Author's Note:
Here it is, the final part of the grand festival. Time to see who'll be this year's top coordinator. We also get to see May's final battle in the grand festival, I wonder who'll win out of her and Clark. Of course, this is the wrap up for our grand festival arc so expect us to see off some of the characters whose been reintroduced during this arc. We also get to see Snorunt's mini-arc come to its own conclusion. Take that how you will. We also get a hint at the next chapter and what's instore for the pre-league stuff. I am still open to nickname suggestions for Ralts. Oh and happy single-awarness day. Not much else to say here, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...
Chapter Eighty-Four: Grand Festival - Final
May smiled as she stood under the entrance to the field. Her heart thumped as she heard the chatter of the crowd. Vivian was already on the stage and introducing the three judges once more. She couldn't be certain why, but this was the most excited she's been for one of her grand festival battles.
"And now help me to introduce our two coordinators for this first match!" She announced. "Both may have lost during their top four matches but now is the chance to give you one last show! This battle will determine the third and fourth placements to help me welcome May and Clark!"
Hearing the crowd erupt in applause, she closed her eyes. With a smile spread over her face, she walked out onto the stage. Locking her sight ahead, the blue haired boy landed in his trainers box about the same time. He curtsied towards her as the baton extended out from one of his sleeves.
"This will be a two-on-two double battle between these two coordinators with a five-minute time limit!" Vivian explained. "Both sides have already registrared their Pokémon and the winner will be the one to deplete their opponents points to zero first! So, let's see who'll be performing today!"
"Altaria and Skitty!" She held her two Pokéballs out. "Take the stage!"
Her two Pokémon landed on the field and the two couldn't be more different. Her humming Pokémon sat peacefully in front of her, carefully studying her opponent as Skitty... ran circles around her. Letting out energetic cheers during her... game?
"Two fine choices which'll be sure to make this battle one to remember." Clark smiled. "Now for my choices so Charizard and Typhlosion ensemble!"
In two flashes of light, his duo of fire starters appeared in front of him. Seeing the bright flames on their tail and neck respectively did cause her eyes to widen. This would be sort of like facing a gym leader. Sure, she might've won back in Fallarbor but that doesn't affect their battle here. Having a little experience with Ash's fire flying type, at least, she pulled out her dex to scan the relatively unknown opponent for her:
Typhlosion, The volcano Pokémon. The final evolved form of Cyndaquil. Typhlosion obscures itself behind a shimmering heat haze that it creates using its intensely hot flames. This Pokémon creates blazing explosive blasts that burn everything to cinders.
She couldn't help but swallow hard as she put the device down. Both fire types were staring back with hardened expressions. This would be a sort of gym battle for her, given the type speciality. She might've seen Ash face off against the eight in Hoenn, but will that be enough experience to win?
"The winner of this battle will be the side who puts on the best display within our five minute time limit!" Vivian announced. "Of course, if one side is knocked out or loses all their points prior to this, then we'll conclude the round earlier! Neither side may substitute! Let's get this third-fourth's match underway!"
May verses Clark: third-fourth playoffs
Almost instantly, her normal type took off. With great speed, she ran over the field. A duel stream of flames shot towards her but she skilfully rolled to the side. Letting out her own flame but of dragon type energy, Altaria countered the two starters. With the collision creating an explosion.
As the smoke faded, she noticed the three fully evolved Pokémon but her Skitty was no-where to be seen.
"Accelerando, Typhlosion." Clark instructed. "Aria, Charizard."
With a flap of his wings, the fire flying type took off. She saw her kitty Pokémon peaking over his shoulder as they left the ground.
Stamping her feet around, the pure fire type burst out with speed. Flames surrounded his body as her humming Pokémon attempted her own take off.
"Cotton guard!" She shouted. "Then dazzling gleam!"
Cancelling her flight, white puffs of cotton formed from her cloud-wings. Taking the flaming Pokémon head on, her dragon barely moved from the crash.
Letting out a loud cry, bright beams of fairy type energy shot out. Blinding the volcano Pokémon, she burst through her cotton wall with sharp claws of dragon type energy bursting through her cotton-wings. Swiping them down, she knocked the fire type back across the field.
Kicking off the ground, the momentum allowed her chance to ascend. With a mystic light covering her body, she picked up speed in the flight.
Looking up to the duo already airborne, she noticed Charizard in a sporadic flight path. He seemed to be trying to shake her kitten Pokémon off.
Skitty was currently held onto his leg. She smirked seeing the fire flying type focused on the normal type and not her opponent.
Crashing into his stomach, Altaria let her partner bounce back onto her back. The blow caused Charizard to lose some altitude.
"Play rough and dragon pulse!" She hollered, getting the idea of a nice combination.
Leaping off her dragons back, she performed some somersaults as a pink light covered her body. Shooting out a ball of dark blue dragon type energy, her normal type rode on top. It almost looked like she was surfing across the sky, protected by her own moves immunity.
Kicking off the ball, it crashed into Charizard's stomach. Throwing herself down after, she hit with her full force... unfortunately, it wasn't quite as effective.
Puffing his chest out, the flame Pokémon left Skitty mid-air. A powerful slash from the enlarged claws knocked her down to the ground with speed.
"Blizzard!" She shouted.
As her Pokémon continued to roll down to the ground, she squeezed her eyes shut. A blast of cold air caused her to peak a look.
A pile of snow cushioned her landing and Skitty playfully popped her head out. Tilting her head to the side with a wide smile. "Nya?"
"Ballad with Altaria, Charizard." Clark instructed. "Capriccio, Typhlosion!"
Glancing up to the sky, she noticed the fire flying type rocketing up with wings spread out. A light blue outline of flying type energy surrounded him.
Her humming Pokémon attempted to take off but to no-avail. Both of them entered a sort of air-dance, matching aerial ace's as they combated.
A cry from Typhlosion caused her to look back to the ground. The pure fire type was charging into the snowy pile with flames surrounded her body.
Skitty dived out and entered a run around the field. As steam erupted from the cushion, flames erupted, causing it to disappear.
"Dig!" She shouted. "And play diglett!"
The pure normal type quickly scurried under the ground, leaving a small hole. As their opponent ran over, she lept out and hit the fire type, digging again.
Making her way over to the one of the holes, this repeated. Standing over the hole, she took a deep breath, shooting a flamethrower straight inside.
Pillars of flames erupted out of the multiple holes. Bursting out with a panicked cry, the unevolved Pokémon landed on her stomach.
Typhlosion wasted no time in transferring into a swift. The golden stars shot through the nearest pillar, catching fire as they burst out of the other side.
"Double slap!" she shouted.
Pushing herself up, the pink Pokémon tried to run once more. Swinging her tail behind her, it knocked the first couple stars, but the others overwhelmed.
Crashing across the floor, she looked battered and burnt. The pure first type moved and slowly crept closer, the fire neck burning even brighter.
