AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 83 Confrontation
"Well? What it'll be?" Maya sneers at Helena for being in the Masquerade Ball,
Vileplume gave a snarky chuckle, sharing the same attitude with her Partner. "Vileplume," She asked, looking over to Kirlia trying to intimidate her.
Kirlia remains calm, standing next to her Partner. "Kirlia…" The Duel-type could sense that both Pokemon and her Partner share the same Personality.
Helena felt some hostility from Maya, being a Professor and having responsibilities she has to be mature in this situation. "Maya, if I didn't receive an invitation to the Stone's Masquerade Ball then I wouldn't come. However, Steven has invited me personally to his Family's event so me being here isn't a proble-"
"Yes, it is! I bet you just beg Steven to give you an invitation!" Maya stated, not noticing the growing attention to her and Helena. "A nobody like you cannot be invited to a sophisticated event. Especially from someone who came from the Outskirts of Hoenn!"
"Vile, Vileplume!" The Grass/Poison-type joins in the berating of Helena and Kirlia.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia defended her Partner, hearing the vulgar words the Flower Pokemon was saying.
Helena placed her hand on Kirlia's head, calming her down. "Kirlia, calm down. I'm sure she's letting out some frustration." She said, had experienced Children with some anger issues during Professor Ceder's difficult lessons.
She found out that for them to calm them is important to let them vent their frustrations first before approaching them.
The Teal-haired trainer gritted her teeth, assuming that Helena was mocking her. "Y-You, how dare you treat mean like a Child, you b-"
Flannery had enough of hearing the Teal-haired Girl belittling her Friend, she slams her hands on the table. "Alright, that's enough Maya." The red-haired trainer looks over to Wallace's Little Sister, appalled by what she's saying.
"You have no right to speak to Helena like that!" Flannery raised her voice, fed up with Maya trying to act tough. "Helena has every right to be here, just like the rest of us!"
Meg nodded, agreeing with her Partner. "Slugma, Slug!" The Lava Pokemon exclaims, standing with Helena and Kirlia.
"Hey, why are you getting involved, Flannery!?" The Teal-haired trainer looks at Flannery, defending Helena. "You're supposed to be on my side!"
"I never said I'm on anyone's side, Maya," Flannery exclaims, feeling agitated by Maya's attitude towards her Friend. "Now that you're giving that attitude, I'm definitely on Ellie's side." She stated,
"Wha-I thought we were Friends, Flannery!" Maya exclaims, stepping forward, "Why are you defending this hussy!?"
Roxanne stood up, joining in the defense of Helena. "Maya! That's enough," She said, glaring at the Teal-haired trainer, "Out of every name, you decided to call Helena something vulgar!" She said, angered by what she called Helena.
"Nose, Nosepass! Nosepass!" The Compass Pokemon joins in as well, not liking how Maya is treating her nor is Vileplume belittling Kirlia.
The brunette trainer raised her head, "What would Wallace and your Family say if they saw you like this?" Roxanne asked, warning her not to cause more of a scene.
Maya gritted her teeth, seeing that more of her Brother's Friends and their Pokemon were taking this Woman's side. Her eyes glare at Helena, standing in between both Flannery and Roxanne, "You…" She marched up to Helena, pushing both trainers aside.
"You ruin everything, if you haven't shown up then everything, even Steven would be mine!" Maya raised her hand at Helena, about to slap her.
Footsteps came running towards the two Females, stepping in between them.
Her hand was in motion when someone stepped in front of Helena, receiving the slap. Maya steps back, seeing who received the slap. "W-Wha-Steve-" The teal-haired trainer steps back, her eyes widen at who steps in to take her slap meant for Helena.
Steven stood in front of Helena, his cheek was red from the slap. His eyes glare at his Company's Intern, witnessing and hearing what she said to his Girlfriend.
"Steven, are you okay?" Helena quickly went to Steven's side, checking his cheek. Her eyebrows lowered, seeing the redness where Maya slapped him. "Your cheek, it's red-" She reached out, only for Steven to hold her hand.
Steven smiles, still holding her hand. "I'm fine, Helena. It's just a simple slap," He said, relieved that he was able to take the blow for Helena. "Though, it does sting a bit." He chuckles,
"Meta…" Metagross felt his Partner's pain, he then looked at the one who hurt his Partner. "Meta!" The Iron Leg Pokemon shouted at the Teal-haired Girl.
The Hoenn Champion looks at Metagross, shaking his head. The Steel/Psychic-type Pokemon steps down, watching his trainer step forward and placing Helena behind him. "Maya, this is supposed to be a joyous event where everyone can relax and enjoy quality time with their Pokemon."
