Part CXXI: Pledging, Presents, Pokémon

"Alright, the Pledging Festival is tonight so we should try to spend the day sorting out what we want to get or make for our Pokémon." May said as they all gathered in the front of the Pokémon Center after breakfast. "Serena and I know what it is so we can help if you want."

"Yeah I'm still hazy on the details." Ash said. "What do we do?"

"Basically, we all get presents for out Pokémon and give it to them at the Festival tonight in front of the tree." May explained. "So, we spend the day looking for what we want to get them, or the materials we need if you already know what you want to do for them."

It was a few days after the Coumarine Contest, the last big event during the Festival week that culminated today with the Pledging Festival at the big tree that overlooked the city. The town had been decorated and prepared for the day before so all they had to do was get what they needed for the Festival that day and prepare it.

The week itself had been fun so far. It had started off the day before the week officially began with Ash's gym battle against Ramos that he won with only one Pokémon of his defeated and thus earned his 5th gym badge meaning that he only 3 more to go.

After that Misty had made her Showcase debut and while she'd done well and advanced past the theme round, she'd come 3rd in the freestyle round. Her mistake was that she'd not integrated herself into the performance, she was too stiff and relied too much on Vulpix and Piplup to pull her routine off rather than show how she worked with them as well.

It was a rookie mistake though, and one Misty was likely to make with her coordinating background as that relied on the Pokémon in the appeals. She wasn't too upset with her loss as the Showcase had been fun and taught her where she needed to improve if she wanted to win one. She already had a plan for the next Showcase, but she wouldn't start working on it until nearer the time.

Though Misty had lost, she had gained experience from it, and they did finish the week on a high note. That was because Serena had shocked the Kalos Contest Circuit with an upset victory over Jessilina in the finals, the first time one of the so called Big 3 had lost to anyone not in their unofficial trio.

True the victory had been more due her Rhyhorn evolving into Rhydon and his type advantage over Jessilina's Seviper, but it was still a win. Now Serena had 2 ribbons and only needed one more to qualify for the wildcard event, while establishing herself as the home region favorite in the process.

All that was in the past though. They were already looking to the future with the next stop being Laverre City for the gym there and if timing worked out the Contest that the city was scheduled to host but that was only if they managed it as the Contest was further off than the trip to the city would take. However, before that was the Pledging Festival and they all wanted to do that.

"So should we split up then?" Misty suggested to the group. "It would make the most sense if we did that as we all likely have our own ideas for this, or if we don't it would be easier to find what we need on our own."

"Well, that is what we did last year so I think it is best." May said with a nod. "We will each want to do something different so it will be quicker this way."

"There is one thing with that." Serena said though as she noticed a problem that they had. "The gifts are best as surprises so Pikachu and Piplup should probably not be with Ash and Misty for the day."

"Pikachu?" Pikachu asked confused.

"Piplup?" Piplup added.

"It's for the best guys." Misty said seeing where Serena was coming from. "I already have an idea and I want to surprise you Piplup."

"It would be nice to surprise you Pikachu." Ash added. "Serena does have a point."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said agreeing, if this was for the team then he should be as surprised as the rest of them when Ash produced what he was doing for them. "Pi, Pikachu."

"How should we do this?" Misty asked. "Neither like their balls very much so that's probably out of the question."

"Just switch who looks after them." May said. "Have Piplup with Ash and Pikachu with Misty. Or they could come with one of us if they want, we don't mind."

"Not at all." Serena said with a smile. "I'd be happy to look after either of them for you."

"That works for me." Ash said. "Pikachu, who do you want to spend the day with?"

"Pikachu?" Pikachu thought as he looked at the girls, if Dawn were here he'd probably chose her, but she wasn't, so he opted for Ash's mate as it felt right to go with Misty over the others. "Pika pi."

With that, Pikachu leapt off Ash's shoulder and onto Misty's surprising her a little that he'd choose her for the day. Piplup had already chosen though his decision was a simpler one than Pikachu's. He didn't trust any of the women present, even Misty, to look after him so he leapt from Misty's head and onto Ash's knocking his hat askew but sticking the landing.

"Piplup." Piplup said happily as Ash adjusted his hat back to normal. "Pip, Piplup."

"Guess that settles it." May said. "Alright we should split up now. I already know what I am doing so I'm heading out to a place in the area of the city I know I'm most likely to find what I'm searching for."

"Same." Serena said as she checked her bag to make sure she had what she needed. "I need to get what I want early as it will take time to make what I want to make."