Biting her inner cheek, she tried to think of a way out of it. Without any options left, she decided to through a curve ball. "Assist!"
Pushing herself up, she let out a loud cry. A bright light formed in front of her and outburst a series of razor-sharp leaves. The projectiles curtsy of her grass poison type shot across the field. A sizzling flamethrower erupted out of their opponent and burnt them. Leaving the ash to fall back to her normal type.
"Keep it up and run!" She hollered. "Then do a Pikachu!"
Keeping the assist going, Skitty pushed off from her spot. Charging across the field, she disappeared amongst the burnt leaves.
The flames washed over the field a second later, revealing the field but no normal type. A loud cry came from the side.
Skitty's tail was surrounded with metal and a ring of electricity orbited around. With great force, the combination smacked across Typhlosion's face.
A loud thud sounded and Charizard crashed on the other side of the field. As the dust settled, he was revealed to be fast asleep, as her dragon dived down.
Dark blue dragon flames surrounded her body as Skitty continued
"Marcato eruption!" Clark shouted.
Throwing herself down onto the ground, her entire body glew red. Turning on a heel, her kitten tried to run but it was too late.
Flames erupted all around like some sort of bomb. Blowing high into the air and out to the sides, it covered the majority of the field as she raised her arms to protect from the intense heat. Peeking through the blaze, she noticed her pink Pokémon blown across the ground.
She laid unmoving with soot and burn marks covering her body. Altaria crashed next to her, the force having cancelled and diverted her dragon rush.
"Skitty has been deemed unable to battle!" Vivian announced. "The battle shall continue!"
Pushing herself up, Altaria let out a loud cry. Blasting out her own flame but of dragon energy, she blew the eruption reminiscence away.
Typhlosion emerged from the chaos, walking into the dragon breath. A sinister grin covered her face as she laughed as she walked closer.
The neck flame burned bright as a red outline covered her body. Pulling out her Pokédex to get any sort of information:
Blaze: When pushed to their limit, Pokémon with this ability will see an increase to their fire type moves
Swallowing hard, she lowered the dex once again. She remembered when her own starter activated his blaze. Reaching up, the volcano Pokémon pulled out two whips of fire from her neck-flame. Swinging them around, it slashed into the dragon breath and cut it off. Both flames cleared, leaving a path.
Dropping down onto all fours, she took off with a long run. A cotton wall began to form in front of her dragon as flames covered the fully evolved starter.
Bursting through the undeveloped cotton-guard, the two Pokémon went rolling on the ground. A tornado of flames burst up as Typhlosion straddled Altaria.
Raising a claw up, it extended out into sharp-black claws with a purple outline. Swiping them down with flames colouring the trail below.
"And that's time!" Vivian announced. "Looking to the scoreboard we can see that... Clark takes third place and May takes fourth! Let's give them both a hand!"
Ash smiled as the chants of his friends name rang in his head, she might not have won but that was certainly a worthy battle to end her first festival. Heh, it was certainly a more rewarding end than his own first league. She has grown so much during their journey and while she might still have growing left to do, in the end they all do, he couldn't be prouder as her friend. It's truly amazing to see how she went from a lack of interest in Pokémon into this coordinator.
Picking up his pace, he made it out of the stadium and turned to run right down along the beach. It took a few minutes until completely clear. He is sure he'll cheer on Sakura during her battle, but he got an idea when watching May counter that inferno.
Coming to a stop, he swiftly took three Pokéballs off his belt and released the team inside. Gardevoir, Torkoal and Snorunt appeared in a line in front of him.
"Okay guys, obviously we've been working on evolving Snorunt," he started. "But I think we've been going about it the wrong way."
"Really?" Gardevoir asked. "What gave it away? The fact he's not evolved yet?"
Biting his tongue, he figured she was still sour about yesterday's incident with Duskull. Despite training late into the night by herself, she still wasn't close to mastering skill swap. While he'll certain speak to her about it all, right now they should focus on
"Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be." Torkoal let out a small smile to the ice type. "We make the journey by taking each day step-by-step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination. So, I'll ask, young Ashton, what step in our journey shall we take today?"
"Putting Snorunt up against an unbeatable opponent wouldn't work like it would for Swellow or... yourself, Gardevoir." He turned to the snow hat Pokémon. "I am sorry for not noticing it sooner. I guess a lot of the guys I caught in Hoenn work with this style of training, so it become the go-to. Only really Duskull didn't but he was happy enough doing his own thing so I didn't notice. Which is why we're switching it up today."
"How?" he asked.
"Well, instead of putting you up against an opponent to overcome I'm going to put you in a survival situation," he replied, "like it should still get your blood pumping and push your limits but instead of turning that into a force of attack-"
"Can we get down to the actual plan rather than this emotional speech?" Gardevoir crossed her arms.
"We're gonna set up a heat tunnel. Gardevoir, we'll need you to create an ESP tunnel to run down and Torkoal will use heat wave to make it harder to transverse," he explained, "once we've done it. We'll do it again, on a higher temperature. We'll get faster. Then we can make it tougher when the time comes."
"Seems easy enough," she shrugged, cracking her knuckles. Holding her hands together, ESP radiated off her body. Expanding out, a semi-transparent rectangle of psychic energy surrounded them. Heading straight down the beach.
Smiling at the start, he unzipped his jacket and tossed it just out of the corridor. Another wave shot out and the walls seemed to condense, losing less visibility to the outside world. He watched as the fire type started a slow walk down to the centre of the corridor. The red hexagons on his shell burned a bright red as he already felt the heat increase. Fanning himself with his shirt, he kneeled down to Snorunt's level.
"Alright, I'll be by your side the entire way!" He smiled. "You ready?"
Giving an energetic nod, his ice type turned to face the coal Pokémon. Standing up, he couldn't help but see the haze from the extreme heat as the end of the corridor disappeared. His forehead was pouring with sweat as he felt his pits start to sweat as well. He quickly pulled of his shirt and tossed it to his jacket, not wanting to ruin it with this training exercise... maybe he should've brought a spare, but he didn't figure this idea would come from the battle.
The small snow hat Pokémon took off and he followed suit. As they got closer to the pure fire type the intense heat just intensified. Stumbling down onto the boiling sand, he coughed slightly. Blinking rapidly. He found his pure ice type in front of him. A small blow of cool air hit his face.
"No, Snorunt." He coughed. "Save your energy. You'll need it."
"Do you wish for us to stop this experiment?" Torkoal's mind echoed in his head.
"Huh?" he uttered, feeling the world spin as he tried to stand back up.
"I've set up a mental link between the three of us," Gardevoir explained, "I get the sneaking suspicion you wasn't prepared for this training."
"Well... no," he replied, "but we're gonna see it through."
"If you're sure." Torkoal sighed.
"Sure, I'm sure!" He declared. "Tell you what, if either of us faint then we'll stop."
Wiping his face from the sweat, he shook his head. Refocusing on the pure ice type, he was only a few feet ahead. He couldn't see his fire type through the extreme heat, but it almost felt like he was right next to them. Snorunt was on his knees, panting heavily.
