?!"

Omega looked at the girls again, "Anyway, their meeting up with Trix at the food court, so it's probably best we don't go there too soon. But, thankfully, Soot didn't seem to recognize me from that Cassandra woman's description."

Illavera smirked, "Well, no surprise there. She only really talked about your outfit." She looked at Omega's 'belt' and smiled, "Nice work, by the way. I can barely tell it's his Nuno-Kiseijū."

Omega held a cupped hand towards them as an eye appeared on the palm, "It was actually a rather simple task of realigning the Life Fibers. However, maintaining this disguised state is requiring effort. They likely are exhibiting restraint after being in the primary form for so long. I will be fine for the remainder of the day so long as we do not engage in combat."

Omega frowned before looking at Faux, "Speaking of, anything we should worry about here?"

Faux shook his head, "Not really. All that really comes up is the tournament later. And Team Rocket doesn't mess with it aside from participating legitimately."

Omega and Illavera let out a relieved sigh.

Laura perked up and blinked in surprise, "Wait. A tournament?"

.

*Team Rocket

"To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie said happily as she stepped out of a dressing room in a blue dress as well as a jeweled necklace and earrings. She stepped back into the room.

"To unite all peoples within our nation." James said, downtrodden, as he and Meowth each tossed out flower petals from a sack. He had on his zip-up blue jacket over his uniform without his gloves.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie said again as she appeared in a different outfit. This routine continued as such.

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie!"

"James…"

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight…"

The Scratch Cat sighed and mumbled, "Meowth. Dat's right."

Growlie stood guard by the rest of the bags and watched Jessie curiously. He tensed up once when she walked out in an outfit that made her resemble Jessebelle even more than usual; right down to the hair curls. His nerves went away when she reappeared in something different with her hair back to normal.

After the tRio- uh quaRtet?

After Team Rocket gathered up everything and Jessie put her red hoody back on, they made their way to the local park. The guys sat around on a loan bench in a wide area as Jessie rummaged through the bags on the ground.

Jessie smiled as she searched through the bags, "All of these deals at such low prices. It almost feels like we really did steal them. And, to think, we're only just getting started."

Meowth sweat dropped and mumbled, "Shoulda guessed."

James sighed before looking at his Fire-type sadly, "I'm sorry for getting you roped into this Growlie. I really had no clue this boring Princess Festival was coming up."

Growlie looked at him and smiled, "I don't mind. As long as I get to stay with you, I'm fine with whatever." He looked at Jessie, "Besides, she's a lot less pushy than Jessebelle."

Meowth flinched and looked at the Puppy Pokémon in shock, 'Seriously?!'

James looked at Meowth in surprise, "What'd he say?"

Meowth perked up and looked at James, "Uh, stuff about how he's happy ta be with ya again." 'Probably best that Jessie doesn't hear the pushy thing.'

Growlie nodded with a smile; tail wagging.

James smiled softly and petted Growlie, "I'm happy to have you back too, pal. I really missed you."

Growlie propped himself up against James and started licking his face.

James laughed and tried to push him back, "Cut it out, Growlie. I told you that tickles."

Jessie glanced back at them and couldn't help but crack a soft smile.

Some bushes started rustling. The four of them perked up and looked over as a lickitung appeared from them.

.

*Food Court; moments earlier

The group -currently not including Ash- sat around an outdoor round table at the food court. Misty sat across from the others. Brock and Soot each sat in a chair, and Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra sat on the table.

The Water Trainer had numerous plates loaded with desserts in front of her.

"Oh, it all looks so good!" Misty said excitedly before taking a bite from one of the ice cream sundaes.

Misty perked up in surprise when she saw that Brock only had a drink and something from a fast-food place. The Pokémon each had a bowl of food, a small dessert item, and a drink.

The Cerulean Trainer swallowed before looking around, "That's all you guys are having?"

Brock smiled sadly, "Yeah. Guys still have to pay full price." He perked up when he saw a blue-haired waitress walk behind Misty.

Soot sighed, "And it turns out the deals are all exclusive to humans. I guess grandma paying for everything meant more than I thought."

Misty sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly, "Oh. Sorry."

"Excuse me, miss."

Everyone perked up in surprise and looked over to find Brock kneeling down in front of the waitress.

Electra stared in shock and looked back and forth between her trainer and his seat, 'How did he get there so fast?!'

Brock smiled, "Would you allow me to be your prince on this princess day?"

Misty and Soot sweat dropped.

The girl giggled, "Oh, that is so cute." Brock tensed up as she continued, "When you grow up big and strong, you'll meet a nice girl." She walked away.

Brock stared at where she was blankly before groaning and slumping forward. He walked back over to take his seat and laid his head on the table.

Pikachu walked over to him and patted his head sympathetically, "Better luck next time."

Soot snickered before perking up as her nose twitched. She looked over and smiled, "Dad's back."

Everyone followed her gaze to find Ash approaching with a tray and drink in hand. Ash placed everything down before taking his seat.

Clefairy smiled at him, "How'd it go?"

Ash smiled sheepishly, "Well, I got my answers. But everyone else there kept giving me freaked out, jealous, or angry looks."

Soot snickered, "So you one-upped all the body builders without trying."

Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "W- well ... I wouldn't say all of them." He straightened up and looked around at the others, "Turns out my new leisure limit is a hundred pounds, and my full effort limit hits around two hundred-ten. I guess Hammer Arm, Kangaskhan, and Nidoking helped a lot more than I thought." He grabbed his drink and started sipping.

Brock sat back up as he, Misty, and Soot stared at Ash in surprise, "Woah."

Electra blinked in confusion before looking at Pikachu and Clefairy, "Is that a lot?"

Pikachu scratched the side of his head, "I, uh … I think so."

Clefairy shrugged, "It sounds like a big number."

Soot looked at the Mouse and Fairy Pokémon, "One hundred is just over what a marowak weighs and two-ten is about how much a garchomp weighs."

The three of them perked up and looked at Ash in surprise, "Woah."

Misty perked up upon realizing something before raising a brow, "Wait, leisure limit?"

Ash looked at her, "Yeah. The amount of weight I can carry without really putting in effort. Last time I checked, before this, it was just over sixty pounds."

Soot smirked and raised a brow, "How else could he manage to carry Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders on a daily basis? The two of them weigh around forty pounds together."

Misty blinked before she and Brock shared a surprised look. They looked back at Ash.

"I actually never thought about that." Brock said.

"Yeah, me neither." Misty followed. She noticed something off to the side before smiling and pointing at it, "Hey! Look over there!"

Everyone else followed her gaze.

Soot raised a brow, "Fiorella Cappuccino? Never really seen his work."

Nuevo: … *glares at Ohirume* You made that name up.

Ohirume: Nope. Completely canon.

Seishin: And I wish I could take credit for that.

Clefairy perked up and looked at Soot in surprise, "Wait. The human on that sign is male?"

Ash and Soot jerked as they struggled to hold back a laugh.

"No, not that one." Misty said before pointing, "The one next to it. About the big sale at the mall."

They all looked again and found the right sign.

Soot sweat dropped and mumbled, "clothes shopping?"

Brock frowned.

Ash glanced at them before looking at Electra and smiling. "What if we split up again?" Ash said -catching everyone else's attention- before looking at Brock and Soot, "I have a place in mind that I think Electra might like. You two can take her there." He looked at Misty, "And I can take care of the bags."

Electra looked at Ash in confusion, "Huh?"

Soot perked up and looked at Misty with a smile, "Yeah. I know the place he's talking about. I can show them the way."

Brock caught on and smiled at Misty, "If you don't mind."

Misty rolled her eyes while smiling softly, "Alright, sure. I guess it's Electra's day too." She glanced at Ash and grinned, "Besides, with that kind of strength, Ash'll be all the help I need."

Ash sweat dropped with a nervous smile, "well, you're not wrong."

.

*Other OCs

Omega, Illavera, and Laura sat on a bench and lounged around. Faux sat on the ground behind them with his eyes closed and in a meditative position.

Illavera and Laura's bags were nowhere to be seen.

Faux perked up and looked back at them, "Okay, now we can go to the food court."

Illavera stood up and raised a fist excitedly, "Yes!"

.

*Brock, Soot, and Electra

After splitting from the others, the trio made their way down one of the malls many halls. Electra looked around curiously as they passed all of the different stores.

"Soot?"

The three of them perked up in surprise and looked over. They found a woman with white hair and blue eyes standing in front of a salon and staring at them in surprise.

Soot blinked in surprise, "Jasmine?"

Jasmine smiled, "It is you." She hurried over and crouched down to hug the Dark-type by the head, "Oh, it's been so long." She let go and looked around, "Is Delia with you?"

Soot smiled sadly, "Sorry. 'Fraid not. Dad and I started our journey a while back and we're here with some friends we've been traveling with. Speaking of," She nudged her head back towards the breeder and Electric-type, "These two are Brock and Electra. Brock's a licensed Gym Leader who's training as a breeder, and Electra's a human fanatic." She looked up at Brock; still smiling, "Brock, Electra, this is Jasmine. The salon's owner and a friend of grandma's."

Brock smiled and raised a hand, "It's nice to meet you, miss."

Electra raised a paw happily, "Pika!"