"I have no clue so I'm just going to wander." Ash said with a shrug surprising no one. "And see if I can find anything."

"I have an idea, but I need a moment to research some things first." Misty said. "So, I'll see you around. Pikachu, let's go to the computers, I need to look some stuff up and make some notes before we go shopping."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said happily as Misty headed to the computer terminals.

The other 3 bid her farewell and left the Pokémon Center. Ash had no idea where he was looking but in typical Ash fashion just marched off in some direction and went with that knowing he'd find what he needed by the end of the day. May and Serena sighed before they too split up. Neither knew where the other was going which was for the best as this was a day for their Pokémon, not the girls.

May had her plan sorted ever since they knew that they'd be here for the Pledging Festival. The year before she'd made some specialized Poke Bloc for her team with each being designed for her Pokémon's strengths, or in Munchlax's case more than usual to satisfy his voracious appetite. However, this year May had a different idea in mind.

It was tough for her as unlike the others, she wasn't doing anything competitive this year and this time she didn't have the promotion of the Contest circuit to distract her. Sure, she was judging and helping with the Contests but that was it.

It was a little strange not being active for the second year in a row, but May was ok with it. She was having fun, traveling with Ash again, even if she couldn't be with him as she wanted to be, and enjoying spreading the thrill of watching the first season of Contests in Kalos. Sure, that asshole and his lackies showing up wasn't good but still, so long as she avoided as much as possible them everything was good.

She did miss the competitions though. May had heard some rumors about something that was in the works, but she dismissed them as infeasible and way too soon so left it at that. She was going to focus on this year first and then decide what she was going to do next when the year ended. That meant focusing on the task at hand which was daunting; finding what she wanted to get for her Pokémon.

This year May wanted to find something a little different for them than just making Poke Bloc for them. That was what they were used to, she wanted something new and more permanent for them and so she was looking for them.

However, she didn't want to go with something the others could do which meant that she wasn't going to go with clothes. Both Serena and Misty knew how to style Pokémon and make them clothes, May was weak on that front of Pokémon care, so she avoided that idea.

That said, clothes had given her the idea for what she wanted to do so she walked in the right direction to sort it out. They were usually sold in the fashion district that pretty much every major Kalos city had.

It was to be expected in a region that prided itself on fashion, and the diversity of it as basically each city had its own style, it was almost mandatory that a city had the district so May headed to the one in Coumarine that she remembered from the time before when she and Serena had visited it for her Pokémon's gifts.

It was as she reached the district and saw what was there that May began to zero in on what she was going to get her Pokémon as her idea was only good so long as she could find what she was looking for. All she needed to do was find the place or places that had what she was looking for and determine what would be best for each of her 6 Pokémon. With a smile, May set off to begin her hunt hoping that her friends were just as set on their ideas as she was.


Since knowing that they'd be in Coumarine City for the Pledging Festival, Serena had known what she wanted to get her Pokémon, or more specifically what she wanted to make for them. She'd even begun tinkering with ideas in her down time, so she already had a base idea what to do for them with one exception due to an unexpected change a few days ago but she already had a new idea for that Pokémon.

The only one she didn't have any idea for was Meowstic as she was still too new for Serena to have an idea what exactly she would be into. That said, Serena knew that she would find something perfect for her newest Pokémon.

It didn't take Serena long to find the area where she would get what she needed. It wasn't the fashion district like May, no this was an area where more mundane, bulk, raw materials, and other such things were sold but that was just what Serena needed as she began to shop for what she needed.

Serena didn't want to make anything to large for her Pokémon but she wanted to make something special for each of them so she would need a lot of materials just in case she made mistakes. It was always better to be over prepared than underprepared, especially as she had a limited amount of time to prepare everything.

It took Serena the better part of 2 hours to find everything that she needed and as she was alone she had to have a bunch of stuff sent back to the Pokémon Center so that she could work on it there but in the end she had everything she needed and headed back. Now she just had to work on it and make sure they came out as she envisioned that they would. Whatever the case, her Pokémon were going to love them.


"Alright Pikachu, this is the list of things we need." Misty said as she finished her research and looked over the list she'd made with Pikachu's help. "These are what will be best for their types, at least individually. The dual ones are going to be harder, but we know what is best for each of their types which means that all we have to do is figure out how to fuse them correctly. Their physiology is straightforward though with one exception. Thanks to mom I know how to work with that already."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said with a nod, Misty had explained to him what she wanted though the technical stuff was beyond him, but he understood her plan and approved of it, her Pokémon were lucky to have her as a trainer as she clearly loved them. "Pika pi."