"You can do this, Snorunt!" He tried to cheer. "We just need to find a way out! Just push a little harder and you'll find it."
"I-I can't-" He gasped. "M-mum was right... I-I'm weak... use... useless."
"You must never give into despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road and you surrender to your lowest instincts." Torkoal's voice echoed. "In the darkest of times, hope is something which you give yourself. That is the true meaning of inner strength."
"Sn-Snorunt?" he asked, feeling himself fall down once more.
A yellow blur from his limited sight shot to the side. He head a thud as he figured he hit the psychic wall. Crawling over to him, he was beginning to consider ending this experiment. He never considered just how intense Torkoal could make his heat, especially when condensed like this. He doesn't have the ice power to overcome the extreme temperature nor the physical strength to break through the barrier. With burning skin, he crawled up to his ice type.
Taking a deep breath, he couldn't get his words out. Falling to the side, he felt the world go dark around him.
Coughing violently, he found himself lying on the sand but it's not nearly as hot as before. Above him he noticed the sky was no-longer covered by the psychic barrier or intense heat. A sphere of water hovered above him with Gardevoir holding it up with ESP.
"Glad to see your awake," she replied. Letting her grip go, it splashed down soaking him. His eyes burst open as he gasped for breath.
"What happened?" he asked, sitting up. In front of him sat Torkoal and a new Pokémon. A spherical ball hovered just above him which had a black skin under the white snow-like coat which seemed to be a sort of rock. The icy covering had several holes and spaces across this Pokémon's body. Blue eyes and a large mouth with flat teeth, stretched out into a wide grin. Two large, black, conical horns stuck out of either side of the head. "Sn-Snowrunt?"
"I believe he'll go by Glalie now." Torkoal smiled. "As you passed out, he rushed to crunch his way through the field. Evolving upon contact, he broke free-"
"I just cancelled the barrier." Gardevoir interjected.
"Well... I witnessed him evolve to break free and get you out of that contraption you had us create." Torkoal finished his sentiment. "Might I suggest, we don't hurry back to such tactics in the future? I feel like this could have negative effects for none-fire types."
"Hehehe, yeah." He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Guess I didn't really think it though... but it worked."
"We have a different definition of worked, it seems," Torkoal muttered.
"I think our trainer still needs to cool off." Gardevoir smirked. "If you'd do the honours, Glalie."
His wide grin flicked into more of a smirk as a ball of ice formed between his horns. Eyes widened but it was too late. A near-perfect ice mean shot out and struck his chest, knocking him back onto the sand. Feeling the cold embrace his body, his eyes remained wide open from the cool energiser.
"Okay... I guess I deserve that-" He took a deep breath. "But congrats Glalie! Just look, all our hard work has paid off."
He smiled seeing the newly evolved ice type celebrate. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his Pokédex and scanned him:
Glalie, The Face Pokémon. A final evolved form of Snorunt. Glalie has the ability to freely control ice. For example, it can instantly freeze its prey solid. After immobilizing its prey in ice, this Pokémon enjoys eating it in leisurely fashion.
Type: Ice
Ability: Ice Body
Hidden Ability: Moody (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Impish (Note: This is unlikely to change since this Pokémon is fully evolved)
Move(s): Powder Snow, Astonish, Leer, Double Team, Ice Shard, Protect, Icy Wind, Frost Breath, Bite, Crunch, Ice Fang, Headbutt, Ice Beam, Chilling Water
Additional: This Pokémon is suffering from Pokérus
Putting the device away, he couldn't stop himself from smiling along with him. Picking up his shirt and hoodie, he put them back on before recalling both his fire and ice type. "We should get Nurse Joy to give him a check-up."
"And Torkoal?" his psychic fairy type asked.
"I wanted to talk." He shrugged.
"About yesterday?" she asked to which he nodded. "I'm not sorry for what I said. And I stand by it."
"Well, you were nicer to Snorunt-erm, Glalie today," he replied, "so what changed?"
"They aren't the same." She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, both were unevolved and not the strongest but that's not my issue. Everyone starts out somewhere. I don't like when they aren't living up to their full potential. Glalie made clear efforts to better himself unlike Duskull."
"Better by whose standards?" he asked. "Everyone is different, Gardevoir. You can't make one through line of what measures success. Would you say any of the coordinators competing aren't living up to their full potential? Or what about rangers, who train to peak of physical fitness but not for competition. They do it to help others."
"Well obviously I'd-"
"Look. I know you've got good intentions with the tough love, but it isn't always needed." He sighed. "As long as they're happy and healthy. I'll support any member of my team with their own goals. That could be getting stronger, but it could be other stuff."
"You haven't changed my mind," she mumbled, "but I guess I'll try to bite my tongue in the future."
"Thank you." He smiled. "And who knows, if you apologise then Duskull might still be willing to help you learn skill swap."
"Hmph!" She crossed her arms and turned to the side.
"I also meant what I said yesterday." He continued. "Your refusal to use moves like teleport and just focus on pure power left you unprepared."
Seeing the centre off in the distance, he caught the side glare from his fully evolved Pokémon. With a swift turn, she marched around to the back battlefield. Letting out a low sigh, he released Torkoal. "Do you mind keeping an eye on her? I don't want her to pick a fight or something during the final."
"It would be my pleasure." He smiled.
Watching the fire type walk after her, he smiled to himself. He seemed to have a way to get any of his team to listen, even Seviper. Happy that he might be able to get Gardevoir to understand, he turned and walked inside. Heading up to the desk, he noticed Brock stood with Nurse Joy and Electrike.
"Hey-"
"How can I help you today?" Nurse Joy smiled, turning away from his older friend.
"My Glalie just evolved, and I was hoping you could give him a check-up." He placed the device down on the counter. Smiling in response, she picked it up and carried it out to the back room. "How are you, Brock?"
"I'm good." He smiled. "So Snorunt evolved? How'd you make that happen?"
"Very stupidly," he laughed.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" He chuckled himself. "We were just catching up. You see, the Nurse Joy who originally treated Electrike is this one."
"Makes sense." he shrugged. "You did find him just north of here. What'cha talking about?"
"Well... he got his check up and its fine." He frowned. "Electrike isn't exactly getting worst but-"
"You're wondering what's next?" he asked.
"Nurse Joy mentioned a new prosthetic limb company for Pokémon having been set up in Verdanturf," he replied, "I was gonna mention it to you and the others later, but would you mind... if we made a detour after the festival?"
"Of course." He smiled. "But maybe not all of us. It doesn't sound like a place for a field trip and this is a big moment for you and Electrike."
"Thanks Ash." He nodded.
"You don't need to thank me, what're friends for?" he asked. "And I'm sure the others will understand... speaking of them, we should head off."
"Right, the final will be starting soon." Brock noted.
"Actually, I was thinking about getting something from the vendors at the stadium." He held his stomach. "I'm starved."
