As Ash and Cilan were fervently discussing their upcoming journey to Opelucid City, their plans were abruptly interrupted by the sudden arrival of a sleek, black limousine. The vehicle pulled up with an air of undeniable opulence, its presence in stark contrast to the rustic surroundings.
The limousine's door swung open, and out stepped a man whose imposing demeanor commanded attention. He cut a striking figure with a sharp suit and an air of authority that was impossible to ignore. His presence exuded power and influence, setting off an immediate wave of curiosity and even a hint of apprehension. The man stepped forward and announced authoritatively. "I'm looking for Cilan."
Cilan, somewhat surprised by the assertive arrival, stepped forward and introduced himself, albeit with a hint of caution. "I'm Cilan, yes. How can I help you?"
Before he could receive a proper response, he and Ash found themselves unceremoniously ushered into the limousine. The well-dressed chauffeur didn't leave them much choice, as he held the door open, clearly expecting them to get in.
"Please, get in. Mr. Hatterly has requested your presence." Chauffeur informed them stoically.
With a mix of intrigue and uncertainty, Ash and Cilan climbed into the luxurious vehicle, the door closing behind them with a soft thud. The atmosphere inside the limousine was worlds apart from the untamed wilderness they had just been discussing moments ago. Plush leather seats cradled them comfortably, and the vehicle moved with a near-silent grace, its windows tinted to offer just a hint of the world outside. The interior was immaculately clean, exuding a sense of wealth and sophistication that contrasted sharply with the rustic charm of their previous surroundings.
Ash and Cilan exchanged curious glances but remained silent as the vehicle cruised along. The air was filled with a heady blend of curiosity and uncertainty. Who was this Mr. Hatterly? What could he want with Cilan? Why were they being swept away in such a regal manner?
"Cilan? Did we get kidnapped?" Ash leaned to whisper warily.
"I don't believe so," Cilan replied with a thoughtful frown. "However, we should be prepared for anything. Keep Nephele's Poke Ball at hand, we might need an emergency flight away."
"Got it," Ash nodded with determination, palming the Heal Ball on his belt.
The scenery outside gradually shifted from the picturesque wilderness to urban landscapes. They entered an area where expansive mansions, impeccably manicured gardens, and wrought iron gates bespoke affluence. It was clear that they were headed to an exclusive neighborhood, and the anticipation grew.
Eventually, the limousine came to a halt before a grand mansion, one that was no doubt Mr. Hatterly's residence. The imposing façade exuded an aura of privilege, from its stately columns to the meticulous landscaping that surrounded it.
The chauffeur, his demeanor unwavering, opened the door for them, and they stepped out onto the pristine cobblestone driveway. The grand entrance beckoned, and as they approached the mansion, a wave of intrigue washed over them.
This unexpected turn in their journey was poised to open a new chapter filled with questions, and it was impossible to anticipate what Mr. Hatterly had in store for them. They exchanged one last, nervous glance before entering the opulent mansion, the heavy wooden doors closing behind them with a soft thud.
In the opulent mansion of the Hatterly family, a grand hall was adorned with priceless artwork and elegant décor. The rich scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, filling the room with a sense of sophistication. "Welcome! I am so thankful that you've accepted my invitation."
"We didn't really have much of a choice," Ash grumbled, keeping a hand on his Heal Ball just in case.
"Oh, we were delighted to have been invited," Cilan beamed, clearly fake, as he jabbed his elbow on Ash's ribs, so he would behave. "However, we were wondering, why were we invited to begin with."
"You see, my daughter Marigold is ready to begin her Pokemon Journey and get her first pokemon. However, I did not want to make this choice lightly. I am a man of prestige who believe in the importance of tradition and sought nothing but the best for my beloved daughter. To ensure that Marigold had the perfect pokemon by her side, I enlisted the help of two esteemed Connoisseurs: Cilan Dent and Ricard Nouveau." Mr. Hatterly announced dramatically.
"Well… that's one way of doing it," Ash commented, shocked. "It is not like everyone can save their starters from trafficking rings."