"I may have to use you as a taster." Misty continued as she got up, let Pikachu hop onto her shoulder, and headed out of the Pokémon Center to find the various Pokémon care stores that would sell what she needed for her gifts to her Pokémon. "I know that you're not the type, but you can at least give a general approval of the ones that are a little tricky. Combining ingredients, especially for the ones with contrasting types and tailoring them to physiology will be tough."

"Pika pi." Pikachu said simply, he didn't mind tasting as he knew how good Misty was with these, if Ash had suggested it he'd have fried his human for even considering this idea as his should be banned as a crime against all Pokémon, but he supported Misty's idea fully. "Pi, Pikachu."

"Good and I don't want to just do it for the 6 on me." Misty said. "All my Pokémon, be they on me, with Sycamore, back in Pallet Town, or wherever Ambipom is at the moment are dear to me, so I am making some for all of them. That means we need to be quick to get them so we can spend as much time perfecting them as possible as that will take the most time. That way you will also get a special one and you can help a lot with another."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said in agreement as they set off to get what Misty needed.

She had had this idea right from the start as it made the most sense for her to do this. All Misty needed to do was get the ingredients and then make them. Thankfully, she'd had some experience with specialty tailored creations so she knew she could do it; it would just take some time to get them right. Fortunately, she had Pikachu with her to both help, he was more useful than Piplup in that regard though Piplup couldn't be faulted for his flippers, and to make sure things were perfect for her Pokémon.

Misty smiled as she headed to the nearby places as they were in the same area as the Pokémon Center for ease of access. This was going to be fun, and all her Pokémon would love them when she was done, she was sure of it. She just hoped that the others, mainly Ash, were having a better time with it.


"This is so hard Piplup." Ash complained as they exited the fourth shop of the day having found nothing again meaning that Ash still had no idea what to get his Pokémon. "I can't find anything that would be good for them."

"Piplup." Piplup agreed sadly, he'd been with Ash all day and they still hadn't found anything good for his friends that were bonded with his human's rather stupid mate. "Pip, Piplup."

"I just can't think of what they would want." Ash said as they made their way to the monorail station to go check another region of the city to see if a different area would be better. "Do you have an idea?"

"Piplup." Piplup thought, he knew what he'd want but he wasn't one of Ash's Pokémon, they were all pretty similar, though that might also be because they were all male, and they tended to adopt traits of their loud human, so they were a lot like him, which Piplup realized was the answer, he really was brilliant wasn't he. "Pip, Piplup, pip."

"What is it Piplup?" Ash asked as Piplup suddenly leapt off his head so that Ash had to catch him in his hands in front of him and look at the Penguin Pokémon.

"Pip, Piplup, pip, pip, Piplup." Piplup said emphatically as he gestured to Ash and then to his Poke Balls where his Pokémon and then back to him hoping the man could get what he was trying to say even if it was a longshot given what he knew of his human's mate. "Piplup, pip, pip, Piplup, pip."

"You're saying I should think about myself?" Ash asked a little confused, as expressive as Misty's Piplup could be he was a little hard to understand, especially when he was ranting about something or other. "How will that help?"

"Piplup." Piplup said pointing again more seriously to both Ash and his Pokémon. "Pip, Piplup."

"Are you trying to tell me I should think about what I'd want and then give it to my Pokémon?" Ash asked, it was certainly something he hadn't thought about, but it wasn't a bad idea. "Right?"

"Piplup." Piplup said with a nod glad that Ash was starting to get it and faster than he expected the human to manage it. "Pip, Piplup."

"Huh, I guess that could work." Ash said thinking on it more. "Most of my Pokémon chose to join me and with me they are quite similar. Even Conkeldurr is starting to come around after that battle and some time back home on the ranch. That could work."

"Piplup." Piplup said with a sigh of relief, he'd somehow gotten it. "Pip, Piplup."

"In that case, I know just where to look." Ash said as he hurried away still holding Piplup who had to squawk loudly to be put in a more dignified position because Ash had suddenly had a stroke of inspiration. "I just need to search for a variety of them to appeal to all my Pokémon."

Ash obliged Piplup as he hurried to the wooded area that was near Coumarine City, it would be the perfect place to look for what he needed. He still wasn't sure what he'd find but he had a good feeling that he'd find it there. He had a goal now and he was going to get his Pokémon something great, he knew it.


"Right, we are just waiting for Ash and Piplup." May said as they gathered in the front of the Pokémon Center in the early evening with their things for the Festival. "What is taking him so long?"