"Heh, somethings never change." The two of them started walking out towards the stadium. "We should message the others, though."
Nodding in agreement, the two of them set off straight towards the beach-side stadium. A low growl rumbled his stomach as he pulled out his Pokegear to message Serena. After a quick text, he started to give Brock the story of how Snorunt evolved into Glalie.
May sat down on one of the stands as she glanced to either side. Max was on her right, his Treecko sat nicely on his lap and the two of them seemed enthralled in their own discussion while Serena sat on her left, texting away on her Pokegear.
"Hey." She greeted with a smile. "Ash text. They're on their way but stopping for food. You want anything picking up?"
"Man do I." she placed a hand on her stomach for emphasis.
"Don't go overboard," Serena noted. "Like I told Max, the festival will be throwing an after party which'll have a full buffet."
"Right." She nodded. "I'll just take a double cheeseburger in that case please."
Seeing her friend text away, she thought about the said party with a smile forming over her lips. After last night with Drew and Brendan on the beach, she can just picture it now. She'll be there in a nice dress and Brendan will walk in with a sharp tux. Without a word he'll take her hand and lead her out onto the dance floor. A slow song will start as they move to the rhythm. Her head slowly landing on his shoulder as the rest of the world-
"May?" Serena's voice caused her eyes to burst open.
"Huh?"
"I know that look. I've had that look," she explained, "so spill. Who was you thinking about?"
"It was... Brendan," she muttered, "last night, on the beach he came to find me. Well, I was already talking with Drew and things... Anyway, he decked Drew in the face. So... I guess I'm excited because this party will make the perfect first date."
"I wouldn't get my hopes up if I was you." She sighed.
"Why shouldn't I-"
"Rustboro, the road before Mauville and Littleroot." Serena cut her off. "You've already shot him down on three occasions. He didn't even try anything when we met on the ABC's, and I think that's because he got your message. I don't see him trying to make a move at the party."
"It's different this time." She tightened her fist.
"Okay, great," she replied, "how is Brendan meant to know... or even trust that?"
"You've got Ash so why can't you just be supportive of me?" she asked. "Your meant to be my friend, you know."
"I am your friend, which is why I don't want you to get hurt by getting your hopes up," she explained, "and you can't just see my relationship and get something similar. Everyone is different with different circumstances. If I turned Ash down three times, then I'd be more concerned if he kept coming back. Not taking no for an answer."
"But like I said, it's different-"
"You need to ask yourself something, May." She sighed. "Why do you want a boyfriend so bad? Is it because you truly care for Brendan or just because you want the chance to say you've got one. If it's the latter, then how can you expect a good relationship if it's based on something superficial?"
Frowning, she turned to see both Ash and Brock walking down the row to their seats. Each had arms full of different food items. Serena stood up and let out a weak burst of ESP. Grabbing the items, they floated ahead and she spread them out to the right person. Holding her own burger, she started to eat as she watched the honey-blonde girl guide Ash into her seat, taking a seat on his lap. Holding her tray of cheesy nachos as he had two chilli-hot-growlithe's.
A single milkshake slotted into the arm rest with two straws. Biting down on her own food, she turned away from the lovey-dovey couple. She just got done saying she shouldn't get her hopes up for a boyfriend then does something like this... why can't she have something like that?
"Welcome back all to the Slateport-outside stadium for the exciting conclusion to this year's Hoenn Grand Festival!" Vivian announced. "We've seen many coordinators struggle through the challenges in the appeals and now battle round! Mirroring many of the regions own struggles against the disasters which have affected so many people! Without further ado, we'll start by introducing our two finalists, the first being a Kimono sister. Sakura Sayo!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the magenta-haired girl walked out in a new Kimono. It was an emerald, green colour with red lining. Golden-lines made up circles connected together, giving her the impression of some sort of Rayquaza inspiration. Large green pins held her head, like those on the legends head.
"And her opponent, a student of a top coordinator and one of the favourites to win from the start!" She continued. "Drew Shū!"
Seeing her ex walk out in his regular attire with hands loosely tucked into his pockets made her blood boil. Not helped by the roaring female fans near the front row. He smirked and used a hand give a singular wave in their direction, which only added to their mass show of support. It's clear whose the favourite.
"Our two finalists shall compete in a best of three battle, where whoever wins two out of the three rounds shall be crowned as this year's victor and given the title of top coordinator! Along with winning our ribbon cup!" The image of a golden trophy with blue sapphires and red rubies embedded around the rim and the handles shaped like two Rayquaza's appeared on the scoreboard. "As always the battles will be one-on-one and last five minutes. While all three Pokémon were registrared, they may be picked in any order. As the lower scoring coordinator during the appeals round, Sakura shall reveal her Pokémon first!"
"I ask for your help at this time." She held her long sleeved arm out and a red light shot out from within. "Exploud."
The normal type materialised, and she took in the appearance for the first time. Knowing it was evolved from the Loudred she once faced during the Rustboro contest, she wasn't surprised to see it kept the large mouth or was also a blue-bipedal Pokémon. Red eyes, a stubby nose, and two peg-like teeth within each jaw made up the large face. Protruding tubes with holes along the body, several of which formed a crest on top of the head, two along the back, end of the two tails, one on each elbow and the knees, let out a loud boom, acting as a battle cry or so she thought. The only difference being the head tubes had a yellow rim while all the others were just the same blue colour. Each arm had three thin stripes on the lower part which led to the three thick-finger hands. She also noticed the two feet each had four-claws, three in the front and one in the back. She pulled out her Pokédex to scan the Pokémon:
Exploud, The loud noise Pokémon. The final evolved form of Whismur. Exploud triggers earthquakes with the tremors it creates by bellowing. If this Pokémon violently inhales from the ports on its body, it's a sign that it is preparing to let loose a huge bellow.
"Oh wow," she uttered putting the device down. "Exploud sure sounds powerful."
"It was smart of Sakura." Serena commented. "Being a normal type, he's only weak against fighting types. And Drew hasn't got one as far as we know. I also remember her saying he's her biggest battler. She clearly went with the safe option to open this final."
"Then I'll go Plusle!" Drew cheered, tossing his own device into the air. "Let's do this!"
His pure electric type spun upon materialising in the air. Landing on the stage, he held both hands up whilst striking a pose. The fan-girls cheered once more but it was silenced by another battle cry from Exploud. Seeing the two Pokémon, she smirked. This will be a massive obstacle for Drew to overcome.
"Exploud verses Plusle!" Vivian announced. "With five minutes on the clock, let the final begin!"
Sakura versus Drew: Round one
With a loud roar, she watched the normal type slam his foot down. The ground cracked and violent shockwaves travelled out. While their opponent ran forward. Leaping just before the earthquake, he spun over the air. Hitting the ground for a split second, he continued the cheer routine.
Dancing across the field, Plusle skilfully skipped over the super effective move. Performing different poses through the air.