"Excuse me, what?" Mr. Hatterly turned to the raven-haired boy stunned.
"Nothing!" Cilan exclaimed, turning to glare at Ash. "Behave!" He hissed at his best friend, before turning towards Mr. Hatterly with a smile. "I would be delighted to form part of the competition."
The Connoisseur competition began with a touch of ceremony, echoing the prestige of the Hatterly household. Mr. Hatterly introduced his daughter, the young Marigold, a charming girl whose wide eyes glittered with excitement. She was dressed in a splendid, frilly gown, a testament to her father's love and devotion.
Both Cilan and Ricard were eager to impress the affluent family and their delightful daughter. The lavish, elegantly decorated room within Mr. Hatterly's mansion had been transformed into a showcase of pokemon. The air was abuzz with the soft hum of anticipation, and Marigold, a bright-eyed young girl, stood at the center of it all, her face beaming with excitement.
Cilan had a look of determination in his eyes. Beside him stood Ricard Nouveau, another renowned Connoisseur known for his refined taste and expertise in the world of pokemon. They were tasked with the responsibility of helping Mr. Hatterly select the perfect pokemon for his daughter, Marigold, who had just come of age to begin her own pokemon journey.
As Cilan and Ricard prepared to embark on this Connoisseur competition, they surveyed the room filled with a wide array of Pokémon, each one showcasing unique attributes and qualities.
Marigold was thrilled at the prospect of receiving her first pokemon. But as the competition commenced, an unexpected disruption sent a ripple through the room. The door swung open, and a flamboyant figure with a vibrant red wig and strikingly bold attire waltzed in, announcing herself as "Fauxgundy," an S-class Connoisseur.
Cilan, Ricard, and even Mr. Hatterly exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of this intruder who claimed to be the best of the best among Pokemon Connoisseurs. Fauxgundy's entrance had an air of arrogance, and her presence was as outlandish as her flamboyant appearance.
With an air of superiority, Fauxgundy began to inspect the room full of pokemon, pausing dramatically before each one. She inquired about Marigold's favorite pokemon, making bold, confident guesses that only seemed to amuse her rather than impress the room.
Marigold, the center of attention, exchanged confused glances with her father. The excitement she had initially felt was now tempered by bewilderment. How could someone with such an outlandish presence claim to be a Connoisseur of the highest caliber?
Cilan and Ricard watched the proceedings with raised eyebrows, finding themselves increasingly skeptical of Fauxgundy's supposed expertise. When Fauxgundy finally hazarded a wild guess about Marigold's favorite pokemon that was far from accurate, it became evident that her claims were nothing more than pretentious showmanship.
"Cilan, go and get this farce over with. I am begging you!" Ash hissed at his brother-figure. "We both know that she is Burgundy! End this now! It is giving me secondhand embarrassment like nothing ever did before in my entire life!"
"Got it," Cilan replied in clear amusement. As much as Burgundy annoys him, she is also a delight amusement to watch. Cilan calmly approached the self-proclaimed S-class Connoisseur and with a subtle smile. "Ok Burgundy, you've had your fun. Leave now before Mr. Hatterly calls the police. As you well known this could be considered fraud and you could get arrested for it."
"Cilan!" Burgundy grumbled angrily, glaring with hate, before processing what he had just said and losing all the color on her face. "F-fraud? I-I… Sorry! I am leaving now!"
Ash laughed out loud as she ran away, while Cilan shook his head in amusement. The room, now free from her theatrics, regained its sense of purpose and order. Marigold's smile returned, and the Connoisseur competition could proceed with the genuine intent of choosing a pokemon that would be a perfect companion for her budding journey as a Pokemon Trainer.
Mr. Hatterly, once again at ease, awaited the guidance of Cilan and Ricard, whose authenticity and dedication to the art of Pokemon Connoisseurs had ensured that this crucial moment was handled with the utmost care and consideration.
However, Cilan and Ricard stood at an impasse. Each believed they had found the ideal pokemon companion for Marigold, and the room hummed with anticipation as they presented their cases to Mr. Hatterly.