"Probably lost track of time or ended up helping a Pokémon he came across while searching." Misty said with a smile. "You know him."

"True that is classic Ash." May said with a chuckle, she was glad that Ash hadn't change since she met him all those years ago. "So, what did you guys get your Pokémon?"

"You will see." Serena said holding up the two bags she had. "Took a bit, and I made a few mistakes, but everything came out just right in the end."

"Same." Misty said, a large box in her hands. "Took a while but I got things just right and have already sent the stuff for my Pokémon back in Lumiose City to Sycamore with instructions for them. There was one really tricky one, so I had to do something different for him and send it with the other stuff."

"That is smart." May said realizing she should have done something for her other Pokémon back home or Glaceon who was with Sycamore at the moment as she looked at the bag she was holding. "I'll have to get them stuff as well when I have the time."

"It was just an idea and thankfully most share a type, so it wasn't too bad." Misty said with a shrug. "And Pikachu got more for it."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said contentedly from the floor where he was laying, it had been a real good day for him thanks to what Misty had been doing. "Pika pi."

"Yeah about that." Serena said looking down at the electric type. "Why is Pikachu looking so out of it."

"He was my helped and thus my taster." Misty said simply. "Everything had to be perfect, and he was the only one who could help. He's very content though Ash might be upset."

"I doubt it." May said as the door opened, and Ash came in holding a large sack over his shoulder while Piplup clung to his head clearly not happy with his predicament. "Speak of the devil, here's Ash. Over her Ash."

Ash saw his friends and smiled as he approached them with the sack that looked quite heavy. He was clearly pleased with himself though, but Piplup was glad to be done and leapt off and onto Misty's head. It had been a long day, but he was happy to be back with his human, he couldn't wait to see what she had gotten for him.

"You look happy." Misty said to her boyfriend as he reached them, Pikachu perking up and managing to leap onto his human's free shoulder, his energy back with Ash's return. "Did you find what you needed?"

"Took a while and a little help from Piplup but I did." Ash said hefting his sack a bit to show them what he had. "I got all that I need."

"Piplup." Piplup said proudly from Misty's head, he'd been completely responsible for what his friends would get so they should be nice to him for a while. "Pip, Piplup."

"Plus, I ran into a wild Dunsparce while I was out and caught it." Ash said as if it was normal. "Not sure what I will do with it, but they aren't easy to catch as they often flee into the ground so I'm happy. It's back with Sycamore so I'll figure out what to do in time."

"That seems spur of the moment." May said surprised. "You're usually not like that with Pokémon."

"It felt right, can't really explain it any other way." Ash said with a shrug. "Not sure why I did it, I just decided and reached for an empty ball. Thankfully, I had one as I always keep empty ones on me when I have the others, so I caught it. I have some idea what to do with Sigilyph when the time comes but not Dunsparce right now."

"Well, that is another twist for the day." May said with a shake of her head because it was somehow just something Ash did. "But it is almost time, we should get going."

The others nodded and they left the Pokémon Center and began to head to the Pledging Tree. Already many trainers were on their way, so they joined the crowd as they headed up to the large tree that was planted by the founder of Coumarine City and where the gym was. They were all looking forward to the Pledging Festival as they couldn't wait to give their Pokémon their gifts.

It didn't take too long to reach the tree thanks to the route they knew well after a week in the city and thus they were at the tree in short order. However, as they needed to let out all their Pokémon and as some of the Pokémon were on the larger side they took a spot a fair bit away so that they could let out all 22 Pokémon that were still in their Poke Balls and set up their area as they waited for the Festival to start.

As they were waiting they looked around and saw some familiar faces in the crowd. Nurse Joy was there with her Wigglytuff and near the base of the tree chatting with Ramos who would run the ceremony and had his Gogoat by his side for it.

Off to the side and surrounded by fans, and a few reporters, was Jessilina in her classic outfit from the Contest with a man who had to be her manager next to her. Between them they had all 4 Pokémon the Sinnoh woman had used in the Contest, along with a Meowth, Inkay, Mime Jr., and a few other Pokémon that they couldn't quite make out but looked to be from Unova or Sinnoh at a glance.

The only one who wasn't here was Miette. She'd taken off shortly after the Contest to go find another one nearby where she could hopefully win her second ribbon and catch up to Serena. She'd told Serena that she did plan on giving her Pokémon presents for their work and had them already sorted out, but she needed to hurry as there was a Contest to the east two days walk from Coumarine that was not expected to have a Big 3 favorite in it, so she needed to get there in time for it.