Jasmine smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you too." She moved closer to Brock and petted Electra, "And aren't you just the cutest little thing. "

Electra smiled happily from the pets.

The salon owner smiled and looked down at Soot, "I don't suppose you're here for a makeover?"

Soot rolled her eyes while smiling, "Very funny. We were heading somewhere else when you saw us."

Jasmine smiled, "Well, I'm happy I spotted you, then." She raised a brow, "Though, where are you heading?"

"To the-" Soot stopped and perked up before looking up at Electra. She frowned, "um." She looked up at Jasmine again, "Could you kneel down? It's supposed to be a surprise for Electra. I don't want her to overhear."

Electra looked at Soot in surprise before pouting. Jasmine kneeled down and turned her ear towards the Dark-type. Soot moved closer and whispered something.

The salon owner perked up before frowning, "Oh." She faced Soot, "They moved to a different part of the mall a few months ago. The old location's a deli now."

Electra blinked in surprise, "Deli?"

Soot blinked in surprise before deadpanning, "Oh. Well crag."

Brock rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Well, better we find out now than when we get there." He looked at Jasmine, "Do you know where it is now?"

Jasmine stood back up and nodded, "Yup. You are heading the right way, for the most part." She pointed in the direction they were heading in the first place, "Just take a right at the fork, instead of a left, and you should see it on your right soon enough."

Brock, Electra, and Soot followed her gaze before the Dark-type smiled, "Sweet." She looked back up at the owner, "Thanks for the heads up."

Jasmine smiled, "You're welcome." She perked up upon realizing something, "Oh! One thing before you go." She hurried back into the salon.

Brock and Electra looked at Soot in confusion. The Bite Pokémon looked back and shrugged.

Jasmine reemerged a moment later and held out a small black disk with rounded edges to Electra, "Here. We were handing these out anyway."

Electra blinked in surprise, "Huh?" She took the disk and started examining it curiously, "What is it?"

Brock smiled, "Open it."

Electra looked at him in surprise before finding a notch and opening the case. She gasped and her eyes lit up when she saw two of her reflection staring back, "Tiny mirrors!"

Jasmine smiled, "I thought you might like it."

Electra smiled brightly, "So insane!" She looked at Jasmine happily, "Thank you!"

Soot smiled and translated before looking up at the salon owner, "It was nice seeing you again, Jasmine."

Jasmine smiled and crouched down to pet her, "Likewise. Be sure to tell Delia 'hi' for me next time you're home."

Soot grinned, "You got it."

With that, the trio continued through the mall.

Electra smiled happily as she looked over the mirrors, "This is so cool. I can't believe they make mirrors this small." She looked upwards dreamily, "And to think there's still more. I can't wait!"

Soot chuckled and looked ahead; still smiling, "Well, wait's over. We're almost there."

Electra perked up and looked at Soot, "Really?" She put the mirror in the side pocket of her bag before looking around, "Which one is-" She tensed up when her trainer placed a hand over her eyes, "Ah! Brock, what are you-"

Brock smiled, "Sorry. No peaking. It'll ruin the surprise."

Electra pouted and grumbled.

"Here we are." Soot said happily.

Brock moved his hand away and Electra shied away slightly from the light coming into view. She blinked a bit before looking ahead. Her eyes widened in pure awe.

All around were various human-maid objects; some of which she even recognized. Microwaves, sinks, gigantic boxes with a pair of doors on them, something that looked like a huge microwave with the window higher up, and so many more that she didn't even know how to describe.

The Mouse Pokémon started looking around rapidly; eyes sparkling, "Wha- what is this place?! Where are we?!"

Soot smirked, "Electra, welcome to the appliance store."

.

*Ash, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Misty

The male trainer, Electric-type, and Fairy-type sat at a large couch with a wide variety of bags around them. Misty's backpack with the egg inside sat between Pikachu and Ash. Misty was currently caught up in a scuffle with the other shoppers at a large clothes bin.

Pikachu stared at the rumble warily and sweat dropped, "Should we help Misty, or…"

Ash sweat dropped, "I think it's better that we don't, in this case. You don't wanna get between a bargain hunter and a good deal." He glanced to the side, "Or, at least, that's what mom told me."

Clefairy frowned uncomfortably, "If you're sure…" She looked around, perked up upon noticing something, and pointed, "Is that Team Rocket?"

The guys looked at her in surprise before following her gaze. They found James, Meowth, and Growlie sitting at a couch on the other side of the room with a handful of bags as well.

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Huh … yeah, that's them."

Ash looked back at the bargain bin, "And there's Jessie."

The shoulder riders looked as well and found the female Rocket in a tug-of-war match with Misty.

Clefairy looked up at Ash, "Should we do something?"

Ash frowned and raised a brow, "I, uh ... I'm not really sure yet. It doesn't seem like they've done anything wro-" He stopped and flinched as the girls each brought out a pokéball, "Okay, now might be a good time to interfere."

The trainer gathered up all of the bags before running over to them. Pikachu and Clefairy followed. James, Meowth, and Growlie ran over to the girls as well.

Growlie looked at Ash before smiling; tail wagging, "Hey. It's-" He stopped and tensed up.

'Growlie, dey ain't our friends. Dey're da enemy.'

The Puppy Pokémon shook his head and mumbled, "Right. Bad guys." He glared at Ash and crouched down, "You again, Phantom!"

Pikachu and Clefairy flinched slightly.

Growlie looked up at James, "Like that, right?"

James smiled and gave a thumbs up. Growlie smiled back.

Ash looked at Meowth, "So you told him how things normally work between us?"

Meowth nodded, "Yup." He perked up before raising a brow, "Wait. Where's ya kid, da squinting twoip, and dat girl pikachu?"

"At a different store." Ash responded matter-of-factly.

"Hm. I'll take that."

Everyone looked over as another woman came by and took the article of clothing that Misty and Jessie were fighting over.

The girls stared in shock, "Huh?!" They both glared at her, "Hey, that's mine!"

The woman turned back to glare at them angrily and spoke in a cold tone, "Come again?"

The pair flinched and sweat dropped.

Misty waved her hands defensively, "S- sorry. My mistake."

Jessie smiled nervously, "That would look … great on you. I- I'm sure of it."

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Wow. You weren't kidding about that hunter thing."

Ash blinked in surprise as well, "Yeah. But, gotta be honest, I thought mom was exaggerating a bit."

Attention Princess Festival shoppers. Attention Princess Festival shoppers.

Everyone perked up in surprise as the person on the PA system continued, In just a few minutes, we will be holding the main event of this year's Princess Festival. 'The Queen of the Princess Festival' Contest.

Misty and Jessie perked up in surprise, "Contest?"

"Oh yeah." Ash muttered, "I forgot about that."

The prize for the contest winner will be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind collection of Pokémon Princess Dolls.

The Cerulean Trainer and Rocket agent's eyes widened, "Princess Dolls?!"

The guys and Clefairy jerked and looked at them in confusion.

And, in addition, the winner will have her picture taken with screen sensation Fiorello Cappuccino.

Everyone flinched when a round of cheers and squealing rang out. They looked back and grimaced at the oncoming stampede of shoppers heading towards the door; on a collision course with everyone except Misty and Jessie.

Ash tightened his grip on the bags, Pikachu and Clefairy grabbed onto his head, and the trainer jumped out of the way of the stampede. Growlie turned and tackled James out of the way. Meowth wasn't as lucky.

Ash skidded to a halt before looking at where they all went, "Geez."

Clefairy sighed in relief, "That was close."

James sighed in relief before petting his Fire-type, "Thanks Growlie."

Growlie smiled as his tail wagged.

Meowth groaned as he laid on the ground; covered in footprints.

Jessie smirked and glanced at Misty, "Say, twerpette, why don't we use the contest to resolve our little dispute?"

Misty glanced back with a determined glare, "And the winner gets to keep the doll collection?"

Jessie grinned, "Fine by me."

The pair hurried out of the store.

James blinked in confusion, "Wait, what? Weren't they fighting over that thing the other woman took? And what do those dolls have to do with it?"

Ash sweat dropped, "I honestly don't know either."

Meowth just groaned again.

.

*Back with Brock, Soot, and Electra

Mere moments after they entered the store, Electra started running around excitedly, looking at everything in sight in pure awe, and asking Brock and Soot everything about them. She was having the time of her life. So much so that she didn't even mind the klink themed rubber seals that a cashier made her wear.

Brock, Soot, and an attendant stayed close to help lift her up to or open something, translate, and get permission for said opening; respectively. Though, the attendant wasn't nearly as 'into it' as the breeder or Bite Pokémon were.

Eventually, Electra tired herself out and fell asleep on a vacuum bag. Brock picked her up, returned the seals, and ended up buying some newer utensils to make up for letting his Electric-type explore the place.

Right now, Brock and Soot were heading back to the store where they split from everyone else. Electra was napping on her back in Brock's arms with a blissful smile on her face and her backpack laying on her stomach.

Brock and Soot rounded the corner-

"Move it!"

"Sorry!"

The pair flinched and moved aside as a pair of familiar faces ran past. Electra jerked awake and sat up; knocking her backpack away in the process. Soot noticed and quickly caught it by the strap. Soot handed it to Brock who handed it to Electra.

Electra sighed in relief and put her bag back on, "Thanks." She climbed back up to Brock's backpack.

