A Beautiful Encounter Center Stage

I do not own Pokemon. This is all for fun

Surprisingly the kids were on their best behavior…well as best as it could be. It was arts and craft time, so Zoelle had Ravage out. He helped cut the construction paper evenly into strips, so Zoelle didn't have to worry about it. Today she had the class make a paper chain to decorate the whole classroom with. Of course, she started by showing them how to properly wrap and attach the paper together. This was a lesson on teamwork, building up dexterity, and because it was something fun the class could do.

Still, she had another day before the contest fieldtrip. Principle Roberts still approved of the trip if they had enough chaperones. The other classes had at least three moms volunteer while she only had one. The one mom who truly doesn't like her.

Nora's mom has not even tried to disdain for the young teacher since the incident. Come to find out that her husband suggested the school be shut down for that week. Great. Every time Zoelle tried to tell the woman about Nora's progress she just scoffed and hurried off. It was getting harder each day to smile it off. It was getting to the point where even the other kindergarten teachers pitied her. Granted they bullied her at first, but it was more where they felt it favoritism from the director.

Zoelle dismissed it. She had a simple routine she wanted to do for the appeal round. It's been a while since she participated in a contest. So, she was a little rusty. That was okay though. Her only problem is that she never found a princess dress for a reasonable price. The girls were adamant about that. Luckily, she had a nice dress that she could wear. It is a royal blue ballroom gown that someone gave her a year ago. It was princessy enough.

"Sammy Anderson."

"Here."

"Jackson Baxter."

"Here."

"Lily Burges."

"James Delany."

"Here."

"Nora Graystone."

"Here."

"Jace Takamaki."

"Here."

"Aoki Wami."

"Here!"

After calling roll and doing a third count for her class, Zoelle guided her students into the Contest Hall. She showed them which desk participants were to go to and which one for audience members. The kindergarten students had seats reserved in the first five rows in the center of the hall. The teachers and appointed chaperones sat on the ends/in between of the rows to make sure each student behaved.

Making sure her students were settled in the seats, the young teacher asked Mrs. Graystone was there anything else they needed. Having the smallest class did have the advantage of only needing one chaperone. She just wishes it wasn't her. The gaudy women just constantly sneered and scoffed every time Zoelle tried to speak.

"Ms. Zo since you're the only teacher participating, try to make us look good," Ms. Norton advised.

"No pressure whatsoever," Zoelle mumbled.

"Please the mutt might not even make it pass the appeal rounds. She's no better off than those rookie kids starting their journey," Nora's mom scoffed. "Besides she's never won a grand festival or a league. And for someone who participated in both is quite a shame really."

Zoelle sighed as she made her way to the dressing room. Ms. Norton couldn't help but feel her heart clench a bit. She pretty much said the same thing. She wouldn't go as far to say that she and the former are friends, yet she never insulted her to that degree. And the fact the mother did it in front of the kids well is beyond humiliating. However far Zoelle did make in the contest Norton wanted to be the first one to apologize to her.

Finishing up the final touches on her hair Zoelle sighed in relief. She didn't really have time to straighten her hair so she settled on bringing some hair products that would smooth it enough to brush up into a high ponytail. Times like this she wishes she contacted Antoinette, her hair stylist in Kalos. One thing she loved about staying in her father's homeland was that were more people that looked like her and her dad. It wasn't perfect, but what place truly is.

Her mom was willing to learn how to maintain her hair. Her mom herself had wavy hair so she understood the struggle of wanting straight hair to fit in. Her mom enjoyed staying more in Kalos than in her hometown at times. Just thinking about her parents causes tears to well into her eyes. No matter how much time has passed, it still breaks her heart.

Grandma wasn't there to comfort her. No, she was too busy pushing Zoelle out of the way. They both lost someone they truly love, so why couldn't they work on their wounds together. It never made any sense, and it still doesn't now.

"You shouldn't cry before a performance," A stern yet gentle voice said to her. It was familiar as well. "Where's your ribbon? You know you're not too old for one. A white one would go great with this dress as well. Or maybe a red one?" At this point Zoelle turned around to see the voice. It was tall, fair skinned woman with green eyes and wavy blonde hair smiling down at her. It was the woman who gave her the dress!

"Ms. Beauty what are you doing here?" Zoelle asked quietly.

"What did I say you call me, even if we are in public!" The woman fussed crossing her arms.

"Aunt Beauty." With that the woman smiled again. "I know you were Mom's friend, but it still is weird calling you Auntie."

"I told you she is my sister. You are my niece end of story. I see you are wearing the dress I gave you," she smiled gently.

"Thank you. I don't know how you were able to find me. I was wandering around in all Unova." Zoelle smiled sheepishly scratching her nose.

"I have my sources and you were partying like it was nobody's business too. Do you have a place to live now?"

"Yes, and I'm a teacher too. The principle gave me the okay to participate. You still didn't answer my question."