Serena understood and wished her friend and rival luck in it. She wanted Miette to succeed so they could compete at the Grand Festival together, though both were set to appear in the Wallace Cup when it was held in Snowbelle City towards the end of the season. That was later though, now it was time for the Pledging Festival. Night had fallen so it was time to begin.

A quiet hush fell over the gathered trainers and Pokémon as Ramos took his spot and began to open the festival. Unfortunately, they were a little too far from him to hear what he was saying but May and Serena explained the gist of it from the year before.

Basically, it was just a standard spiel about the bonds of friendship between Pokémon and their trainers. How every year, on the anniversary of the tree's planting by the guy who had founded the city with his Skiddo, they gathered here to reinforce and grow those bonds together in the shadow of the tree that was still growing just as the bonds between humans and Pokémon always continued to grow.

With that the ceremony ended and trainers began to give their Pokémon the presents they had gotten them. Already one evolution, a Woobat by the looks of it, had begun and there were others expected during the night as other Pokémon reached the required level of friendship with their trainers to evolve. The four just ignored them as they turned to their Pokémon and gave them their gifts.

"Right, here you guys go." Ash said was he laid out a cloth he'd brought on the ground before emptying the sack of berries he'd picked for them in front of his Pokémon. "Dig in and enjoy as many as you like."

Ash had realized that what he'd want most was something to help get stronger but was also nice at the same time and that had caused him to realize that the best thing was berries. They helped Pokémon grow and recover in natural ways, tasted good to various Pokémon, and were a nice treat. He'd collected a wide selection to accommodate for the various tastes of his Pokémon and had filled the sack with them.

His Pokémon looked at them for a moment before Frogadier stepped forward and picked up a berry that he liked, one that he knew would help his growth, and ate it. With a croak he smiled at his trainer's thoughtfulness to bring them berries that would help. They rarely got them these days unless it was for recovery purposes, so this was nice.

With Frogadier's encouragement the others all began to dig in, selecting the berries they liked the most and eating them happily together as a team. Only Conkeldurr was hesitant to join in the fun.

"Go on Conkeldurr, you're part of the team as well." Ash said smiling at his Pokémon. "I got them for all of you, help yourself to whichever ones you want."

Conkeldurr blinked at that but smiled as Hawlucha came up to him and offered him a berry that he knew the former bully had liked back in the forest. It was to show him that they were friends and teammates now, that Conkeldurr had changed and understood what it was like to have a trainer who loved him. That he was better than he had been before Ash caught him.

The pure fighting type took it and ate it. It was the first time he'd really shared with others, well without stealing it first as he did share with Ursaring back in the forest, and it was certainly a different feeling. He'd learned on the ranch that the Pokémon there all supported each other and while they had some healthy competition and rivalries, they were all there to grow together. After his battle against that strong Gogoat, Conkeldurr had begun to understand what his human was like and joined in with his new team as they ate and chatted.

Lucario asked him about his recent battle when he joined them as he hadn't seen it and Conkeldurr enjoy telling his teammates of his decisive victory but that it was only his first, he had a long ways to go to get up to the other fighting types. He wanted to be the best of that group, but he knew that there was some stiff competition for this.

This was proven by Lucario entertaining him with the time he took down a fully evolved Luxray as only a Riolu, his best win to date, as well as the other wins against fully evolved Pokémon that Lucario had had before he evolved. It showed Conkeldurr just how good Ash was as he was able to get so much out of Lucario before he evolved and now that Lucario had evolved he was only going to keep on getting stronger.

Ash just smiled at all his Pokémon getting along and the improvement in Conkeldurr since he'd returned from the ranch. It was how it should be, and this Pledging Festival was really helping with it.


Meanwhile, Misty was with her 6 and opening the box she'd brought for them. She'd actually bought the box and the subsequent 6 smaller boxes when she'd gotten the ingredients that day and would be sending it back to the lab when she was done as it was pretty useful to have. However, right now she had her gifts for her Pokémon.

"You've all be so great this year." Misty said with a smile at her Pokémon. "Even if it's taken some getting used to each other and our various personalities, but I can't thank you enough, so I decided to make you something special. Each of these boxes contain special poffins that I have made for you guys."

This got their attention right away. All knew how good their human's regular poffins were so if she was doing something special with them then they had to be much better than usual and that was saying something.