Ricard had put forth the cheerful and graceful Petilil as his recommendation. Its vibrant green leaves and delicate appearance seemed to embody the very spirit of Marigold, and he believed this Grass-type pokemon charming personality would be the perfect match for the young girl.
Cilan, on the other hand, was unwavering in his conviction that Marigold had already forged a bond with one of the pokemon living in her father's garden. With his keen insight as a Connoisseur, he set out to uncover which one it might be.
Mr. Hatterly, appreciating the dedication of both experts, offered a unique solution. He proposed a battle to determine which of the two was correct, allowing the winner to make the final decision on Marigold's first pokemon companion. With the rules set, Cilan and Ricard were ready to put their skills to the test.
Cilan's Crustle and Ricard's Purrloin took their positions. It was a battle between two distinctly different pokemon, each with their own strengths and strategies.
The battle began, with both pokemon showing their prowess. Crustle, with his massive pincers, demonstrated a commanding presence on the battlefield. Purrloin, nimble and quick, was equally impressive in her own right. The clash of moves and strategies echoed through the room.
As the battle raged on, it became evident that Crustle held the upper hand. With a combination of sturdy defenses and potent attacks, he skillfully overcame Purrloin's tactics. Cilan's expertise as a Trainer was reflected in the way he guided Crustle's every move.
Cilan's Crustle, true to his Trainer's character, showed remarkable cunning. He cleverly utilized his moves, demonstrating an intricate understanding of strategy and synergy. The decisive moment came when Crustle executed a well-timed Shell Smash, boosting his strength and speed while shoring up his defenses. Finishing the battle with an X-Scissor-Rock Wrecker combination, that left poor Purrloin defeated.
Cilan's determination and expertise had prevailed. With the heartwarming battle between Crustle and Purrloin settled, he stepped forward with a beaming smile to make his choice clear. In his hands was a well-kept Poke Ball, which held the pokemon that he believed had already formed a special connection with Marigold – Foongus.
Marigold's eyes shimmered with curiosity and delight as she gazed upon the quirky little Foongus. The pokemon resembled a red-and-white Poke Ball itself, and her demeanor was as charming as she was whimsical. Her presence radiated a sense of friendship and fun, a perfect match for the young girl's lively spirit.
With a warm and reassuring smile, Cilan offered the Foongus to Marigold. Her eyes widened with excitement, and she gently took the Poke Ball, releasing her new friend. Foongus waddled out, bouncing slightly with each step, displaying her playful nature.
"Marigold," Cilan said warmly, "it seems like Foongus is the one who's already chosen you as a friend. I hope you two will make a fantastic team."
Marigold's laughter filled the room as she reached out to pet her newfound friend. The bond between the two was immediate and unmistakable, a heartwarming connection that warmed the hearts of everyone present.
With the decision made and Marigold's excitement palpable, Cilan was declared the winner of the Connoisseur competition. The joyful atmosphere in the room was infectious, with Marigold, Foongus, and the Hatterly family celebrating the beginning of their extraordinary journey together.
Amid the jubilant cheers, Ash and Nephele shared a glance, knowing they had played a significant role in making this heartwarming connection possible. "Of course, we do all the hard work, flying around the sprawling state in search of Foongus, all while Cilan is having a blast battling and he still gets all the credit." Ash pouted into Nephele's cotton-like feathers, as Nephele gently tried to cheer him up with a warm hug. "Not fair!"
"Stop pouting, little prince," Cilan chuckled, as he was finally released from a grateful Mr. Hatterly and Ricard, who could not stop asking him about how Cilan knew about Foongus. "You helped a young girl get her first pokemon, you should be celebrating!"
"You are right," Ash grumbled, still not looking any happier.
"As for battling, you still have Drayden-sensei's battle waiting for you," Cilan smirked, knowing he had Ash then and there.
"You are right! We better get going to Opelucid City! I missed mum!" Ash cheered up in an instant.
Nephele sighed and shook her head at how naïve her trainer could be at times. Oh well, she had missed Opelucid City and the Nature Preserve such as much. It will be good to go back home.