Brock stared down the hall in surprise, "Was that Misty and Jessie?"

Soot raised a brow while looking in the same direction, "Yeah…"

"Guys!"

The trio looked back at where the pair came from and found Ash, James, and Growlie walking towards them. Ash had all of Misty's bags -including her actual backpack- in hand, and Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders. James also had a cluster of bags and boxes in his arms. Growlie ran alongside his trainer with an unconscious Meowth lying on his back.

Soot snorted as she tried to hold back a laugh upon seeing Meowth.

Ash stopped in front of them and smiled, "Hey. How was it?"

Electra smiled brightly, "Awesome!"

Soot looked up at him, "Also, we ran into Jasmine." She looked back at where Misty went, "So, uh, what was that about?"

.

*Contest

After a quick explanation, the group made their way to the 'Queen of the Princess Festival' contest. Cheering fans could be seen and heard all around in the stands.

The group had already gotten their tickets and met up with Misty to drop off her shopping bags in the dressing room the contest gave her. At this point, they were heading up to their seats next to-

Brock perked up and smiled, "Oh, hey. It's you again."

Illavera tensed up and looked at them in surprise.

Omega's eye twitched, 'Rob. Go to Yvel.' He looked at them, "Oh, hey. Didn't expect us to get seats so close to each other."

Soot smiled, "I know, right? Talk about a coincidence."

Illavera sweat dropped, "Y- yeah … coincidence."

Ash looked at the others in surprise, "You know them?"

Pikachu smiled and nodded, "We ran into them before meeting you at the food court."

Clefairy nodded, "Yeah. And they had this other friend named Tom who looked just like you."

Electra smiled happily and raised a paw, "He was a doppelganger!"

Soot translated for the others.

Ash chuckled, "Yeah. It happens." He held out a hand to the teen while smiling, "Ash Ketchum. Nice to meet you."

Omega shook his hand, "Zeke Kagari. Likewise."

Illavera smiled nervously and waved, "H- Haruka Kaina. Hi there."

The trainer, breeder, and Dark-type each took their seats. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down to sit in Ash's lap and Electra in Brock's. Ash passed Misty's bag over to Soot who pulled it closer with a forepaw.

Brock looked at the pair, "So where are Tom and Laura, anyway?"

Omega propped his head up with his arm as it laid on the armrest, "We got separated in the crowd and they ended up getting seats farther away from us." 'And now I know why.'

Ash frowned, "Too bad. I would've like to meet-"

Wow! What a crowd! The announcer said over the loudspeaker.

Soot smiled, "Hey, it's starting."

Everyone perked up and looked down at the stage.

It certainly looks like quite a Princess Festival competition this year! He continued before looking at the man next to him in the announcer box, Doesn't it Fiorello?

Fiorello smiled, Yes. It's very exciting.

The first guy spoke again, And the winner of our contest must be as poised as a jynx, sing as serenely as a jigglypuff, and possess the charm and grace of an oddish.

Everyone in the group sweat dropped.

Now let's meet our Princess Festival contestants!

The curtain slowly began to rise from the stage.

As it did, Illavera blinked in confusion, "Jynx, jigglypuff, and oddish…" She looked at Omega, "F- Tom didn't, uh… let you borrow his Pokédex, did he?"

Omega sighed, "Nope."

Ash looked at her before reaching around, pulling out his Pokédex, and handing it to Omega, "Here. You guys can borrow mine."

The duo looked at him in surprise, "Huh?"

"You're really okay with that?" Illavera asked.

Ash shrugged; still smiling, "Sure. Just be sure to give it back when you're done."

Omega cracked a small smile before taking the device, "Thanks." He handed it to Illavera.

The girl smiled as she took the dex, "Sweet." She opened it, found the audio receiver, and said, "Jynx."

The screen lit up as the Pokémon's image appeared, Jynx, the Human Shape Pokémon. An Ice and Psychic-type and the evolved form of Smoochum. Jynx is known for expressing it's many and varied feelings by dancing around in graceful and rhythmical motions.

Illavera blinked in surprise, "Huh." She spoke into the device again, "Jigglypuff." 'Couldn't hurt to see what it says.'

The Balloon Pokémon's image appeared, Jigglypuff, the Balloon Pokémon. A Normal and Fairy-type and the evolved form of Igglybuff. It has large friendly eyes and sings a pleasant song.

Omega sweat dropped, 'Igglybuff? Really?'

"Oddish." Illavera said for a third time.

Oddish, the Weed Pokémon. A Grass and Poison-type. This Pokémon is typically found roaming the forest, scattering pollen as it walks around.

Illavera sweat dropped, 'Still gotta get used to the sentient plants.' She looked at Ash, "So these oddish guys are charming and graceful?"

Omega looked at him as well, "Yeah, and the jynx thing. How are they poised if they dance around so much?"

Ash sweat dropped, "Yeah, I'm kind of at a loss too."

Soot shrugged, "He might've been doing it ironically."

The curtain finally finished rising. Sixteen girls in kimono's and various crowns stood on the stage. Misty and Jessie could be seen among them.

Clefairy smiled excitedly, "Woah! Look at Misty! She looks so pretty!"

Electra's smiled brightly as her tail wagged, "So insane!"

Well, we certainly seem to have a lovely group of young ladies assembled this year! Don't you agree Fiorello?!

Yes. Fiorello responded, They're off the rail-a.

Omega groaned and mumbled, "Off the rail-a?"

Soot sweat dropped, "Yeah, he really could've thought that through a little."

Omega and Pikachu snickered. The two guys perked up in surprise and shared a confused look.

And now let's all take a look at the special prize they'll be competing for!

Everyone looked over as a three-tier platform rose up on a second stage with various Pokémon dolls dressed in ceremonial garb. The topmost layer had a pikachu and clefairy, the middle had a charmander, squirtle, and bulbasaur, and the lowest layer had a jynx, jigglypuff, chansey, poliwhirl, and what was either a bipedal slowpoke or a slowbro without a shellder.

There's no other like it in the world! It's unique, it's antique, it's a beautiful, handmade, custom-crafted, one-of-a-kind, luxury Pokémon Princess Doll set! Batteries sold separately.

The crowd and contestants erupted into cheer.

Ash blinked in surprise, "Woah. High stakes, this year."

Illavera blinked in surprise too, "Yeah. Those things must be expensive."

Clefairy smiled brightly, "So pretty!"

Electra smiled as well, "Yeah!"

Pikachu sweat dropped, "I guess."

Now, contestants, prepare your Pokémon!

Some of the contestants perked up in confusion.

You heard it right! The Festival contest winner must also be a skill trainer!

Fiorello gestured ahead, The contestants will be matched up as such.

A screen lit up below the announcer box; causing the crowd to look back. It depicted two tournament brackets side-by-side with pictures of the sixteen contestants at each starting tier. The brackets were labelled 'I' and 'II'.

The rules are simple, The main announcer said yet again, The Contestants are broken up into two divisions and will compete in a series of two-on-two battles up until the finals! However, you may only use up to four Pokémon throughout the course of the tournament!

Some of the girls on stage frowned and shared a worried look.

Illavera stared in shock, "W- wait. Were the contestants not informed about this before signing up?"

Brock smiled, "Well that's on them for not doing their research. This tournament has been a tradition of the Princess Festival for decades."

Soot snickered, "That and a requirement for entering is having a trainer license."

Omega looked at her with a raised brow, "And you know that how?"

Ash smirked, "Soot tried entering once."

Soot grumbled as her ears drooped, "So unfair."

Illavera blinked in surprise, "Huh." She looked down at the stage, 'I guess now I know why Laura couldn't enter.'

.

*Faux and Laura

Faux -still in Kalo- uh, human form- blinked in surprise as he looked up at the announcer box and mumbled, "I didn't expect the rules to be this different."

Pike: I know, right?

Laura grumbled, "This is so unfair. Last I checked, a Secondary Holder could enter small tournaments like this."

'Tom' sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly, "Yeah, but that program doesn't exist in this world. The attendant thought your license was fake, remember?"

Laura pouted sourly, "Well that didn't stop us from entering the P1 Grand Prix." She glanced to the side before perking up in surprise, "Hey, what's Misty doing?"

Faux followed her gaze. The Water-type trainer was currently walking up the stairs towards Ash and co.

The disguised zoroark smiled, "Oh right. She's gonna ask Trix and Brock to let her borrow some of their teams for the tournament." He looked up thoughtfully, "If I remember correctly, she ends up borrowing Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and … right, Vulpix."

Laura counted to three on her fingers before looking at Faux in confusion, "Wait, that's only three."

Faux nodded, "Yeah. Her fourth ends up being Psyduck. His whole 'bust out at the worst time' thing, remember?"

"Oh right." Laura said with a nod.

Gem: Although, she was planning to use Staryu instead of Psyduck.

Pike: What? She said she was-

.

*Group

Pike: -gonna use Starmie.

Gem: But she called out Staryu when-

Seishin: And this is exactly why that part's on PokéSins.

Omega glanced at Misty, 'So that's it.'

Illavera sweat dropped, 'Seems kind of cheap.'

When Misty finally reached the others, Soot raised a brow at her, "Everything alright, Mist?"

Misty nodded, "Yeah. I just need you all to do something for me."

Brock stared in confusion, "What is it?"

