Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another chapter of "A Long Distance Ship"! In the last part, Ash and his friends have arrived in Slateport City after an adventure on an abandoned ship and a confrontation with a Swampert! Anyways, in this part, May is going to start some last minute training for the Slateport City contest. How will it go? And what else will they experience today? Well, read on to find out!

ashketchum497
To: misskwaterflower049
Subject: A Rival for May

Hey Misty. We have just spent our first full day in Slateport City, and it seems like a place you would really enjoy as it is so close to the seashore and has so many things you would like. May started her training for her first contest yesterday, and while it took a little practice, she is getting used to the appeal part of the contests. She is working on a routine with her Beautifly, but she is really struggling with the battle part of contests. She and I had what Brock called a "mock-test" battle. I ended up winning before we met a man named Mr. Big who gave May some tips for contests, especially regarding staying calm under all the pressure that they can bring. She ended up using it well in her next mock-test battle against another coordinator who was planning on entering the Slateport contest in two days by the name of Drew. The two battled for some Bluck Berries we were trying to get for Mr. Big (May's Torchic may or may not have eaten the ones he was using for some special fireworks that explode in Pokémon shapes he was developing.) While the battle was going on, SOMEONE (no points for guessing who) decided to steal the prize! And despite May not really liking Drew's attitude, he did show some good sides as his Roselia helped us out with the TRio before he chose to give the Bluck Berries to May despite them not finishing the battle because we needed them. We got the Bluck Berries to Mr. Big just in time, and the show that he put on, while only a trial run, was wonderful… *sigh* I just wish you were here to see it for yourself, Mist… you would have loved it…

Ash

PS: That new outfit looks pretty good on you, Misty. I would love to see your "Advanced Outfit" in person someday. ;)

misskwaterflower049
To: ashketchum497
Subject: A Rival for May

Hey Ash, I am glad you are having fun in Slateport City, even if you've only spent one full day there so far. Those fireworks must have really started your time in Slateport with a bang. From doing some research, I heard that there is a museum in Slateport where you can learn about the ocean and the Pokémon that live there, so give it a visit when you get the chance to. There is also one of Hoenn's most famous street markets, so remember to restock before heading out of Slateport. Speaking of which, I need to head to the market here in Cerulean to get some stuff for the gym. *sigh* Why do you and my sisters get to have all of the fun? Anyways, this "Drew" person sounds a lot like how Gary was when we traveled through Kanto and Johto. I hope he gives May a challenge, and that she overcomes it. Anyways, enjoy your time in Slateport, Ash!

Misty

PS: I am glad that you like my new outfit. And the "Advanced Outfit" is a good name for it as well. I just hope everyone else likes the outfit as I plan on debuting it at the gym soon.

And that just about does it for this chapter of "A Long Distance Ship"! I would like to thank Ian for leaving a review, as usual, as well as to "That Sound Defense" for leaving a review. Thanks for giving me advice on the troll who reviewed last chapter, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story. We are reaching the 30 Review mark, which I am sure we will hit very soon (if it wasn't already hit when I go to post this chapter.) So if you want to have your name shouted out, remember to favorite this story, follow it, and/or review it. I will see you all next time, and have a good week!