A spark of electricity charged over his body. Crashing into the loud noise Pokémon's chest, he flexed and knocked him back into the air.
Folding his pipe-holes close, he took a deep breath. A powerful sound wave erupted out of his mouth.
Striking the cheering Pokémon, he was sent flying over the field. Rolling on the ground, he became scratched up from the crash landing.
"Copycat!" Drew instructed. "And throw in a charge beam!"
Pushing himself up, the small electric type glew with a mystic light. With a similar light covering his opponent. Taking a deep breath, his own soundwave shot out, creating barely-visible ripples in the air. A thin beam of electricity shot through the centre, giving of a sort of electronic-disco display.
As if showing off his strength, the normal type charged forward. Taking the blast into his chest, he let out an energised roar from the blow.
His two fists burst into flames as he barrelled across the ground. Each step sending out a mini-shock wave which threatened to knock Plusle over.
Bringing the fist down on the spot where his opponent stood, he rolled to the side. Narrowly dodging the powerful fire punch.
Kicking off in the blink of an eye, he scattered up the loud noise Pokémon's arm. Cheeks sparked with electricity, which brushed against his skin.
Static spread over his body from the thunder wave. With limited movement, he couldn't stop the cheering Pokémon from climbing into one of his pipes.
"Disco ball!" Drew hollered.
A massive field of electricity surrounded the pure normal type. Spreading out like a dome, bolts shot off in different directions, creating a dazzling display.
"And Drew takes a big risk but for big rewards!" Vivian announced. "How will Sakura respond?!"
"Rest!" she hollered. With the normal type falling forward fast asleep within the discharge. A smirk spread on Drew's face but quickly faded. "And sleep talk!"
Seeing his panicked expression brought a smile to May's face. The fully evolved Pokémon took a deep breath, another high-powered soundwave shot out of the head pipes, sending the cheering Pokémon flying. Bursting through the discharge display, it broke apart as Exploud remained asleep centre field.
Crashing on his back, he couldn't stop as Sakura called for a second sleep talk. This time her Exploud seemed to build up solar energy from the strong sun.
Opening his mouth with a loud snore, a powerful solar beam shot out. Quickly covering the rest of the field, it struck Plusle head on.
Blowing him clean across the field, he came to a stop just past Sakura with swirls in his eyes. Exploud remained snoozing in the same spot.
"Plusle has been deemed unable to battle!" Vivian announced. "Which makes Sakura the winner, but she'll no-longer be able to win with a knockout."
She felt her heart thump hard with a smile spread across her face. Both of the coordinators recalled their respective Pokémon as she caught sight of the timer before it fade. She won before it hit the two-minute remaining part. Exploud lived up to her rep as the powerhouse of her team.
"And as our assisting Chimecho reset the field, we'll see what our judges thought." Vivian announced. "Wallace?"
"A true show of strength is beauty within their own right!" Wallace beamed. "And allowing your opponent to let their guard down was very cleaver."
"Remarkable!" Mr Sukizo added with similar enthusiasm.
"However, we hardly saw an appeal from Exploud outside of that strength." Mr Contesta sighed. "Which is why we've implemented the one KO rule."
She frowned at the final comment, she knew from experience that the man in the red blazer was the most critical but Drew's words from the night before replayed in her head. Swallowing hard as the psychic type reverted the damage on the field, she turned to the couple.
"So what happens if Sakura does knock out another opponent?" she asked.
"She'll receive a penalty of one-third of her points taken," Serena explained, "then the result will be based on points remaining."
"But Drew can still knock out one of her Pokémon for a single round victory," Ash added, "although I think Sakura planned for this from the beginning. I mean, she usually uses Exploud for power plays. She just wanted an easy lead to control the rest of the battle since Drew specialises in style more than battle."
May bite her lower lip as she let those words sink in, turning back to the stage as the wind chime Pokémon finished up. Vivian appeared in a spotlight once more. "Now it's time for the second round in this exciting grand festival final! And Drew shall reveal his choice first!"
"This is good for Sakura, she's already in the lead and now she can pick the perfect counter," Serena explained, "I think that's also why she went with Exploud first, being a normal type he'll have less weaknesses for Drew to exploit. Even if he brought Flygon or Absol, she'd have an edge."
"You're up, Masquerain!" He hollered, tossing his device into the air.
His bug flying type materialised in the air, letting out a stuttered cry as he swirled around. His scales sparkled under the bright sun, as if just getting out of the water in a resorts pool. She pulled out her dex for a quick refresher on the fully evolved pseudo water type:
Masquerain, The Eyeball Pokémon. The final evolved form of Surskit. Masquerain intimidates enemies with the eyelike patterns on its antennas. This Pokémon flaps its four wings to freely fly in any direction - even sideways and backwards - as if it were a helicopter
"Hmm, this might not be good," Serena muttered.
"What's up?" she asked.
"Masquerain has always been one of Drew's appeal performers," she explained, "I think he's serious about outperforming Sakura. Especially, since he hasn't used this Pokémon in a battle round before... at least to what I know off."
"I ask for your help at this time." Sakura held her long sleeved arm out and a red light shot out from within. "Beautifly!"
In a flash of light, her own bug flying type materialised, hovering just above Sakura's head. A smile formed on her lips as she thought about her own first caught Pokémon. She imagined her and her own Beautifly in that position, but it just wasn't meant to be.
"This is going to be a tough match up with both of them being so similar." Serena frowned. "I'd say it could go either way."
"So why did Sakura not pick a better option then?" she asked.
"Maybe there wasn't a better option." Ash offered. "They both registered the three Pokémon beforehand, remember. If her final mon is weak to Masquerain, then a mirror match like this would be her best option. I just hope that they can outperform Drew since they can't rely on a knock-out right now."
"Beautifly verses Masquerain!" Vivian announced. "With five minutes on the clock, let the battle begin!"
Sakura versus Drew: Round two
She watched both bugs shoot up into the sky as they floated around. Beautifly seemed slightly slower, but a series of stars shot out of the flapping wings. A shine shimmered behind them as Masquerain soared ahead. She couldn't help but wonder if the speed was difference was natural or just because of the move.
Spinning on the spot, massive bubbles shot out of Drew's Pokémon. Intercepting the swift, it acted as a shield. Several more formed around him.
"String shot dance!" Sakura instructed.
Extending a thick white string from her proboscis she spun in the flight upwards. A mystic glow covered her body as she picked up speed.
Flicking the string around, it whipped through the bubbles, popping then. Water soaked into the thread and wrapped around the eyeball Pokémon.
Trapping their opponent, she took off around the field. Dragging Drew's Pokémon behind brought a smile to her face, while her ex's points fell.
It didn't even seem like Masquerain tried to break free as he wrapped himself up. Cutting the threads length short as he got closer to the leading bug.
"Now!" Drew hollered.
Powerful slashes of air shot out and cut the thread apart. Being too close, Beautifly couldn't dodge. Entering a downward spiral towards the stage.