"Can you guys," Misty said before holding out a pokéball, "hold on to Psyduck for me?"

Pike and Gem: Huh?!

Omega and Illavera perked up and looked at the girl in surprise.

Ash blinked in surprise, "Um … sure." He raised a brow, "But do you mind if I ask why?"

Misty smiled, "Well he found out how to break out of his pokéball before, remember? I don't really wanna risk the same thing happening when a battle starts."

Pikachu smiled and pointed at her, "Good call."

Brock smiled and took the ball, "We'll keep him out of trouble."

"Thanks." Misty said before smirking determinedly while clenching a fist, "Wish me luck!" She hurried back down the staircase.

Clefairy and Electra smiled happily and waved, "Good luck!"

.

*Faux and Laura

The pair stared in surprise as Misty ran back down the stairs.

Faux blinked; still staring, "Didn't see that coming."

.

**Short Skip**

Misty and a brunette in a yellow dress stood on either side of the battlefield.

The referee walked over to a platform next to the battlefield and held a microphone to his mouth, "This Battle will be between Misty Waterflower of Cerulean City and Roze Kisikil of HopHopHop Town! Both sides may use up to two Pokémon, but no substitutes will be permitted! Any Pokémon returned without the use of a Move or Ability will be deemed unable to battle for the duration of the match! The battle will be decided when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue! Are the rules clear?!"

Roze and Misty nodded. Though, the former had begun sweating nervously.

'Okay.' Misty thought, 'Pretty straightforward ruleset. No substitutes allowed.' She smiled, 'Luckily, I'm already used to that.'

Roze gulped, 'Seriously?! I have to face a Sensational Sister first round?!' She perked up and raised a brow in confusion, 'Wait, Misty? I thought there were only three.'

Up in the stands, Omega sweat dropped, 'Roze Kisikil? She's named after a Sky Striker Ace and a Live/Evil Twin? Freaking Yvel, Rob.'

Ohirume: I had to come up with a name, alright?

"Then" The referee called out with a hand in the air. He brought it down forcefully, "Begin!"

The starting bell rung.

Roze tossed a pokéball, "Go Kingler!"

Misty tossed a ball as well, "Goldeen! Go for it!"

The Pincer and Goldfish Pokémon appeared in a flash and landed on either side of the battlefield. Goldeen, however, started flopping on the ground.

Kingler blinked in surprise before taking on a cocky expression. His trainer smiled.

And for our first battle in the eastern division, it's Goldeen vs. Kingler! But, what's this?! It looks like Goldeen can't move! The poor Pokémon seems to be helpless against its fellow Water-type.

Misty smirked, 'That's what you think.'

Roze smiled determinedly, "This battle's mine!" She pointed ahead, "Kingler! Get in close and use Vice Grip!"

Misty held out a hand; still smirking, "Dodge! Then Horn Attack!"

Goldeen's eyes narrowed determinedly, "On it!"

Kingler brandished his larger claw and charged towards Goldeen. Goldeen flopped into the air forcefully as the Vice Grip struck the ground. The Goldfish repositioned herself and dove straight towards Kingler with her horn pointing ahead.

Kingler grimaced as the attack struck him in the forehead and stumbled back.

Misty held up a hand, "Aqua Ring!"

As Goldeen fell back to the ground, she flapped her fins slightly. Misty's opponent stared in shock as three large rings of water appeared around the opposing Water-type and held it in place upon reaching the ground.

Roze stared in shock, "Wh- what the Yvel?"

Misty smirked and raised a finger, "Stationary-style Aqua Ring. Heals the user and can carry them at the same time."

Wow! Look at that folks! The announcer cried out, With just one move, contestant Misty has found a way to both fix her goldeen's flopping problem and heal it as the battle resumes! Talk about impressive!

Fiorello smiled, Such creativity.

Misty sweat dropped, 'It's all Goldeen's doing.'

Roze glared, "Well if you're just gonna heal, I'll have to hit harder!" She held up a hand, "Kingler! Use Rain Dance!"

Misty and Goldeen perked up in surprise before deadpanning, "What?"

Kingler held his larger claw into the air as a ball of water formed in the opening. The ball shot into the sky, storm clouds started forming, and rain began pouring onto the battlefield.

Better get your umbrellas, everyone! Because a heavy rain has begun pouring on the battlefield!

Illavera looked around at the stands before sweat dropping, "It's not even reaching that far."

The brunette smirked cockily, "Hah! Now my Water-type attacks will be even stronger! What do you have to say about that?!"

Misty and Goldeen sweat dropped and shared a look.

The Water-type trainer sighed and pointed ahead, "Horn Attack."

Before Kingler could move a muscle, Goldeen shot forward like a missile and struck him clean in the face with her horn.

"King!" The Water-type cried out before stumbling back. He fell flat on the ground with his eyes swirling.

Roze flinched, "Kingler!"

The ref held a hand towards Kingler with the microphone in his other hand, "Kingler is unable to battle!"

The announcer smiled, And in an astonishing upset Goldeen steals the win from Kingler! It looks like Swift Swim gave contestant Misty just the edge she needed!

Roze grimaced, 'Swift Swim?! Oh crag!' She shook it off and held out a pokéball, "Kingler, return!"

The brunette's Water-type disappeared into the red beam. Roze pulled out another pokéball and threw it, "Now Pinsir!"

Misty tensed up and grimaced as the Bug-type appeared on the opposing side.

Goldeen frowned and looked back at her trainer worriedly, "Uh oh."

And with Kingler defeated, Pinsir takes its place! How will Misty fare against this Pokémon?!

Misty stared at the Bug-type apprehensively and gulped. The rain slowed to a trickle before ceasing.

"Misty!" Goldeen shouted while looking back at her.

The Cerulean girl snapped out of it and looked at her Pokémon. Goldeen smiled with a determined glare.

Misty blinked in surprise before smirking, "Right. Don't over think it." She looked at Roze and clenched a fist, "We're not giving up!"

Goldeen glared at Pinsir determinedly, "What she said!"

Pinsir glared back determinedly and took up her fighting stance, "Fine by me!"

Roze blinked in confusion, 'What the Yvel was that about?'

"Begin!" The ref called out.

Roze snapped out of it and called out, "Pinsir! Double Hit!"

Misty pointed at Pinsir, "Ice Beam!"

Pinsir's arms lit up pink as she broke into a sprint towards Goldeen. In response, the tip of Goldeen's horn lit up blue. She aimed and fired a series of blue bolts at the Stag Beetle Pokémon.

"PIN!" The Bug-type cried out as the attack struck and engulfed her in a haze.

Roze grimaced, "Pinsir!"

The haze faded to reveal Pinsir frozen solid. She could be seen looking around in a panic.

"Horn Attack!" Misty called out.

Goldeen shot forward from her Aqua Rings again and struck Pinsir in the chest with her horn. The ice shattered on impact and Pinsir was thrown back. The Bug-type crashed against the ground.

"Sir…" The Stag Beetle groaned with her eyes swirling.

Goldeen set up another Aqua Ring and blinked in surprise, 'That went faster than expected.'

The referee raised a hand, "Pinsir is unable to battle!" He held a hand towards Misty, "The winner of this round is Misty Waterflower!"

Roze slumped forward sorrowfully, "Aww."

Misty pumped a fist happily, "Alright!" She ran closer and crouched down to pet the Goldfish Pokémon; minding the horn, "Way to go, Goldeen. You were awesome."

Goldeen smiled and nuzzled her back.

And with some quick thinking and a powerful Ice Beam, contestant Misty takes the win! Truly a magnificent performance from this young trainer!

Simply stunning. Fiorello's voice followed.

Misty's eye twitched as she glanced at the announcer box harshly, "Y'know, they could stand to give you some of the credit."

Goldeen looked at Misty in surprise.

Misty noticed and looked at her in confusion, "Is everything alright, Goldeen?"

The Water-type smiled softly and nuzzled up against her again, "Yeah."

.

*Jessie

Jessie -back in her street clothes 'disguise'- held out a hand while smirking, "Now Flame Wheel!"

Growlie sighed before inhaling. He front flipped while spewing fire and shot towards the opposing primeape.

The Pig Monkey could do nothing as the attack struck him in the chest and threw him back. He crashed against the ground and laid there with his eyes swirling.

"Oh no, my primeape!" Jessie's opponent cried out.

"Primeape is unable to battle!" The ref said before gesturing to Jessie, "So the round goes to Jessica Rochelle."

Meowth smirked as he stood next to James, 'Thank badness for fake IDs.'

And with a ferocious Flame Wheel, Jessica takes the win and advances to the next round of the western division!

Jessie threw up a fist determinedly, "Woo Hoo! I'm going all the way to the top!"

"Way to go, Growlie!" James called out happily from the sidelines.

Growlie smiled before running past Jessie and over to James, and then looked up at his trainer happily, "How'd I do?"

Meowth translated. He glanced to the side, 'Gonna have to get used to this.'

James smiled, crouched down, and petted his Fire-type, "You did great out there, Growlie. Nice work."

Growlie smiled, pounced James, and started licking him excitedly.

"Growlie!" James laughed as he struggled, "Come on! We've been over this!"

.

**Time Skip**

The rest of the rounds came and went seamlessly. Misty and Jessie's teams managed to win battle after battle with relative ease.