"They are tailored to your types and body physiologies." Misty continued. "It took a lot of effort, research, and I learned that the specialty ones for Malamar are really not good for rodents like Pikachu, but here you are. The others back at their places also have some so everyone is included. Well, everyone but Spiritomb as he doesn't actually eat but I've done something equally special for him, so he's included as well."

Misty's Pokémon all looked at her with love and gratitude at her actions for them. Even Malamar had softened her usual tough love approach for her trainer, she'd clearly learned a lot from Malamar and was grateful to the Overturning Pokémon for it. For tonight, they could all get along though soon she knew she'd have to help her human out and deal with the muscle-bound protector who enabled Misty's behavior as well.

"Ok so I've color coded them for ease." Misty said as she pulled out the first box, a royal blue one with flecks of white on it. "Piplup, these are for you made specifically for water types with avian physiologies like yourself."

Misty opened the box and placed it before her starter. Inside was a batch of 6 poffins that were a few shades lighter blue than the box that they were in. Piplup was touched that Misty had been so nice but respectfully waited for Misty to finish giving out the other boxes so he and his friends could enjoy them together.

"Vulpix, this is a set for pure fire types with a canine physique." Misty said placing an orange box in front of Vulpix and opening it to reveal matching poffins inside. "Litleo, you're also a normal type with a feline physique so I used the fire base I used with Vulpix's but tweaked yours accordingly to account for your normal type and added my mother's secret recipe that is designed for feline Pokémon. Well, I started with her recipe but added my own twist onto it for you."

With that Misty placed another orange box though this one had gray polka dots on it to distinguish it from Vulpix's. She opened it to reveal poffins with an orange and gray swirl that were for her dual fire and normal type.

"Similarly, Helioptile, yours is a blend for electric and normal types while taking into account your reptilian physiology." Misty said placing the yellow box in front of Helioptile and revealing the poffins had a similar swirl to them as Litleo's though with the bright color being yellow and not orange. "And lastly you two, my protectors and guardians. I know you two have differing views on how to protect me, and what is appropriate for me to do, but I love you both equally for it as I need both your styles to keep me in line at times. Thank you."

Misty took out the last two boxes, a maroon one with black stripes and a dark reddish brown one, and handed them to Malamar and Machamp, respectively. They could actually open the boxes with their hands or appendages, so she didn't need to take the lids off as they did it themselves to reveal maroon and black swirled ones for Malamar and dark red ones for Machamp.

"Those are made for Malamar's psychic and dark type while taking into account her squid-like physiology while Machamp's are for a pure fighting type and is the closest I can make to what a human would need given your humanoid physiology." Misty said with a smile at the two biggest Pokémon on her team. "Now enjoy guys, you deserve this, thank you."

All her Pokémon thanked her before they dove into the poffins with relish. All were instantly taken by them and enjoyed them. They were just what they needed in that moment and showed how much they meant to Misty.

All of them loved Misty's normal poffins but these put those to shame as they'd been designed for them specifically and reminded them that Misty cared for all of them deeply regardless of their different personalities, how they came to join her, or Malamar's habit of slapping her whenever Misty did something stupid, wrong, or inappropriate. It was a great moment for all of them and those who hadn't been in a Showcase yet were now really looking forward to their chance to help Misty win them the way the others had helped her win Contests.


As for May, she had taken the most space as Tyrantrum was the largest Pokémon any of them had on them at that moment, while Aegislash and Blaziken weren't small themselves. All 6 were gathered around her as May opened the bag to reveal what she'd gotten them this year.

"Alright, last you I made special Poke Bloc for you, even Aegislash back when it was a Doublade which wasn't easy given the fact that you don't really have a mouth." May said before looking at her ghost and steel type who just vibrated happily at her. "Come to think of it, we should find out yours and Phantump's genders now that we know how thanks to Sylveon's Cute Charm ability. It will also be good Contest battle training for Sylveon as well, especially with Aegislash as steel is strong against fairy."

The two ghost types just nodded at that. They knew their genders and that both were male, but it seemed their trainer was a little unsure of that. Then again, neither were a species with a distinct gender difference and as ghost types a normal type attack like Attract wouldn't work on them so that was understandable.

"Anyway, this year I decided to get each of you a special charm or item to show how much you mean to me." May said as she pulled out the first small box from the bag. "I had to go to a couple places to get them all, and some required some tweaking, but here they are. First off, Blaziken."

May opened the box to reveal a tungsten bracelet with a special charm set into it. The charm was a flaming fist punching out, so it showed off Blaziken's two types well. She'd had the opportunity to choose what metal the band was and had requested the one with the highest melting point which turned out to be something called tungsten. May didn't understand the specifics, she jut knew that it shouldn't melt and put it on Blaziken's wrist.