Steven closed his eyes, ignoring the onlookers around them. "If you're going to disturb the Ball, then I suggest you leave, Maya." He stated, noticing N and his Family were coming over to the commotion.
Maya gritted her teeth before glaring at Helena. This Girl manages to get everyone to go against her; she doesn't know how, but there must be a way to bring her down. She then smirks, having an idea cross her mind. "Helena!" She called out to the young Professor.
Helena turns her attention to Maya, hearing her call her out. "Let's settle this matter befitting for us trainers." The Teal-haired trainer stood beside her Vileplume.
"Maya, stop-" Steven was about to say something to Wallace's Sister only to have Helena hold him back.
"No, it's all right Steven," Helena said, reassuring him that it was fine. Her eyes drew over to Maya, "If you want a Battle, Maya then so be it. I accept your challenge," She said, accepting the challenge made by the teal-haired trainer,
Maya smirks, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to wipe the floor of Helena. 'After I humiliate and defeat you in a Pokemon Battle, I'll soon have Steven and his Family's attention.' She thought before speaking her mind. "Let's do a Double Battle, I'm sure you're good at a single Battle, but let's see if you can Battle with two Pokemon." She stated.
Helena maturely nodded, agreeing with the type of Battle. "Fine by me," She said, following some People to the Stone's personal Battlefield.
A few moments later, Helena was standing with her Brother and Friends who were deeply worried for her. "Helena, are you sure you can handle a Double Battle? It might look easy by watching one at the sidelines but it's difficult for a first-timer." Steven said, using her full name.
"I can't believe I would say this, but Steven has a point," N spoke up, agreeing with his Sister's Boyfriend. "You have to pay close attention not to your own Pokemon, but Maya's as well. She'll have different orders for her two Pokemon to Battle." He said,
Roxanne placed her hand on her chin, "Maya is trained by Wallace in Double Battle." She looks at her Friend, "She has a lot of experience in that field of Battling, Helena."
"Oh don't give Ellie something to worry about, you three," Brawly said, not putting Helena down or causing some concern. "I believe Ellie can beat Maya," He smiles, having full confidence in her.
Flannery nodded, crossing her arms and looking at their Friend. "Ellie, be sure to teach Maya a lesson or two for us." She said, wanting Helena to show her a thing or two about messing with her.
Steven nodded, walking up to his Girlfriend and smiling. "Well, if you're going to Battle Maya, then I wish you luck, Ellie." He said, cheering for her.
Helena smiles, appreciating their support. "Thank you for supporting me, everyone." She said to her Friends and Brother.
Walking down to the Battlefield, Helena quickly noticed that Steven's cheek was red. "Steven," He turns around, hearing her call her name. "A moment please?" Helena asked.
"Sure," Steven replied, walking over to the side with his Girlfriend. Once on the side, he looked at Helena, curious about what she needed. "Is there something-"
"Kneel down, Steven," Helena said before rummaging through her small pocket purse.
Steven blinks before kneeling to the ground. "Alright, what is this about?" He asked, watching her take out a golden Potion from her purse. A golden Potion, something he had never seen before.
Helena went to her knees, spraying Steven's cheek with the Potion. "O-Okay, ow. A little warning next time, Ellie? That really stings-"
"Maybe if you put ice on it then it wouldn't led to this." Helena sighs, replacing the Potion with a big bandage. "I knew bringing these might come and handy, take that Roxy and N." She smiles before applying it on Steven's cheek.
Steven smiles, placing his hand on his cheeks. "Wow, I appreciate you fixing me up, Ellie." He said, feeling his cheek sting less.
Helena placed the remaining bandage into her purse, "Since you have taken that slap for me, it's only right for me to heal your wound, Steven." She said, feeling like she should do something in return for him stepping in.
"Well, I couldn't stand by and watch as my Girlfriend gets hurt," Steven said, standing with her. "It won't sit right with me when I let that happen. Besides, after this incident, Maya will be terminated after that unprofessional display earlier and her antagonizing you like that." He said to her.
Helena smiles, feeling lucky to have a guy like Steven to look out for her. "Don't worry, I'll teach her a lesson or two when you start a scene like that." She said, "Also, think of this like a payback for that slap she gave you,"
Steven nodded, "Then let's get going, Ellie. It's rude to keep someone waiting, especially when that someone is a bit rude towards you." He said with a smile as both of them headed to the Battlefield.
Soon enough Helena stood on the right side of the Stone Family's Battlefield while Maya stood on the opposite. Steven and the others stood on the sidelines with their Pokemon Partners, watching the Battle.