Staryu shot down a fearow with Ice Beam and pelted them into submission with Swift. Horsea faced off against a tangela and pulled through with a series of Ice Beams and Signal Beams. And Starmie managed to take the quickest win by using Hydro Pump to wash away a graveler in one shot.

Arbok managed to Wrap up a machoke and chip away their stamina with Bites and point-blank Poison Stings. Weezing faced off with a parasect and scored the finishing blow with Smog. And Growlie's repeated use of Dig and near undodgeable Heat Waves took down a drowzee in no time.

Now the contest was down to the finals. Time for Misty and Jessie to face off in a final four-on-four battle.

But first, a short intermission.

Misty called the rest of the group down to her dressing room. She hadn't told them why yet.

"Come on out!" Misty called out while tossing four Pokéballs into the air.

Horsea, Staryu, and Starmie appeared on the ground before the Dragon Pokémon fell forward and grumbled. Goldeen appeared higher off the ground and formed her Aqua Ring immediately. Staryu and Starmie rushed over to Horsea and helped him into the healing Water-type move.

A green flash caught the attention of the Water-types. They looked over to find their trainer in vaporeon form. Brock was further back in pikachu form with Electra standing next to him. Ash remained human with Pikachu on his shoulder, Soot and Clefairy next to him, and Misty's backpack in his arms.

Horsea blinked in surprise, "Is everything alright, Misty?"

Misty sat down and nodded, "Yeah. Don't worry. I just thought we should talk strategy for the finals."

"Really?" Starmie asked in confusion, "But we've been doing really well so far."

"Also, aren't we up against Team Rocket?" Staryu asked while sweat dropping, "I think we already have a pretty good idea of what we're up against."

Misty smiled sadly, "Well sure. But I'd rather stay on the safe side."

Soot sweat dropped, "You must really want that doll set if you're being this careful."

Misty tensed up before glancing away with her ears drooping, "yeah…"

Ash, Soot, Brock, and the shoulder riders frowned and shared a look before moving over to Misty.

Electra placed a paw on the Bubble Jet Pokémon's shoulder, "Are you sure everything's okay, Misty?"

Brock smiled softly, "You know you can tell us if something's bothering you."

Misty smiled sadly and glanced away, "It's nothing. Just something silly."

Ash sat down next to her and smiled kindly, "Then what's the harm in telling us?" He placed a hand on her back, "We're not gonna laugh."

Clefairy smiled, "We promise."

Pikachu nodded; smiling as well and still on Ash's shoulder, "Yeah."

Soot smirked, "Unless it's really embarrassing."

Ash glanced at her harshly, "Soot…"

Soot sighed and rolled her eyes, "Fine. I'll behave." She smiled and sat down, "We're all ears, Mist."

Goldeen smiled as all of the girl's Water-types nodded, "Yeah."

Misty looked around at them before chuckling softly, "You guys are just too much, sometimes." She looked downwards; still smiling, "I wasn't kidding when I said it's something silly. Growing up, I never really had a Princess Doll set of my own. Whereas my sisters each had their own sets. The most I ever really got were their broken and worn out hand-me-downs."

Electra blinked while staring curiously, 'Hand-me-downs?'

The trainer Water-type perked up and smiled determinedly, "But now I have a chance to get my own, brand new set!"

Soot smirked, "And one-up your sisters, by the sound of it."

Misty glanced at the Bite Pokémon and smirked slyly, "Well, that too." She looked at her team and smiled sadly, "I guess that's why I'm being so careful. This feels important to me."

Goldeen and Horsea shared a look before glaring determinedly and nodding. Staryu and Starmie faced each other and nodded as well. All four looked back at their trainer.

Staryu pointed a spike at Misty, "Well, if it's important to you, then it's important to us too."

Starmie nodded, "What they said!"

Goldeen smiled, "We're here for you, Misty."

Horsea nodded with a determined glare, "We'll give it everything we've got and win this."

Pikachu whispered the translations to Ash.

Ash smiled determinedly and clenched a fist, "Same here."

Brock smiled, "We'll be right there to cheer you on the whole time."

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra smiled determinedly and nodded, "Yeah!"

Misty smiled softly and nodded, "Thanks." She looked back at her team and smiled determinedly, "Now, let's talk strateg-"

Everyone flinched when they heard a pokéball burst open. They all looked over to find Psyduck holding his head and staring at them blankly.

Misty's eye twitched, "Son of a glitch."

"PSY!" Psyduck cried out in shock before fainting.

Brock sweat dropped, "So, about Calm Mind-"

"I'll make it the next training session." Ash interrupted.

.

*Rockets; Jessie's dressing room

"But Growlie's a Fire-type!" James whined, "His attacks will hardly do anything against the twerpette's Water-types!"

Jessie glared, "Well, it's not like I have any other options! We both know Meowth is terrible at battles!" She perked up and looked at the Normal-type, "No offense."

Meowth put a paw to his mouth and called out, "None taken."

Jessie glared back at James, "I need more than just Arbok and Weezing! Growlie's our only real option!"

James frowned, "But-"

Meowth sighed as his teammates continued arguing before looking at Growlie who sat next to him, "Still likin' Jessie betta than Jessebelle?"

Growlie looked at the human in question, sweat dropped, and looked at Meowth, "She might be a little pushier than I thought, but she's still better than her. At least Jessie isn't ordering James to get rid of me or trying to train him to be more 'gentlemanly'." He said while using his forepaws to do air quotes.

Meowth grinned, "Ha. Well ya got me dere."

"If you have such a problem with it you should've said something!" Jessie blurted out.

"I did!" James retaliated, "You just ignored me and took his and Weezing's pokéballs anyway!"

"Well then you should've said something before that!"

.

*Final round!

Here we are everybody! The announcer called out, Our exciting and climactic finale of this Princess Festival tournament!

Fiorello smiled, Sí. Finals are fantastic-o.

Illavera perked up and looked at the announcer box in surprise, 'Did he just say 'sí'? I thought this world only had one human language.'

Gem: What? He was just saying 'yes' in a different way.

Luke: He has an accent.

Omega's eye twitched and he deadpanned while looking at the field, 'So, words in different languages are chalked up to 'accents' in Pokémon worlds.' He groaned internally, 'Freaking Yvel, Rob.'

Ash noticed and looked at them in confusion, "Are you guys alright?"

Illavera looked at him and smiled nervously, "Y- yeah."

Omega put a hand over his mouth and yawned, "We've just had a long day."

For our conclusion, The announcer continued, we have our eastern division champion, Misty Waterflower, facing off with our western division champion, Jessica Rochelle, with our Queen of the Princess Festival title on the line! Who will come out victorious?!

Jessie smirked cockily and crossed her arms while looking at Misty, "Obviously, that'll be me. You should just give up now, twerpette."

Misty glared, "Not happening. My team and I are winning this."

Jessie pouted sourly, 'Well it was worth a shot.'

The referee walked over to his platform and spoke into his microphone, "This Battle will be between Misty Waterflower of Cerulean City and Jessica Rochelle of Viridian City! Both sides may use up to four Pokémon, but no substitutes will be permitted! Any Pokémon returned without the use of a Move or Ability will be deemed unable to battle! The battle will be decided when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue! Are the rules clear?!"

The girls nodded and each brought out a pokéball.

"Then" The referee called out with a hand in the air. He brought it down forcefully, "Begin!"

The starting bell rung.

Jessie tossed her pokéball, "Go Arbok!"

Misty threw her pokéball as well, "Goldeen, let's do this!"

The pokéballs burst open as the Cobra Pokémon and Goldfish Pokémon emerged on the field. Goldeen set up her Aqua Rings the instant she appeared.

And the battle opens with Misty's goldeen and Jessie's arbok! And without even ordering it, Misty's goldeen has set up its signature Aqua Ring technique! That takes some impressive training, everyone!

Misty's eye twitched and she muttered, "Goldeen's the one who thought of it."

Jessie glared angrily and grumbled, "Steal my spotlight, will you." She pointed ahead, "Arbok! Get in there and Wrap that fish!"

Misty perked up and glared, "Goldeen! Rain Dance, then dodge!"

Arbok shot forward towards Goldeen. A ball of water formed at the tip of the Water-type's horn and shot into the sky. Storm clouds started forming immediately and it began to rain over the field. Arbok jumped forward to strike right as Goldeen shot out of the Aqua Ring and to the side.

Jessie's eyes widened in shock, "What?!"

Misty smirked, "Ice Beam!"

Goldeen pivoted with a pectoral fin before firing a series of blue bolts from her horn.

"Chabok!" Arbok cried out as the attack struck him in the back.

Misty shot a fist forward; still smirking, "Now Horn Attack!"

Goldeen quickly set up Aqua Ring before firing out of it again.

"Poison Sting!" Jessie shouted.

Misty and Goldeen's eyes widened as Arbok turned and fired a swarm of white needles at the approaching Goldfish Pokémon. Goldeen grimaced as she flew through the Poison-type attack, but continued on to hit her mark.

"GRAH!" Arbok cried out as the Normal-type attack struck him in the chest. He fell back with his eyes swirling.

Goldeen landed on the ground with a pained look and a purple tint on her face.

The ref held a hand towards Arbok with the microphone in his other hand, "Arbok is unable to battle!"