"I'm a judge and whoever is the winner will have a complimentary battle with me. I hope it's you. I have watched your career since you started. I love how ambitious you are. I just wished I could've been there to coach you, well at least for contests." Beauty replied sadly as she made her way to the judge's table. Seeing famous coordinator Beauty Rodgers helped lift her spirits. In some ways the older woman reminded Zoelle's mom. The wavy hair, the stern yet caring voice, and the air of confidence she walked with. Maybe they really were sisters.

Watching the other performances Zoelle began to feel overwhelmed. She really felt like a rookie again. No, she was not going to psyche herself out. The kids are out there watching and counting on her to do her best. Not only that, but it was also a chance to let her team shine outside of the classroom again.

"And our next contestant, fresh out of a hiatus, is Zoelle Morris from Slateport City and Cyllage City!" The announcer exclaimed slightly throwing the young woman off her game. How did she know about her temporary/ father's hometown in Kalos?

"Okay Rebel let's heat it up!" Zoelle shouted, releasing the faux dragon from his ball. Coming out the fire type flew high into the sky through the open ceiling. He let out a loud roar daring anyone to challenge him as he gently landed blowing smoke out of nostrils.

"Wow! How intimidating! And look at that flame!" As if on cue the cameraman closed in on Rebel's tail burning bright and large. "I can feel the heat from over here!"

"Okay Rebel use dragon dance then follow it up with a flare blitz!" Zoelle ordered. Rebel once again took the air surrounded by orange energy. He crossed his arms like an ice skater as he spun around before cloaking himself with flames effortlessly. For many he looked like a huge meteorite about to crash into earth. To everyone's surprise the fire slowly began to dissipate as Rebel began to land. And for his final trick of the performance the flames on the tip his tail started to blaze as roared out a large flamethrower. Once he was finished the audience applauded loudly. Somehow amongst the noise he could hear the human hatchlings that Zoelle kept screaming the loudest.

"Wow that was hot! Let's see what our judges think!" The announcer shouted.

"Hot indeed! I'm literally sweating over here," Mr. Sukizo smiled as he wiped off the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

"I enjoyed the performance very much. My only criticism was that it was too short. Perhaps an after show for old times' sake?" Mr. Contesta added. Zoelle would sometimes do an after show to earn a small sum of change by singing and dancing with her pokemon. She wondered why she didn't do the performer career while in Kalos. Oh yeah, she thought it was a bit too much to do. And it is very different than trying to compete in contests.

"Judging by the flames I can tell he's well taken care of. He performed quite well. It was almost like watching a gym battle." Nurse Joy also added in.

"I think you did a fine job of showing what a powerhouse your friend is. I think everyone already said what needed to be said. I'm just surprised the sprinkler system do not go off!" Beauty joked.

Hearing such positive feedback made Zoelle truly smile. Even if she did not advance to the battle round, she was happy to know she still had it in her. She decided to let Rebel walk with her into the waiting room. Finding an empty place to sit, Zoelle let out a deep breath.

"You did amazing Rebel!" Zoelle proudly exclaimed as she gave him a poke puff as a treat. The high began to wear off as she watched other people perform. Some of the rookie kids starting out seemed to have a solid foundation, while others…not so much. She was the one without solid foundation looking back.

She liked pokemon growing up, but she never had a specific goal in mind. She remembered putting on concerts with her mother's swampert and father's greninja, but she didn't want to become a singer. 'When the time is right you will figure it out mon cherie,' Zoelle remembered her father saying. She also remembered when her mother demanded him to speak to her in his native language. So much so that they moved to Kalos for a couple of years, so she had no choice but to learn it. She missed them so much.

"Hey Rebel, do you think my parents would be proud of me?" Zoelle asked the fire lizard. He nodded as puffed out some smoke from his nose.

"Wow Rebel so cool! I knew he would be awesome," Jace proudly exclaimed. "That's why I'm going to get a charmander when I grow up!"

"And Ms. Zo looks really pretty," Nora chimed in causing her mother to scrounge up her face. To the pink haired woman, all she displayed was disregard of safety. There was no way she would allow this 'person' to continue teaching her daughter. And to a lesser extent the other children.

"Wow, I'm actually impressed."

"Hmm, maybe she should be teaching the higher grades rather than the kindergarteners."

"I have to go to the bathroom," A young girl chimed in.

This was just the few commentaries Ms. Norton overheard from the teachers and chaperones. And she also hoped someone would take the kid to relieve herself. No need for accidents. In the back of her mind, Norton was grateful to not have battled the charizard. It was most definitely Zoelle's ace and for good reason too. But she was confused on why the younger teacher did not save him for the battle round. Oh yeah, with contest it's no guarantee that you will make it to the second round.

Rather it was by luck or actual skill Zoelle managed to make it to her final battle. Hearing the students and other teachers cheer her on made her forget all the doubts she had. She missed the rush of competition. She may never have won anything significant, but the thrill is what kept her alive. And Romeo was finally getting a real chance to shine outside of the school setting.