Maya's Pokemon were already out and ready for the Battle. Her Vileplume was there, indicating she was Battling, next to her was a white fur ape-like Pokemon with two sharp claws on both his toes and fingers.
"Feeling intimidated? Both Vigoroth and Vileplume are some of the strongest Pokemon I have on my team." Maya stated, bragging to Helena about how strong her Pokemon are. "Well, where is your second Pokemon? Don't tell me that your weak Kirlia is the only one you have." She mocks them.
Both Vileplume and Vigoroth were laughing at the insult towards the black-haired trainer and her Pokemon.
"Kirlia! Kirlia!" The Emotion Pokemon raised her fist, having her eyes on Vileplume.
Helena sighs, not letting the insult get to her. "Both me and Kirlia are strong enough, we've been through a lot with Professor Ceder and N during my Journey in Unova." She stated, taking out her Pokeball, "And since you asked,"
The young Professor raised her hand with the Pokeball, "Eevee, time to shine!" She releases her Pokeball in the air, letting her other Partner out.
Eevee landed on the Battlefield, standing next to Kirlia. "Eevee!" The Normal-type exclaims, ready to Battle.
Maya scoffs, seeing an Eevee on this Girl's Team. "This is going to be easy," She said as Sebastian, the Stone Family's Butler stood on the side of the Battlefield acting as the Referee for this match.
"I shall serve as Referee for this Battle," Sebastian informed the audience, on behalf of Joseph and Lydia. "The victor will be decided when either side Pokemon falls. Now…" He raised his hand, lowering down quickly. "Let the Battle commence!"
Maya/ Vileplume/ Vigoroth vs. Helena/ Kirlia/ Eevee
"Vileplume use Venoshock on Kirlia," Maya ordered the Grass/Poison-type Pokemon to go for the Pokemon who's weak against her. "Vigoroth, Fury Swipes on Eevee!"
"Vileplume!" A purple released a purple toxic spray over to Kirlia,
"Vigoroth!" The Normal-type's claws glowed a white hue before dashing towards the Evolution Pokemon.
Helena held her hand, quickly responding to the Attacks. "Eevee, use Mud-Slap to shield Kirlia, and Kirlia, use Psybeam on Vigoroth." She ordered her Partners.
"What!?" Maya exclaims, not expecting that Helena would switch her Pokemon like that.
The Venoshock hurls straight for Kirlia, however, Eevee steps in front of her. "Eevee!" The Normal-type Pokemon quickly turns around, kicking on the Battlefield and turning into a muddy substance.
The Mud-Slap countered the Venoshock, allowing Kirlia to leap above Eevee. "Kirlia!" She held her hand as her eyes began to glow blue. A multicolored beam hurls toward the Wild Monkey Pokemon,
Vigoroth's eyes widen at the incoming Psychic-type Move.
"Vigoroth, dodge it!" Maya quickly responded to the sudden change in position.
Vigoroth tries to dodge the Psybeam, however, the Attack hits the Normal-type Pokemon. "Vigoroth!" The Wild Monkey Pokemon cried out, rolling on the ground.
Maya gritted her teeth, seeing her Vigoroth on the ground. "Vigoroth, get up!" She turns her attention back to Vileplume, "Vileplume, Petal Dance!" She quickly ordered her Partner.
"Vileplume!" The Grass/Poison-type spun around as pink Petals circled around her. "Vileplume!" Vileplume's arms pointed to Kirlia and Eevee, the Petals went towards the two.
"Vigoroth, attack with Retaliate!" The Teal-haired trainer ordered the Wild Monkey after her Partner.
Helena quickly responded holding out her hand. "Eevee, use Protect, Kirlia get behind her!" She said to them.
"Eevee!" The Normal-type steps forward, her Body glowing a turquoise hue before expanding the aura to make Shield.
The Pink Petals collided with Eevee's Protect while Vigoroth swiftly dashed towards the two. Vigoroth impacted Eevee's protection, however, the Attack failed.
"AAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!" Maya screams in frustration at how Helena's Pokemon were evading her Pokemon's Attack. "Stop using useless Protect and evasion! Attack like a real trainer!"
Helena sighed, seeing that Maya though trained by Wallace, wasn't really utilizing both her Pokemon properly. "Maya, if you really want me to Attack, then you'll have it!" The black-haired trainer raised her hand,
"Kirlia use Moon Blast! Eevee, support her with Swift!" Helena ordered, seeing the opening right before her.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia channels her energy in her center,
"Eevee!" Eevee leaps behind Kirlia, ready to use Swift when Kirlia is ready,
"Ha! You left yourself open!" Maya responded, looking at her Pokemon. "Vileplume, Energy Ball, Vigoroth, use Thunder Punch!" She commanded her Pokemon.