And with a decisive and powerful combo, Arbok is down and Misty takes the lead! But it looks like Arbok managed to poison Goldeen before being beat! How will Misty deal with this?!

So suspenseful. Fiorello followed.

Jessie gritted her teeth and held out a pokéball, "Arbok, return." Her Poison-type disappeared in the red beam before she pulled out and threw another pokéball, "Now go, Growlie!"

Misty's eyes narrowed as the Puppy Pokémon emerged on the opposing side. She looked at her poisoned Water-type, "Goldeen, can you keep going?"

Goldeen looked back and nodded; trying to ignore the status affliction. She glared at Growlie and prepared to form another Aqua Ring.

The ref looked back and forth between the trainers before raising and bringing down a hand, "Begin!"

Goldeen immediately hopped up to form her rings.

Jessie smirked, "Dig!"

Goldeen's eyes widened as Growlie jumped and burrowed into the ground. She finished forming Aqua Ring and looked around warily.

Misty gritted her teeth, 'Crag!' "Stay calm Goldeen! We just need to be ready!"

Goldeen glanced back and nodded, "Got it."

A moment later, the rain faded and the ground beneath Goldeen started cracking.

Misty's eyes widened before she called out, "Goldeen! Below you!"

Goldeen's eyes narrowed before she jumped up out of the Aqua Ring.

"Counter with Horn Attack!"

Goldeen smirked before diving back to the ground with her horn pointing ahead right as the ground burst open. The girls' eyes widened in shock when a massive Heat Wave shot out instead of Growlie. The flaming wind tore through Aqua Ring before washing over Goldeen.

A second hole burst open near the first as Growlie shot out and rammed into the Water-type.

"AHH!" Goldeen cried out.

Misty stared in shock, "Goldeen!"

Jessie blinked in surprise, "Woah." She tensed up and smiled, "I- I mean, exactly as planned! Well done Growlie!"

Incredible! With a well-timed attack and fake-out, Growlithe lands a powerful flurry of attacks!

Misty frowned, "Goldeen, are you okay?!"

"Y- yeah," Goldeen mumbled as she pushed herself back up, "I-" She stopped, grimaced, and started trembling as the poison took effect.

Misty's eyes widened fearfully, "Goldeen! Aqua Ri-" She stopped and perked up upon remembering something.

'What?! But then you'd-'

'I know, I know. But if I'm really that close to a knockout, I'd rather help whoever comes in next.'

Misty gritted her teeth before calling out, "Rain Dance!"

Goldeen smirked as she formed a water ball on her horn and shot it into the air. The rain started pouring as she fell to lay on the ground; eyes swirling.

The ref held a hand towards Goldeen, "Goldeen is unable to battle!"

And it looks like the poison finally got to the poor Water-type! Goldeen's defeated and the score is tied!

Misty smiled sadly and held out a pokéball, "Get some rest, Goldeen. You've earned it." Goldeen disappeared into the beam before Misty tossed out another pokéball, "Staryu!"

The Star Shape Pokémon appeared in a flash.

Staryu looked up at the rain, "Heh. Nice work." They looked at Growlie, "I guess this means you beat Goldeen." Their tone turned colder, "I hope you enjoyed it. Because that's the only win you're gonna get."

Growlie blinked in surprise.

"Begin!" The referee announced.

Jessie pointed, "Growlie! Use Flame Wheel!"

"Counter with Water Gun!" Misty called out.

Growlie jumped and front flipped while spewing fire before charging the Water-type. Staryu pointed their topmost spike and fired a stream of water from it. The Water-type attack cancelled the Flame Wheel and shot Growlie back.

"Grow!" The Puppy Pokémon cried out.

James grimaced.

Misty pointed ahead, "Another Water Gun!"

Jessie glared, "Dig!"

Growlie righted himself in the air, skidded to a halt, and dove into the ground. The Water Gun shot past and hit nothing.

Jessie smirked, "Try hitting him now, Twerp."

Misty smirked back, "Alright then." Jessie frowned as Misty pointed at the hole, "Use Swift!"

A gleam went over Staryu's gem as they jumped over the hole. A swarm of glowing white stars shot out of their gem and down the opening.

Another hole burst open in the arena as Growlie shot into the air. The Swift followed and pelted him.

"GROWL!"

Jessie and James stared in shock, "Oh crag!"

Misty threw a fist forward, "Finish it with Water Gun!"

Staryu landed on the ground, shot another water stream from their spike, and hit Growlie in midair. The Fire-type fell to the ground with his fur soaking wet and his eyes swirling. The rain subsided.

Staryu noticed the weather change before sighing, "Close one."

"Growlithe is unable to battle!" The ref said while gesturing to the Fire-type.

James grimaced, "Growlie!" He jumped up onto the stage, ran over to his Puppy Pokémon, and kneeled down next to him.

Jessie tensed up before smiling nervously and calling out, "Nice idea, Jamison! Go ahead and get Growlie off the field for me! I trust you to take care of him!"

James looked at her before deadpanning, "Really?" He sighed and scooped up Growlie before rushing him off the field.

Well, not sure what that was about, but let's keep going! Jessica's now on to her third Pokémon while Misty's still on her second! What'll our western division champ use next?!

Jessie sweat dropped, "Has he not been paying attention this whole tournament?" She sighed, reached around, and tossed a pokéball, "Go Weezing!"

The Poison Gas Pokémon appeared in a flash on the field, "Weezing."

Misty smirked, 'Just like we thought.'

Staryu got into their fighting stance, 'We're ready for you.'

"Begin!"

Jessie pointed while glaring, "Weezing! Use Smog!"

Misty smirked, "Light Screen!"

A yellow sheen went over Staryu's gem as they pointed their topmost spike forward. A translucent yellow wall appeared in front of them.

Weezing's Smog crashed against the barrier and hid the Star Shape Pokémon from everyone's view. The dark green gas faded to show Staryu and the Light Screen standing strong. The Screen faded out of view soon after.

Jessie gritted her teeth, "Tackle it!"

Weezing glared and shot towards Staryu.

"Dodge!" Misty called out, "Then Ice Beam!"

Staryu jumped out of the way as Weezing shot by. They turned to face the Poison Gas Pokémon as a light blue sphere appeared in front of their gem and fired off a series of blue bolts. Weezing grimaced as he was struck.

Jessie glared and pointed, "Smokescreen!"

Misty smirked, "Swift!"

Weezing's mouths opened and started spewing black smoke. At the same time, Staryu shot a swarm of the glowing stars into the smoke.

"Weez!" The Poison-type cried out.

"Oh, come on!" Jessie shouted in frustration.

It looks like Weezing's at a serious disadvantage! Every move Jessica tries is getting countered by Misty! The poor Poison-type can't seem to land a clean hit!

Jessie glared up at the stand and shouted, "Don't you think I can see that?!"

The announcer and Fiorello flinched.

"Let's finish this!" Misty called out before pointing into the smoke, "Rapid fire Swift!"

Staryu's gem flashed again before they fired off countless Swift stars into the smoke.

Jessie glared furiously before shouting, "Fire back with Sludge! Non-stop!"

Weezing shot out of the smoke with the undodgeable stars tailing him and began spewing massive amounts of black sludge from his mouths. Staryu's Light Screen came into view and was pelted by the Poison-type attack.

Swift caught up and pelted the Poison Gas Pokémon mercilessly; kicking up a large cloud of smoke around him.

"Weez…" The Poison-type groaned as he fell out of the air and crashed to the ground.

The Sludge ceased to reveal Staryu drooping as purple bubbles floated up from them.

Misty frowned worriedly. She shook it off and called out, "Nice work, Staryu!" She looked at Jessie, 'We're almost done.'

"Weezing is unable to battle!" The ref announced.

The announcer stood up from his seat with his microphone in hand, And with Weezing's defeat, Jessica's down to her final Pokémon; putting Misty in a three-to-one lead! Could this be the end for our western champion?!

Jessie held out a pokéball and returned Weezing. She put the ball away and looked down in frustration, 'I can't believe it.' She glanced at Meowth, 'All I have left is-' She perked up in realization, "Wait, that's right!" She brought out another pokéball and stared down at it, "I'm still in this!"

Misty perked up in surprise.

Jessie glared ahead and tossed the ball, "Lickitung! Go!"

Misty's eyes widened and Staryu tensed up as the Normal-type burst out of the ball and landed on the field.

.

*Stands

"What?!" Soot, Pikachu, Ash, and Clefairy blurted out.

"Since when did Jessie have a lickitung?!" Brock asked worriedly.

Illavera blinked in surprise, "Lickitung?" She held up and pointed Ash's Pokédex at the Normal-type.

Lickitung, the Licking Pokémon. A Normal-type. It uses a tongue that is more than twice the length of its body to battle as well as to gather food.

Omega frowned, 'Gross.' He looked at Ash, "So how much trouble is Misty in with that guy in play?"

Ash looked at him, "That partially depends on how well Lickitung's been trained." He looked back at the field and his eyes narrowed, "But no matter what, that tongue will be an issue. With that range, it won't be easy to dodge Lick."

Soot nodded, "Plus it's a physical move. Light Screen won't help at all."

Brock frowned, "We just have to hope Misty gets lucky and that Lick doesn't induce paralysis."