"It represents your two types and won't melt in your flames." May said with a smile as she pulled out the next box while Blaziken admired the charm and opened it to reveal a chain made of various charms that looked like Pokémon food though the metal itself was sturdy. "And this is for Munchlax and is of food, his favorite thing and reminds me of how we met."

With a little effort May put the chain around a sleeping Munchlax's neck. With the number of trainers here and the food available, she'd given Munchlax his special Poke Bloc before leaving so that he was napping during this and not ruing it for anyone else. The chain looked good on him, and the others commented on it though May was ready to return Munchlax to his Poke Ball the moment he woke up.

"Next up Aegislash, my first Kalos Pokémon." May said removing a special steel band with a pair of purple crossed swords and a shield on it and putting it around the hilt of the Royal Sword Pokémon. "This is a band to remember that you are both my sword and shield Aegislash. It is made of steel to represent your steel type while the purple represents your ghost type."

Aegislash just nodded, at least May thought it was a nod as it was in its blade form and made some sound of agreement. May smiled before she pulled out the next item, a pink metallic band with series of what was supposed to be scent lines carved into it and a cupcake charm in the center that May took over to Slurpuff and tied around her waist, the cupcake serving as a clip.

"Slurpuff, when we met, and I caught you I thought you were a normal type, but you had already changed to fairy even though it had yet to be discovered, or even confirmed that you were one of the Pokémon that had changed." May said to the pink Pokémon. "You've always been my nose here, your smell has improved my Poke Bloc beyond what I thought possible, and you have been key in helping us find people or things thanks to your heightened sense of smell. Thank you for joining me and helping me out so much in the last year."

"Slurpuff." Slurpuff said with a smile as May went to her bag and pulled out a brown leather ankle cuff with a roaring dragon smashing rocks carved into it.

"Tyrantrum, this was the easiest way to do it because of your size." May said with a smile up at her largest Pokémon as she attached the cuff to her ankle. "It's leather so will look great on you and the carving represents your unique rock and dragon typing. When I saved that scientist, I wasn't expecting an egg as a reward for doing what was right, least of all one that would hatch into an extinct Pokémon but here you are, and I couldn't be more grateful to have received your egg. You've helped me grow so much and broaden the Pokémon I can raise, thank you."

Tyrantrum smiled and roared at May causing a few others to look over and gawk at her presence, but she didn't mind, she loved her human and was pleased with the gift. May just chuckled as she went to bag and pulled out the last item before turning to Phantump.

"Phantump, I know we got off to a bad start and I am sorry for tripping over you, but I am glad you battled me and let me catch you, you've been a great addition to my team and the best help I could give Serena thanks to your typing." May said as she pulled out a set of matching wooden bands, one with a leaf on it and the other a ghost and put them on either side of the tree protrusion things on the side of its head. "These are bands with your types represented on them. You're typing is amazing and I'm happy we're a team now."

Phantump made a sound of thanks and smiled at her as all of May's Pokémon either embraced her, cheered, or in Munchlax's case snored himself awake which prompted me to be immediately return lest he go off and eat someone's food that was for that person's Pokémon and not him. She was just happy to have her Pokémon, her friends, and be on her second adventure in Kalos. She knew that all together they would do well this year.


Lastly Serena was with her Pokémon as she carefully laid out the 6 individually wrapped packages she had for them. She was going to do them in order and needed space given the size of one of her Pokémon, but she was taking her time so that they all got a moment with her.

"I want to start off by thanking all of you this year." Serena said with a smile at her 6 Pokémon. "The three from last year, I know that this has been a bit of a transition for you from Showcases to Contest, but you've been amazing in it."

Braixen, Pancham, and Sylveon all nodded or made noises of affirmation at that. They all loved Serena and wanted to help her achieve her goals. This was but another step in that process for them as a team.

"Rhydon, your agreement to join me because like me you didn't want to race was a blessing as I couldn't start my Contest journey without you." Serena said as she turned to her new Pokémon this year. "You've grown so much and shown me that I can handle Pokémon that are atypical to what I am used to and have helped me show that I am a more rounded trainer."

Rhydon roared in approval. He loved Serena for taking him from her mother. He didn't want to race like the other Rhyhorns back home, he wanted to see the world and battle, he wanted to get stronger and evolve and Serena had given him that. He'd protect her and fight for her for as long as he could because of that. She was his human, and he would always do his best for her.