Floating upwards, the pseudo water type shot a jet of liquid up into the sky. Bursting out like rain, it covered both of the duel bug flying types.
Washing the remaining string shot away, Masquerain swirled and shot a psybeam straight down. Striking Beautifly head on, the water seemed to mix in within the blast. Crying out and trying to break free, her eyes widened as she recognized the accidental combination she performed on Harley.
"He's using soak," she muttered.
Letting Sakura's bug crash down on the field, her wings were drenched. Flapping them, she couldn't get any sort of lift.
"Moring sun to try and dry off." Sakura instructed.
A mystic healing glow covered her body as she looked up to the sky. Flapping her wings, they seemed to dry out but still unable to get lift.
"Ice energy ball!" Drew commanded.
Forming an energy ball in front of his face, Drew's bug tossed it up into the air. Swirling behind it as it began falling down, he let out an icy cool breath. The chilling wind surrounded the grass type projectile in ice as it hurdled down towards the stage.
Turning around, she sent out a barrage of purple stingers from her proboscis. Breaking the icy shield up, it shattered but the pellets continued down.
Crashing onto the now water type, she cried out. The perfectly intact energy ball followed through, striking her head on. Knocking her onto her back.
Diving down towards his opponent, Masquerain spun against the attempted poison stingers. Skilfully manuvering in his decent, he used a giga drain.
Green balls of energy flew out of the previous bug flying type. Floating into the eyeball Pokémon, a mystic healing light surrounded his body.
"String shot to dodge!" Sakura shouted.
Shooting out another thick thread, it landed on the far side of the field. Retracting it, the force pulled her across the field and out of the giga drain hold.
Spiralling off to the side, Masquerain moved over the water's surface. Spinning over the surface, a weak psybeam created a cocoon of energy over him.
Picking up water with the new combination, he shot up like a makeshift aqua jet without the bonus speed. Letting out an icy blast, it covered the water and created an ice shield over him. Losing momentum, he began falling back down onto the field.
Not needing to be told twice, Beautifly already shot out another string shot. Using the new method to quickly transverse over the stage.
Masquerain crashed onto the floor and the ice shattered. Jumping back, he began rapidly flapping his wings. Creating a powerful gust.
The shards of sharp ice fragments went blown along the current. Striking the downed now-water type.
"We've still got our own combinations!" Sakura declared. "Ominous sting!"
Forcing her way onto her feet, Beautifly began flapping her own wings. Despite not taking off, a strong wind formed across the field. A ghostly purple tint coloured the current as she spewed out a barrage of poisonous stinger darts. Riding the wind, they picked up speed in the combination.
"Stage surf!" Drew flicked his hand. "And let's wrap this up!"
Landing close to the field, a sphere of water formed in front of his head. Flicking it across the stage, it half crashed, creating a sort of wave to either side.
Shooting forward with speed, Masquerain appeared on top of the water pulse, as if surfing. The water blowing the poison stingers away and covering the wind.
Letting out an icy cold blast of wind, it covered Sakura's butterfly Pokémon as she prepared a string-shot dodge. Slowed down from the artic blast, she got washed away from the combination as Masquerain took off. Shimmering under the sunlight as he flew back to Drew's half of the field.
Still standing from the combination, Beautifly looked more pee-d then hurt. Three loud buzzers sounded despite both Pokémon still standing.
"And one sides points have run out!" Vivian announced. "Looking to our scoreboard we can see the victor for round two is... Drew and Masquerain!"
She felt her eyes linger on the screen at the empty bar under Sakura's name. Despite all her contest experience, she never saw a points knockout before the timer finished. A lump formed in her throat as she remembered Drew's prediction from the night before.
"You've still got to beat Sakura-"
A hand appeared in her face, causing the words to die in her mouth. "As if I need to worry about her. She only won today because she knocked out Clark's pair and the final is a different format. Best of three with the only one knockout victory being permitted. I can outperform her in my sleep."
"Drew's... won-" Hearing the words out of her mouth didn't seem real. Like she should shoot up in bed and this has just been one big nightmare.
"Only the round." Ash caught her attention. "And they're both going into this final fresh. We can't call it until the battles over."
"But-"
"But nothing," Serena replied, "he might've won the round. So what? If I'm right about her last mon, Sakura is about to bring down a real challenge."
"You know... he said this would happen," she muttered. "He said she could only win through pure power. And he'd out performer in the other rounds."
"And that'll be his downfall." She placed a hand on her shoulder. "He likes to underestimate his opponents. It's the same reason Munchlax defeated Flygon."
"But he did outperform her here." She countered.
"With his main appeals partner," she replied, "he's used Masquerain for four out of his five ribbons in the appeals round. Not to mention the one he lost against you, May, and also as part of the duo in the grand festival appeals. Every combination seemed to be part of an opening routine, tweaked for battle."
"And he caught both Sakura and Beautifly off guard with soak," Ash added, "that gave him the room to control the pace of the performance."
"So what's stopping him from doing the same?" she asked.
"If I'm right about Sakura's last Pokémon, it's their own experience," Serena smirked. "He might think he's all that by being trained by Solidad, and she is a great coordinator, don't get me wrong. But they were trained by the Kimono sisters. I wouldn't like to face them in a one-on-one stage battle with their combined experience as one of the sisters, a coordinator in the grand festival final and a league challengers mere two months away from competing."
Her eyes widened at the seriousness in her friends statement. She always assumed top coordinators were these unbeatable performers who were on the level of a champion or at least elite four level but to hear her own concern gave a little relief. They don't just believe in a friend but in her skills as a trainer.
"Now to see who'll be taking the stage for the final round in this year's grand festival!" Vivian announced. "If our two coordinators would do the honours!"
"It's your turn!" Drew kissed his device before holding it out. "Roselia!"
His middle stage grass poison type materialised on the stage with a twirl. Holding his arms up in a pose, he bowed towards the cheering crowd. She tightened her fist, seeing his main partner overall. Despite her friends reassurance of Sakura's chance, she couldn't help but feel nervous for her friend.
"I ask for your help at this time." Sakura held her long sleeved arm out and a red light shot out from within. "Espeon!"
Seeing the psychic eeveelution materialise on the field, she couldn't help but notice the shimmering coat under the bright sun or strong stance with one leg in front of the other. The tail barely moving behind her. Pulling out her device, she scanned the psychic type eeveelution:
Espeon, The sun Pokémon. A final evolved form of Eevee. Espeon is extremely loyal to any trainer it considers to be worthy. It is said that this Pokémon developed its precognitive powers to protect its trainer from harm.
"I told you." Serena smiled. "Espeon has been her partner for years. She was her starter when first joining the Kimono sisters."
"And she's got a clear type advantage over Roselia," Ash added, "at this point, I think Drew's best option might be throw the match to get the double knockout. Heh. I bet the judges will have something to say though if he did pull such a stunt."