Omega and Illavera looked at the breeder in surprise before looking at the field again, 'That tongue can paralyze?'

"You can do it, Misty!" Pikachu and Electra called out.

"Don't give up!" Clefairy followed.

.

*Battlefield

Jessica's fourth Pokémon has finally made its debut, folks! Lickitung looks ready to battle!

Misty stared at the Licking Pokémon in surprise and muttered, "When the Yvel did she-" She shook it off and looked at her Star Shape Pokémon, "Be careful, Staryu. That tongue could be trouble."

Staryu nodded and faced Lickitung; purple bubbles still coming off them.

"Begin!"

Misty pointed, "Staryu! Use Ice Beam!"

The blue ball appeared in front of Staryu's gem when-

"Licki."

Lickitung used Lick.

Staryu tensed up as the massive tongue covered them and their charged Ice Beam faded. Lickitung finished the attack and left Staryu shivering.

Misty stared in shock, "Staryu!"

Jessie smiled brightly, "Alright!" She held out a hand, "Lickitung, attack it!"

Lickitung extended his tongue and wrapped it around Staryu. He lifted them up before tossing them to the ground forcefully; back first.

"Hiya!" Staryu cried out.

Misty grimaced.

And Lickitung's Slam deals a powerful blow to the already weakened Staryu!

Jessie pointed, "Finish it!"

Lickitung charged towards the downed Staryu.

Misty gritted her teeth, 'Crag!' She held out a hand, "Use Water Gun!"

Staryu pointed a spike and shot a stream of water at the approaching Licking Pokémon. Lickitung took it and kept running at Staryu. He jumped into the air before falling back down and landing on Staryu.

Staryu jerked up before lying flat on their back. Lickitung jumped off to show the glow on Staryu's gem fading.

The ref gestured to the Water-type, "Staryu is unable to battle!"

Jessie threw a fist into the air happily, "Yes!"

Look at that! Staryu's down after defeating two of Jessica's Pokémon! Could this be the start of a comeback?!

I'm at the edge of my seat. Fiorello followed.

Misty clenched a fist in frustration. She sighed, smiled sadly, and held out a pokéball, "You did great, Staryu. Get some rest."

The red beam shot out and hit Staryu. They disappeared a moment later.

Misty put the pokéball away, pulled out another, and tossed it, "Horsea! Take the field!"

The Dragon Pokémon appeared in a flash and landed on the field. He teetered a bit before regaining his balance on his tail.

Jessie smirked cockily, 'Is she serious?'

And Misty's third Pokémon is her horsea! What kind of tactics will we see out of it this time?!

"Begin!"

"Well we won't get to find out!" Jessie called out before pointing, "Lickitung! Attack!"

Misty's eyes narrowed, "Dodge with Water Gun!"

Lickitung curled his tongue up before shooting Lick at the Water-type. Horsea inhaled before firing Water Gun at the ground and shooting into the air. The Ghost-type attack shot past as it missed its mark.

Jessie glared.

Misty held up a hand, "Ice Beam!"

Horsea inhaled again before shooting out a stream of freezing water from his mouth.

"Do something!" Jessie cried out.

Lickitung looked up at the Ice-type attack before opening his mouth wider and firing off a series of blue circular sound waves. Supersonic intercepted the Ice Beam and dispersed it.

Horsea flinched, "Oh crag!"

Misty glared and threw up a fist, "Signal Beam!"

Horsea inhaled again and shot a stream of rainbow energy from his mouth. Lickitung shot his tongue upwards to intercept the attack. Misty and Horsea's eyes widened as the tongue continued upward, wrapped around Horsea, and Slammed him into the ground. Lickitung reeled his tongue back in.

Misty's eyes widened fearfully, "Horsea!"

Jessie held out a fist, "Finish it like the last one!"

Lickitung broke into a sprint and jumped high into the air. Horsea managed to look up right as Lickitung crashed down onto him with Stomp; kicking up a cloud of dust. Lickitung jumped back out of the cloud and landed on Jessie's side.

The dust faded after a moment to reveal horsea lying on his side while panting and with a pain look on his face.

The ref looked at the Water-type closely before gesturing to him, "Horsea is unable to-"

"Sea!" Horsea cried out.

Everyone looked at him as he struggled to push himself back up with a fin.

Misty stared in surprise before frowning, "Horsea, it's okay. You gave it your all and that's what matters. You don't have to push yourself like-"

"Hor-Sea!" He interrupted before looking back at Misty with a determined glare.

Misty's eyes widened in surprise, "Horsea…" She smiled sadly, "Your mind's made up isn't it?"

Horsea managed a small nod; still glaring.

Misty smirked and clenched a fist, "Alright then." She glared determinedly; still smirking, "Let's give it everything we've got and win this! Get back up, Horsea! You can do it!"

Horsea glared determinedly and pushed himself up to stand on his tail, "SEAAAAA!" The Water-type cried out as he lit up white.

Misty and Team Rocket's eyes widened in shock as the glowing silhouette began to grow and change in shape. The glow faded momentarily to reveal the Dragon Pokémon levitating above the ground gently with his eyes closed.

Seadra's eyes shot open in shock before he looked around frantically, "What just happened?!"

.

*Stands

Ash, Brock, Soot, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra just stared at the newly evolved Water-type in shock.

"Insane…" Electra muttered in awe.

"No kidding." Clefairy muttered in response.

"Um…" Brock said in a daze, "today's the first day Horsea's been in a battle, right?"

"Y- yeah." Ash responded, "I guess all of that training helped more than we thought."

Soot sweat dropped while deadpanning, "Maybe. But this still feels kinda … sudden."

Omega snorted as he tried to hold back a laugh. Pikachu snapped out of it and looked at the teen in confusion.

.

*Battlefield

I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! The announcer exclaimed excitedly, Right as it neared defeat, Misty Waterflower's horsea miraculously evolved into seadra! This battle's only just getting started!

Fiorello smiled, This is just like the movies.

Seadra jerked and looked at the announcer box in shock. He looked down over his new body and his eyes widened, "Wooooooah…" He perked up upon realizing he was levitating and started moving around. Seadra's eyes lit up before he started floating in circles while laughing, "Awesome! It feels like I'm swimming in the air!"

Misty smiled brightly and called out, "Way to go, Hors- I mean, Seadra!" She chuckled sheepishly, "Sorry. Still gotta get used to that."

Seadra looked at her and chuckled, "You and me both."

Jessie glared furiously, 'Are you freaking kidding me?!' She pointed; still glaring, "Lickitung! Tackle it!"

Lickitung tilted his head, "Huh?"

Jessie blinked in surprise, "Lickitung?"

Growlie sweat dropped, "Should we tell her that a lickitung can't learn Tackle?"

Meowth jerked and looked at Growlie in surprise. He looked at Jessie and called out, "Jessie! Lickitung can't learn Tackle!"

Jessie jerked and looked at Meowth in surprise, "What? But he used it earlier."

Growlie deadpanned, "That was Stomp."

Seadra glared at Lickitung before a light blue sphere appeared in front of his mouth. It shot towards the Licking Pokémon.

"TUNG!" The Normal-type cried out as he was hit in the chest and tossed back. He skidded to a halt.

Misty's eyes widened in awe, "That was Dragon Pulse!" She smiled brightly, "Seadra! You just used Dragon Pulse!"

Seadra's eyes lit up as he jumped for joy, "WOO!"

"And dat's all of 'em?" Meowth asked Growlie.

The Puppy Pokémon nodded, "Yup."

"Alright." Meowth said with a nod before calling out, "Jessie! Lickitung's moves are Lick, Slam, Stomp, and Supersonic!"

Jessie glared at him, "Now you tell me!" She glared at Seadra and pointed, "Lickitung! Use Lick!"

Lickitung shot his tongue towards Seadra. Seadra looked at it before swerving around the attack.

Jessie gritted her teeth, "Don't stop until you hit it!"

Lickitung continued with the Ghost-type move. Seadra kept a close eye on the muscle as he swerved and weaved around it.

Misty watched curiously, 'Wait, that looks like-'

She remembered back to her first time in the vaporeon form. Namely, the game of tag when they were underwater. Every time she went after Horsea, he would slip out of the way; sometimes while he was facing away. She only managed to 'tag' him because of a technicality that involved glancing him with her tail. It also stirred up some arguing between her and Squirtle.

Misty blinked in surprise, 'Is that what levitating feels like for Water-types?' She smiled and clenched a fist, 'Sweet! This might help Goldeen to-'

Seadra flinched slightly as Lick landed a glancing blow. Lickitung flinched as well.

Misty flinched, 'Okay, not the time to think about that!' Her eyes narrowed, 'I have to think of something before-' She perked up when she noticed something about Lickitung. The Water-type Gym Leader's eyes widened in realization, 'That's right!' She smiled determinedly, "Seadra! Get in close and ram them!"

Seadra didn't argue and shot forward.

Jessie smirked, "Big mistake!" She pointed, "Supersonic!"

Lickitung inhaled but grimaced and fell to a knee. A purple tint could be seen on his face.

Jessie stared in shock, "Lickitung?! What's wrong?!"

Growlie grimaced, "Crag! That horsea's ability must've been Swift Swim before evolving!"

Meowth sweat dropped, "And dat means…"

Growlie looked at him; deadpanned, "It means his ability became Poison Point."