"Vivillon, you've shown me that you can be more than an appeals Pokémon and without you I may not have gotten the chance to face Jessilina for the Coumarine Ribbon." Serena said to Vivillon who fluttered there before she turned to her last and newest Pokémon. "Meowstic, I know you're new but in time I know you will do amazing in Contests, they're going to love you when you debut in the next Contest I enter."

All her Pokémon smiled and made noises of agreement as Serena finished. Meowstic for her part had finally found a human who would serve her as she wanted, and it was clear from this that she'd chosen correctly. They all were glad to be with Serena.

"Last year I made things for Braixen and Pancham, though Braixen was still a Fennekin back then, and it was after my loss and change so it was a time of rebirth for all of us." Serena said remembering what had happened the year prior. "This year it is about continuing on and reaching that next level and in that vein I've done something similar and made something for each of you to look good in and that I think fits your personality. Of course, we will have to store them for training and Contests but otherwise you can wear them whenever you want. So, starting with Braixen, I made her this."

Serena opened the first package to reveal a choker she'd made for Braixen. It was red to match her ear hair and the tip of her tail with a yellow stone set in the center to match her yellow fur. Braixen smiled and turned around so that Serena could put it on her before she turned around and smiled at her human knowing that she looked great in her new accessory.

"It looks fabulous on you." Serena said with a smile before she opened the next package to reveal a red bowtie that matched Pancham's fancy glasses with black stones set into the ends. "Pancham, this is for you."

"Pancham." Pancham said happily coming forward and turning around so that Serena could put it on him just as she had with Braixen. "Pan, Pancham."

"I had to buy the bowtie as is because I can't make one, but I added the stones so that they'd match you Showcase glasses." Serena said as Pancham showed off and Sylveon commented to him that they now matched. "Now you look snazzy and handsome as always. Alright, Sylveon, you're next."

Serena went to the next package and opened it to reveal four small bows in the same white and pink style of the natural ones on Sylveon's left ear and neck. Serena then held out her hand for one of Sylveon's ribbons and attached it just below the differently colored tip on her white fur there. Once Sylveon realized what was going on, Serena was able to put the other three on her Pokémon.

"There you go Sylveon, now all your ribbons have a matching cute bow just like you have naturally." Serena said with a smile as Sylveon mewled her happiness before Serena opened the next one to reveal a special, handmade, pair of black fingerless gloves as she turned to Rhydon as he'd evolved so she'd had to change her plans for him. "These are for you Rhydon, special gloves that will look cool and tough on you when you're out training with me. With your evolution they work really well."

Rhydon let out a low grumble of happiness as Serena put them on him carefully. They were a little big, she'd gone for bigger than smaller with her estimates, but she could easily adjust them slightly when need be to make them perfect.

"They look great on you, really what a fighter would wear to train." Serena said to Rhydon as he inspected them with approval before she opened the 5th package to reveal a small set of sock like things in Vivillon's wing colors. "Vivillon, you're body type is beautiful but hard to make things for, but I found something when I remembered how strong you actually are. These are feet warms for your feet and will allow you to show off your pretty wing pattern more as I made them to match."

Vivillon smiled and hummed as Serena put the leg warms on. They fit just right, maybe a little tight, but Vivillon didn't seem to mind and flew up and around to show off to everyone his new accessory that worked really well with his wings.

"Lastly Meowstic." Serena said as she turned to her newest Pokémon and unwrapped the final bundle she'd brought. "This is for you. I hope you like it."

Serena revealed a blue, sleeveless vest that was trimmed white to match Meowstic's colors. Meowstic allowed her trainer to put it on her and it fit well. She couldn't lie, she looked good in it. It was a nice gift from her servant and made her like Serena even more.

"Anyway, I just want to thank you all for all your hard work." Serena said with a smile at her gathered Pokémon. "We've already gotten two ribbons and we will get more; I promise. We will do well in Contests, we will make the Grand Festival and go far in it, and then we will take what we learned when we push to beat Aria."

Her Pokémon cheered and the smaller ones mobbed her, Rhydon was more than happy to hold back so that Serena could hug him when she had a moment, he was fully aware how much bigger and heavier he was compared to the others. It was a nice moment and just what they needed.


Overall, the Pledging Festival was as good as the year before to May and Serena and a great new experience for Ash and Misty. It was a good break and helped the humans remember all that their Pokémon did for them and honor them for all their hard work. They'd all worked hard to get this far but there was still much more to do, and they all couldn't wait to see what the journey had in store for them as they continued their adventures in Kalos.