"Hey Serena." She pinched her lips together. "Why didn't you evolve your Sylveon into an Espeon? I mean your-"
"Hehe, it's because I let her decide which evolution she wanted." She smiled. "It's the Pokémon who need to pick because it's their life."
"Speaking of, I forgot to tell you guys. Snorunt evolved!" Ash beamed. "He's with Nurse Joy right now but I'm thinking of sending him to the lab so he can get more specific training. Floating around is gonna be a big difference as well as his new power."
"Before you do, we should show Froslass." Serena mentioned. "She is his mother so-"
"Sure." He nodded. "But can you do us a favour? Her... behaviour really hurt his confidence. Do you mind keeping her on hand so he can get to work without her interference. It's been hard enough doing the training with both of them here."
"Of course." She smiled. "I mean, I know she wants the best for him but wanting and doing aren't exactly the same thing."
The lights went down and the couple's conversation came to a stop as all eyes were drawn back to the stage. She could've cut the tension in the air as she watched the two coordinator's face off. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. Calming herself down before the action.
"Espeon verses Roselia!" Vivian announced. "With five minutes on the clock, let the battle begin!"
Sakura verses Drew: Round three
She watched as Roselia spun forward with clouds of yellow powder shooting up into the air. Pink petals erupted out and mixed in with the current controlling them picking up the stun spore. His petal blizzard, stun spore combination swirled over the field, closing into the sun Pokémon.
A blue wave of ESP erupted as her eyes glew. Expanding out in a sort of forcefield, it hit the combination as it got close.
Entering its own orbit around the eeveelution, it burst upwards over the stage. Erupting like a sort of firework. Clearing up, the sun seemed even stronger.
Blobs of toxic sludge burst out of the bouquet-hands. Splashing onto the ground, it created pits of toxic sludge and narrowed her movements.
Sakura did a weird hand signal with her hand. Pointing towards Drew, she spun her hand around then pointed back behind herself. Her hand covered her eyes.
Taking off with speed, the psychic type disappeared in the blink of an eye. Leaping over the thorn Pokémon, she performed three-frontal rolls.
Landing with a perfect pose, she turned back. Shooting out multicoloured beam from her head gem, it struck Roselia in the back.
Blasting him across the field into one of the toxic-pits. Kicking up heaps of sand behind her, a wave of ESP held them hovering over the pits edge. She continued to dance around the circle, creating more of this projectiles as Roselia struggled to pick himself up, slipping around in the sludge.
With a loud cry, she launched the sand attacks onto the pit which helped cover most of it. Leaving her opponent trapped in the dirt-toxic makeshift field.
"Fairy Forest!" Drew commanded.
Holding his hands up, a series of bright lights flashed out. Bringing his opponent to a stop, she blinked rapidly and stumbled backwards.
A series of vines erupted out of the ground, encompassing the pit. With Roselia right on the top, he held both hands up with a fireball forming between them.
Tossing it down, Sakura's eeveelution shook her head. Shooting out another psybeam, it burst through the weather ball.
Imploding before impact, tiny flames spat down around her as the beam hit one of the ingrain vines. The blast caused Roselia to stumble down.
"Now for the final to truly begin!" Drew declared, tossing some sort of rock across the field. "Catch!"
His grass poison lept up and caught the stone, a bright light engulfed his body as he landed, changing his shape the glowing faded. In Roselia's place stood was a bipedal Pokémon with hair made of white rose petals, and a leafy, green cape with a yellow, collar-like bangle around his neck. His cape pattern reached towards the back of his head, in spiky, sepal-like extensions on his hair. He had a dark-green mask over his red, yellow-lidded eyes. The lower portion of his face was light green, and each hand was still a bouquet but bigger to match his new body size, with red flowers on the right arm and blue on the left. His limbs and underside were light green, with her feet ending in yellow tips. She pulled out her Pokédex to scan the newly evolved Pokémon:
Roserade, The bouquet Pokémon. The final evolved form of Budew. Hidden within the bouquet on each hand are thorned whips loaded with virulent poison. Roserade moves gracefully as it corners its prey and mercilessly lashes them with its whips
"Oh man, I bet Drew did that to catch her off guard like with soak." She uttered, putting the device away.
"Probably, but I don't think it'll work," Ash replied, "I bet she's had opponents evolve mid-battle before."
"And it won't even give him a points lead," Serena added, "sure evolutions can but something so manufactured would be cheap to give him a new lead."
"Not to mention, it could seriously backfire for him." Ash continued. "A lot of Pokémon struggle to adapt to their new evolution. Especially if they drastically change. My opponent in the finale of the silver conference refused to evolve his Magmar beforehand due to this."
"And the battle shall resume!" Vivian announced.
Espeon swung her head around, launching out a series of sparkling swift stars. Each shimmered under the bright sun. Spinning on his own stance, the newly evolved bouquet Pokémon launched out razor sharp leaves with a multicoloured edge. The two projectiles crashed into each other, cancelling each other out.
Holding his hands over his body, a much larger fire ball formed. Tossing to over the field, it closed in on the eeveelution.
She lept back and blasted a psybeam straight through it. Bursting the fire ball open, it struck the vines and caused the display to burst into flames.
Sakura smirked. Raising one hand above her head, she paused. Bring both hands down hard before resuming her stoic pose.
Her sun Pokémon took off with another quick attack. The onslaught of magical leaves colouring her trail. Leading up over the burning vines.
Stopping high over the bonfire, a forcefield of ESP surrounded her. Fire erupted around her, burning the homing projectiles before contact.
A stream of flames erupted down like a Charizard spewing flamethrower with a mighty roar. Dancing back with leaps, Roserade tried to avoid the makeshift attack. Holding one bouquet hand out, he shot out a short burst of poison stingers, but he hand to continue his dance to avoid being burnt.
The stingers pierced through the flames, catching fire themselves. Dozens of tiny flaming pins hurled towards her.
"It's almost like Espeon became part fire type-" she muttered.
Blue ESP expanded out, blowing the flames and poisonous stingers away. Performing a frontal-roll, she landed on all fours just like when entering the field.
Burning vines scatter the floor as Roserade tripped down onto one knee. She smirked seeing the pure anger spread on Drew's face.
"She was one of five sisters at the time, each with their own eeveelution," Serena explained, "I bet they've adapted for most elements they might encounter."
Pushing himself up, she noticed the solar energy building by his bouquet-hands. Holding them out, a pure white solar beam erupted over the field.
A bright yellow box surrounded the psychic eeveelution. Scrapping back from the blast, she grimaced from the impact. Her eyes burst open, and a massive psychic shield expanded out. The power battle seemed tough, but the solar beam redirected straight up. Seemingly into the sun's direction.
The attack came to an end and Roserade's expression could only be pure shock. His presumably strongest move, deflected with hardly any effect.
Stumbling down onto one knee, he was panting heavily. Espeon's light screen faded and the eeveelution was revealed with a mystic glow, healing the little damage she took. Shaking her head and body, she seemed as good as knew as she stared down her opponent.