Meowth's eyes widened before looking at the field, "Uh oh."

Seadra continued his charge and headbutted Lickitung in the gut. The Normal-type grimaced as the poison intensified.

Jessie glared, "Lick it! Then Slam!"

Lickitung brought in his tongue and hit Seadra in the back. Seadra flinched as he felt the paralysis take effect. He could do nothing as the tongue wrapped around him.

Misty gritted her teeth, 'Fine.' She threw a fist forward, "Go out with a bang!"

Seadra glared at the Normal-type before forming Dragon Pulse again. This time, he shot it with Signal Beam without firing the sphere. A massive explosion erupted and covered the pair in smoke.

Both Pokémon shot out of the cloud and towards there respective sides of the field. Lickitung skidded to a halt and Seadra managed to stop himself in the air. They stared each other down and panted.

After a second, Seadra grunted in pain as his levitation cut off. He fell to the ground and laid on his side with his eyes swirling.

The ref gestured to the Water-type, "Seadra is unable to battle!"

Jessie smiled excitedly and threw up a fist, "Yes! We beat it!"

Misty stared in shock, "Seadra…" She smiled sadly and reached back to grab his pokéball, "Nice wor-"

"Licki…" Lickitung muttered before falling forward; eyes also swirling.

Jessie grimaced and looked at her Pokémon in shock, "What?!"

The ref looked at the Normal-type before announcing, "Both Seadra and Lickitung are unable to battle!" He gestured to Misty, "With one Pokémon remaining, the winner is Misty Waterflower!"

And that's the game, folks! After an astounding performance, Misty Waterflower takes the crown! Our Princess Festival Queen has been decided!

The crowd erupted into cheer and applause.

Misty stared in stunned silence before smiling brightly. She ran onto the field and picked the Dragon Pokémon up before pulling him into a hug, "Seadra!"

Seadra came too and looked at her tiredly, "Huh? What happened?"

"I WON'T ACCEPT THIS!"

Everyone flinched and looked at Jessie as she glared furiously.

Jessie pointed at Misty, "To Yvel with the rules! That doll set is gonna be mine no matter-" She was cut off as a blue outline covered her and lifted her up. She flailed in the Psychic grip, "What's happening?!"

"AH!" James, Meowth, and Growlie cried out as they were lifted up as well. Lickitung was also lifted but remain unconscious.

Before anyone could say anything else, the five of them were shot out of the stadium and into the sky.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Jessie, James, and Meowth cried out.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'AGAIN'?!" Growlie's voice followed.

They disappeared with a 'ding'.

What just happened? The announcer asked in shock.

Misty looked at the ref and held up her hands defensively, "I swear that wasn't any of my Pokémon."

.

*Stands

Soot blinked in surprise while staring into the sky where the Rockets blasted off, "Huh."

Clefairy looked around the field, "Where did that come from?"

Pikachu sweat dropped while staring as well, "I wish I could tell you."

Electra looked at Omega and Illavera curiously, "Did either of you see-" She stopped and blinked in surprise, "What the?"

Everyone else looked at her before following her gaze. The seats next to them were both empty. Not counting Ash's Pokédex sitting on an armrest.

Brock stared in confusion, "Where'd Zeke and Haruka go?"

Soot blinked in surprise, "I was about to ask the same thing."

Ash took back his Pokédex and looked around the stadium in confusion, "Huh."

.

*Outside the stadium

"So" Omega said as the others walked alongside him, "how upset do you think the readers will be that we jumped in again?"

Faux -still in disguise- sweat dropped while smiling nervously, "I can't imagine they'll take it well. They haven't liked it so far."

Illavera smiled and put her hands behind her head, "Eh, I don't care. This festival was a lot of fun and I'm happy we came."

Laura nodded while smiling, "Yeah. Plus, it was our choice to do this."

Faux pointed a thumb at Laura, "And we are the reason Team Rocket blasted off. That wouldn't've happened since Misty didn't use Psyduck."

Laura grinned, "That was fun."

Omega sighed, "You say that as if it helps justify anything." He straightened up, "Whatever. Let's find a place to hide and head back."

.

*Back in the stadium

With everything said and done, the award ceremony started. The group ran down to congratulate Misty; some in very excited and hyper ways. They were about to pack up the doll set and head out.

But then they were stopped when Misty was reminded about the picture with Fiorello. So, now, the pair were standing in front of the camera.

Misty perked up and held out a hand, "Wait. One thing, first." She reached back, pulled out four pokéballs and tossed them into the air.

They burst open as Goldeen, Staryu, Starmie, and Seadra appeared. Goldeen set up her Aqua Rings immediately before touching the ground. She, Staryu, and Starmie looked at the Dragon Pokémon and flinched.

Seadra noticed and took up a happy expression, "I know, right?"

Goldeen blinked in shock, "W- wow. I guess you don't need Aqua Ring anymore."

Seadra chuckled, "Nope."

Staryu moved closer to their sibling and whispered harshly, "He's never been in a real battle before today, right?!"

Starmie shrugged and whispered back, "Yvel if I know."

Fiorello blinked in surprise, "Y- you want to have all of your Pokémon in the picture?"

The Cerulean girl looked back at him with a smile, "Well yeah. I couldn't've done all of this without them." She moved closer and kneeled down before pulling her team in to crowd around her.

Fiorello sweat dropped before following suit.

The camera man stared in surprise before shrugging and crouching down to their level, "Say cheese."

"Cheese!" "Hiya!" "Deen!" "Hya!" "Sea!"

Fiorello smiled -still sweat dropping- as the camera flashed.

.

**Time Skip**

"You're really sending everything back home?" Ash asked with a raised brow.

Misty finished attaching the label to the box and stood back up, "Well, most of it. Just the doll set and a few other things."

Brock smiled and crossed his arms, "Well it does make sense. I'm not sure we'd be able to carry everything."

Misty nodded, "Right." She grinned slyly, "That and I put a message on the box to make sure my sisters don't open it until I call them. I wanna see the looks on their faces."

Everyone else sweat dropped and smiled nervously.

"Should have guessed." Soot said.

"So, uh-"

Everyone looked at the man standing next to a 'Pidgeot transport' truck. Electra was looking up at the truck with a bright smile.

The guy was sweat dropping, "Can I take the package now?"

Misty picked up the box and smiled, "Yup." She handed it to him, "Make sure everything gets their safely."

The worker nodded, "Understood, miss." He walked over to the back of the truck, placed the box in it, and walked around to get in the driver seat.

The man looked out the window and held up a hand to the group, "Pleasure doing business with you." He drove off.

.

.

*sci-fi portal sound*

Laura: Hey, we're back!

Gem: *smiles* How was the Festival?

Illavera: *bright smile* Awesome! And- *runs to her room*

Luke: *raises brow* What was-

Omega: Wait for it.

Illavera: *runs back into room before holding up two bags* we got souvenirs!

Omega: *shrugs* It's mostly snacks.

Pike: What about-

Faux: Yes, we got ketchup.

Pike and Gem's Pikachu: *smiles* Sweet!

Mizuro: *pulls out item and smiles* Woah! Look at this thing! It looks like a tomato got cross bred with a spike ball!

Nuevo: *deadpans* Are you actually going to eat that?

Mizuro: *smiles* It can't be that bad. *opens mouth*

Faux: *looks over and grimaces* Mizuro, wait! That's a Tamato berry!

Mizuro: *chomp and looks at Faux in confusion while chewing* Huh? What does that m- *tenses up and face turns red. Starts literally screaming fire*
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Omega, Nuevo, and Illavera: WHAT THE ####?!

…

*****Pseudo-Comment Response*****

First off, a quick update about the author who was mentioned in the previous comment response. The one who contacted me for a second opinion on a new story of theirs and who I brought up in the response to Ohma Flame's chapter 53 review. They gave me the go-ahead to talk about it.

Anyway, the story is "Infamous Mentor! Devine Spark!" by RT89. A Static Shock x inFAMOUS crossover. If you want more details, go read it.

And, in all honesty, the only thing I really did was help brainstorm titles.

Now onto the real pseudo-response.

.

From Guest (Trix chapter 54):

Why is there a four move limit in this story?

Seishin: *wearing space helmet and looking a Pokémon Trix cover image* Wait. There's a four-move limit for Pokémon in this story?

Yugo: *points gun at back of Seishin's head* Always has been. *fires a nerf dart that sticks to the helmet*

Omega: Memes aside, we're not joking. The "four-move limit" concept has always been a part of Pokémon Trix.

Ohirume: As for the reason, here's what was said to Tuck98 in the previous Comment Response when they asked the same thing in a much harsher way and then rage-quit from the story-

"But, in all seriousness, it's a limit. Something to keep things from getting out of hand.

Pokémon infinitely learning new moves while remembering old ones can get messy and complicated if not handled well enough. I am not an author who can handle that.

Omega: Feel free to call him weak.

Ohirume: If you want good stories that use the 'as many moves as you want' concept well, then "Ashes of The Past" by Saphroneth, "Pokémath" by A Hobbyist, and "The Trainer From A Far Away Land" by RenegadeWarrior are in my favorites.

Faux: One more thing, when was the last time Pikachu used Volt Tackle after learning Electro Ball? Or Electro Ball after learning Electroweb?"