"Vigoroth!" Vigoroth's fist sparks before electricity covers his fist, rushing toward the two.
"Vileplume!" The Duel-type raised her head before releasing a green ball of energy toward them.
Kirlia looks up, at the incoming Pokemon. "Kirlia!" The Emotion Pokemon raised her arms as a Moon appeared. She then released a beam from the Moon behind her, straight for Vileplume and Vigoroth.
"Eevee!" Eevee leaps in the air, her tail glowing then twists her body to release stars from her tail.
Both the Moon Blast and Swift combined into a pink beam with stars following. The Attack heads toward both Vileplume and Vigoroth.
Maya held her hand, "Vigoroth, punch that thing away!" She said, not noticing that she slipped up.
Vigoroth steps in front of the Attack, however, he is hit by the Energy Ball on his back while Kirlia and Eevee's Attack is at the front.
"Vileplume!" Vileplume exclaims, seeing her Partner being hit by two attacks.
"Vigoroth!" Maya exclaims, not thinking that her Pokemon would get hit by the Energy Ball. Just when she was about to issue an order to Attack for Vileplume, Helena quickly took action.
"Eevee, use Quick Attack on Vileplume!" Eevee jumps out, her body has a white guy before speeding at her and slams into the Flower Pokemon.
"Vileplume!" The Grass/Poison-type cried out as she was sent flying back.
Maya watched as her Partner fell before her, both Vigoroth and Vileplume had swirls in their eyes, unable to continue.
Both Eevee and Kirlia stood before Helena, Sebastian raised his hand towards her, "Both Vileplume and Vigoroth are unable to Battle," He announces to the audience. "The victor is Helena Potter!" The Stone Butler announces.
Cheers exploded for Helena, congratulating the young Professor. Helena was taken aback by the sudden cheer, she merely responded by waving her hand at the People and Pokemon.
"NO! THIS WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!" Maya exclaims, glaring at Helena. She took out her Pokeballs and called back her Pokemon before leaving the Field in a huff.
Helena was soon bombarded by her Friends, "That was awesome, Ellie! You were like an Ace trainer there!" Flannery hugged her, proud of her.
"Yeah Dudette, where did you learn to Battle like that?" Brawly asked the black-haired Professor.
"It's simply my experience during my Journey to the other Regions." Helena smiles, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Roxanne smiles, "Well considering the way you and your Pokemon Battle, you have plenty of experience." The brunette stated,
Steven chuckles, smiling at Helena for her victory in the Pokemon Battle. "Great job there, Ellie. I knew you and your Pokemon could do it." He said, never have any doubt that Helena wouldn't win. "After all, you did all sorts of stuff in your travels with Professor Ceder and N." He chuckles,
The black-haired Professor smiles, "Thank you, everyone but it's nothing. I just observed Maya's Battle style and told both Eevee and Kirlia how to go about it."
"Huh, how interesting…" Everyone paused, turning into a familiar sight.
Standing on the side was a light-skinned Woman with white hair, she wore a light blue tuxedo, pants, and shoes, and wore an Articuno mask on her eyes. "You see the bigger picture in Pokemon Battles, Helena. That's a really good trait to have, Helena." She spoke, walking over to them.
"Chairwoman Blanche!" Helena exclaims, didn't expect the Chairwoman of the Pokemon League to be in this sort of event.
Steven looks over to the Chairwoman, knowing she is here in his Family's Home. "Chairwoman, is there something you need?" The Champion asked his Boss.
Blanche smiles at the group, "I was watching the Battle and was impressed by your Battling, Helena." She said to the young Researcher. "Have you ever considered taking the Gym Leader Reserve test?" The white-haired Woman asked Helena.
"Gym Leader Reserve?" Helena asked, taken aback by the offer.
"Ellie, that's a big offer," Brawly said, knowing how much of an honor it is to get an offer like that from the Chairwoman of the Pokemon League. "You should take it, I was offered the same thing as you too," He stated.
Blanche nodded, smiling at Brawly. "Yes, Brawly here has shown his Battle prowess in both the Evergrande Conference and the Battle Frontier." She commented, remembering the Battles the sky-blue-haired trainer participated in.