"And that's it!" Vivian announced. "Looking to our scoreboard we can see the victor for round three and the newest top coordinator is... Sakura Sayo!"
Ash smiled as he stared out over the hall hired out for the grand festival closing party. Over in the corner, he watched Glalie interacting with his mother. All of his Pokémon were out, and the evolution was met with congratulations, rightfully so. However, Froslass was also interacting. While they seemed to be working well and she wasn't making a scene, he couldn't help but feel nervous. Maybe it's because of the issues his own father brought between him and Drake.
"You okay?" he turned to see Serena who asked.
"Yeah," he replied, gesturing over to them, "I just hope she doesn't reverse anything he got from today."
"You think she can undo a regular evolution?" she asked. "I think you need to give Glalie more credit. If she does try something, then we can deal with it, but I don't know what she could do now. Just look at how much he's changed already."
"Alright." He sighed. "But I'll hold my right to set Gardevoir off on her if she does do anything."
"Any reason Gardevoir imparticular?" she asked.
"She's not afraid to speak her mind." He smirked. "She's been a handful as well these last few days."
"Then maybe you should just relax," she replied, "we're here for May, remember."
He looked over in her direction to see her surrounded by her team. She seemed isolated from the others but didn't look to upset. She carefully stroking the back fur of her Mightyena. Frowning, he couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness radiate off them.
"She was hopeful to spend the night with Brendan," Serena explained, "but I checked, and he flew off shortly before the final. He didn't even say goodbye."
"So, she wants to be with him now?" he asked.
"I already spoke to her about why that might not be possible," she replied, "but coming from a guy might make it easier to understand."
"I'm just glad you didn't yo-yo like this," he shrugged, "it was hard enough to figure out my feelings without having games like that."
He looked around and noticed several couples taking up a spot on the dance floor. The music shifted into a slower, more romantic song.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked, taking her by the hand. Seeing her laugh with a nod, he led her out onto the dance floor.
His hand landed on her waste and hers looped around his neck. Slowly swaying side to side. He noticed other couples on the dance floor but didn't pay them too much attention. Locking eyes with his girlfriend, they rested their foreheads against each other, letting the music decorate the background.
"You know, I spoke to Brock earlier," he whispered, "Nurse Joy just gave Electrike a check-up. She gave him some info and... well, let's say he wants to make a detour. Norman and Caroline are expecting us back though and it's kinda personal-"
His words died from a pair of lips brushing against his. Taking a second to registrar the interaction, she pulled back before he could deepen it.
"I get it, I'll return with May and Max, and you can go with him." She smiled. "Just as long as I get Pidgeot to fly on."
"Oh?" he asked, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "You're really gonna call shot gun on my Pokémon?"
"You know Pidgeot is the most comfortable to fly on." She pouted, fluttering her eye lashes. "And beside, neither Dragonite or Aerodactyl are really big on carrying anyone other than you. But we can worry about the other travel plans in the morning."
He smirked at the less then subtle hint. Leaning in, their lips connected as their feet continued to move in time with the music.
"Come on," she whispered, pulling from the kisses.
"Where?" he asked.
"After tonight we'll be back with the Maple's. And you remember how awkward it was before your gym battle. The walls are so thin that they'd hear anything we tried," she replied, pulling him out of hall, "so I wanna make the most of our time before then."
Feeling his heart race, he feet picked up the pace. The two of them ran hand in hand through the night city streets. It didn't take long for them to reach the centre. Hardly anyone was about, only really the night-desk Chimecho who floated in place.
Upon entering the room, he felt the force of his girlfriend's power push him against the door which slammed shut. He barely had time to registrar her actions as she pressed up tightly against him. Her nimble fingers flicking the lock on the door with an audible chunk.
"Se-Serena-" His gasp was met by a series of shushes from her as she turned around.
Her powers pulled him along and he was tossed playfully onto their shared bed. Feeling his heart thump harder from the thrill, moments later she jumped on top, straddling him whilst looking down. Her lips pressed against his, sending a thousand thunderbolts through his body.
Leaving him powerless as her hands fiddled the bottom of his shirt. As she pulled their lips apart, she pulled his hoodie and shirt off. Seeing her bite down onto her lower lip as she straightened her back, hands pressed against his chest caused his jeans to tighten.
"Have I ever mention that I'm really glad you took on that training programme Brawly made?" she asked in a husky low tone.
"Wh-what's this all-in honour off?" he asked, feeling his breath short as she leaned down. Leaving a trail of kisses over face, her hand brushing down to his stomach. He hadn't really noticed before but he could start seeing the development of abs which she really seemed to be enjoying.
"I realised I never made up for the ruined date in Lilycove," she whispered, ending with a light bite on his shoulder.
"Y-y-you've got nothing to make up for," he replied, cupping her cheeks to force eye-contact. "You had to support May because-"
"I know... but the idea of sailing out into the ocean for some star gazing was really romantic," she replied, "unfortunately, I checked and there's no rentals available right now. All boats have been set to work moving people, supplies or resources around the region after the disasters."
"I'm not surprised," he replied, "we'll just need too-"
His words died in his mouth as images appeared in his head. The memory of them riding on Lapras just before the storm and the massive disasters which followed. His mouth went dry as the feeling of her long, slender legs tickled the ends of his fingers.
"Pick up where we left off?" she whispered, continuing her trail of kisses as her body rested on his.
Unable to hold back, he wrapped his own arms around her. Pulling her in close, he rolled to the side and pushed his lips into hers. His hand reached down and grabbed her leg as it brushed over the top of his hip. Her foot hit his back, tightening their embrace as her fingers clawed against his back.
"You know..." She uttered between their kisses. "I can easily slip... back into that bikini... if you'd like..."
Feeling his breath fasten as his body went numb, he swallowed hard as all his blood rushed elsewhere. Pulling back from her, he ended up rolling off the side of the bed. Letting out a grunt of pain, he looked up to see her leaning over the edge of the bed.
"Ash?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow up.
"I erm, I-" He scattered up to his feet. "I need to use the restroom."
Quickly throwing himself into the bathroom. He made sure to close and lock the door behind him. Walking over to the sink, he felt incredibly uncomfortable from the tightness in his jeans. Turning the tap on, he cupped his hands before splashing his face. Turning the tap off, he dried with the hand towel.
Letting out a low sigh, he walked over and sat on the toilet seat. Just sitting there, the thoughts of his girlfriend continued to plague his mind. He tried to focus on something... anything else but it was clear his body had more control than his mind right now.
"Ash..." Serena's voice echoed from the other side. "You, okay?"
"Y-yeah-" he stuttered. "Sorry... I'll be out in a little bit."
"Okay," she replied.
Mentally cursing to himself, he leaned back. He really couldn't believe the torment right now. If he returned, then she'd certainly discover his conundrum and could even lead to other issues if he let the urges currently take control. Closing his eyes, he let his hand help relieve that particular issue.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...