Steven knew that this was a big honor for Helena, however, it clashes with her goals. "Helena, you don't need to accept it right away." He said softly,
The black-haired Girl nodded, looking at the Chairwoman in the eyes. "I appreciate the offer Chairwoman Blanche, but right now is not the best time," Helena said, knowing what she wants. "I'm actually looking for support for myself on being a Professor. You see, I want to have my own Lab and research the Ancient forms of Pokemon."
"I'd like to focus on one goal at a time," Helena said, declining the offer before her. Her Friends understood that Helena was in a crucial moment in her career, something that she worked hard for since they met.
Blanche merely nodded, accepting that notion from Helena. "Of course, I understand." She took out her card with her information on it. "But it would be a shame to leave a capable trainer such as you go. I could see you as a Gym Leader Reserve, if you change your mind then here's my card." She handed the card to Helena,
"Know that being a Gym Leader isn't just running a Gym, Ms. Potter," Blanche said, advising Helena on what being a Gym Leader is like. "You can still pursue your own goals while running a Gym. We can talk more if you want in the Future," She smiles,
"I wish you luck in finding a supporter in your Research, Helena," Blanche said before walking off to join the rest of the attendants.
After settling back in the Ballroom, where Helena has gotten refreshments for her Pokemon. She encountered a mysterious Person beside her. "Excuse me, young Lady." The Man spoke to her.
Helena turns around, seeing the Man before her. The Man had dull red hair, he wore a red sweater and a black vest with a red collar. He also has a red jacket with two black M's on the collar, red shorts with red sweater socks, and red shoes.
The Man also wore unique glasses with two sides extending. On one side was a Key Stone, indicating he has a Pokemon who can Mega Evolve.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the Chairwoman after your Battle with that Girl." The red-haired Man said, looking down at Helena with a serious expression. "Are you really Researching Ancient forms of Pokemon?" He asked.
Helena nodded, feeling off with this Man and yet feeling like most Researcher she met. "That's right, um…I'm sorry, may I have your name Sir?" She asked, feeling her Pokemon going behind her.
The red-haired Man chuckles, about to answer her. "Forgive me, my name is-"
"Maxwell, what a surprise to see you." Both Maxie and Helena turn to Professor Lund, approaching them. "I thought you said you were busy with your Research,"
"Oh, I am Professor Lund. It's taken me and my Team some time to research, but we're close to achieving the end result of our work." Maxie said in a dignified voice,
Rodrick smiles, placing his hand on his chin. "Really? Even though you haven't shared your findings with the Pokemon League's Research Committee?" The Steel-blue haired Professor said, knowing he'd been isolating himself with the rest of their fellow Researchers.
Maxie merely smiles, adjusting his glasses. "My topic is a bit complicated for you and the others to understand, Professor Lund. But I can assure you, once I'm sure it's done, you'll be the first to know." He said before hearing his Rotom Phone ring.
"Yes, it's me…alright." The red-haired Man ended the call, looking at the two Researchers. "Well, I better get going." Maxie turns to Helena, having an interest in her research.
"Professor Potter, I'll be looking forward to your first publication on your topic," Maxie said, turning to the exit and leaving the Stone Mansion.
Helena couldn't help but feel off when speaking with Maxie. "That…was a weird conversation." She said,
"Eevee,"
"Kirlia,"
Both Eevee and Kirlia agreed with their trainer, having a strange feeling when that Man spoke.
Helena shook her head before addressing the other Professor beside her. "I'm sorry about Maxie, Professor Potter." Rodrick spoke, looking at the black-haired Girl, "He's the type of Person who always takes things seriously."
"No, it's fine, Professor. Does he research Pokemon too?" Helena asked, a bit curious about the red-haired Man.
"No, Maxie doesn't study Pokemon; rather he studies Geology and Plate Tectonics, much like Steven but he's more inclined to Geology," Rodrick explains what his fellow Researcher researched. "He's probably asking you what you study since you're the youngest Researcher here other than Professor Ceder, your Mentor."
Helena understands, nodding to his explanation. "I see, that's interesting to know." She commented.
The Professor shook his head, going off track. "Anyways, Helena, I heard from Professor Ceder that you're looking for someone to support your Research." He said, smiling at the young Researcher. "It so happens that your topic has greatly intrigued me thanks to your Mentor."
"W-Wait, does this means-"
"Professor Helena Potter, I would like to offer my full support for your Research," Rodrick said, informing her what he decided. "This is a way to thank you for helping to find my Son."
Helena couldn't believe this, she actually found someone who could support her Research. She gave an ecstatic smile, deeply appreciating the Professor for supporting her. "Thank you, thank you, Professor Lund!" She said, grateful for his help.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.