The person she was up against was a young man just about the same age as her. He was very prestige wearing a simple tuxedo, blonde hair neatly combed over, and light gray eyes. He was from Sinnoh and won the Grand Festival in the first year of his journey. Because of that, the young man took on higher ranks in contest, usually coming in second or third. Still, he was quite famous. And this would be the first time Zoelle would face him despite both being well traveled.

"It is a pleasure to have this battle with you, miss," the man greeted with a gentlemen bow. "Perhaps after this we shall grab a coffee."

"I would if I could. I must return to my students and do paperwork. "Maybe if you're still in town we can meet up," Zoelle kindly replied. "I've always wanted to challenge you so I could wipe that gentleman aura off you!"

"Does it not appease you milady?" The young man smirked.

"You just remind me of that jerk Winston." He was an old rival of Zoelle she met during her journey. They met during her second contest appearance in Cerulean City. He put on a gentleman act but was quite rude.

With that remark the young man scoffed as if insulted, "If you are referring to Winston Smithers then I am highly offended. He puts us real gentleman to shame. I, Sebastian, would never stop to his level." Sebastian then released his empoleon. True to its species, it stood proud. What a perfect match of trainer and pokemon.

"Alright Romeo let's throw down once!" Zoelle released the punching pokemon as he hopped around in anticipation. Looking at the penguin, the humanoid pokemon could not help but smirk. He can sense the strength emanating from him. This was going to be a fun match.

"Ladies first."

"Romeo, let's end this one quickly with a K.O but first powerup use focus energy."

"It's cute that you think you will win easily. Empoleon let's also powerup with swords dance."

Zoelle smiled as she felt a wave of cockiness takeover. She commanded Romeo to use a fire punch. As if expecting the attack Empolean blocked and countered with liquidation. It was also followed with a drill peck causing a significant number of points to drop from Zoelle. Along with the super effective damage. Romeo still feeling cocky wiped off his mouth just to smile. He was just getting started.

"Romeo use icy-hot shoryuken!" Complying the punching pokemon's left hand began to glow hitting Empoleon with an ice punch then quickly hitting him again with a fire punch. He did this consecutively for at least thirty seconds before finishing it up with a sky uppercut causing the penguin to fly into the air. Momentarily stunned, Sebastian was surprised not only by the name of the attack but that it worked!?

"Quickly Empoleon use aqua jet to gain some control then use drill peck once again."

"Oh no you don't! Romeo use ice punch before he hits you with that drill peck.!"

In Mr. Garcia's classroom he was watching the contest as part of the lesson. That and he wanted to see Zoelle perform. The students were happy not only cause some of them planned on becoming coordinators, but also there was no classwork for the day. And Mr. Garcia promised no homework either if they paid attention. It was a win-win situation. However, those who did not pay attention would have to turn in an essay of what they learned first thing in the morning as punishment. Luckily, he had a good set of students this year…mostly.

Mr. Garcia also noticed how beautiful Zoelle looked. The blue dress really complimented her skin tone and seeing her on stage made her brownish eyes shine. He preferred that to the scared look she had the other night. The dark olive-skinned man wondered who could be possibly hunting her down. And for what reason? The night she stayed over she locked and covered all the windows. She even had his gengar stand outside the door for intimidation. Zoelle even offered the ghost some poke puffs as a reward. To Garcia they just looked like cupcakes but his pokemon seemed to enjoy it. He wondered if there were going to be any more nights like that.

"Hmm..quite impressive I must admit," Principal Roberts commented as he took a break from his paperwork. "I wonder when she finds the time to train?"

Opening the door Oda finds his friend very focused on his computer. He could tell it was not paperwork due to a small stack being next to him. Oda guessed it was the contest that Zoelle was in. As much as he wanted to watch, paperwork never seemed to stop.

"Ahem," Oda coughed getting Roberts's attention.

"Sorry sir, just taking a small break," Roberts replied tiredly.

"I know its tedious, but it must be done. We must make sure all our files are up to date. Is there anything anyone is missing?"

"Mrs. Turner our third-year teacher needs to bring an updated I.D since hers expired a week ago. A couple of the upper grade's teachers are planning to quit within a week, so once again we are short on teachers. I doubt we can have an official graduation for the kids this school year. Much less afford to give those who plan on traveling study packets. Which is not going to make a lot of parents happy. Hell, the only way the field trip worked was because we allowed only the kindergarteners to go." Roberts sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Kentaro, how are we going to make it? Sure, we get government subsidies, but it truly is not enough. We might have to let go of the study while you travel program."

"It's like you said Tim, that would not make a lot of parents upset. However, I am not discouraged. We will find a way to make it. How far did Zoelle make it in the contest?" Oda asked with a smile.

"She is one of the finalists. Whoever wins will have a complementary battle with Beauty."

"Beauty huh? What a perfect name if I do say so myself."

"What about Honor?"

"Also, a perfect name."

"Does Zoelle knows that is her aunt?" Roberts asked while he restarted his paperwork.

"I doubt she knows Beauty is my daughter considering she is going by her marital name," with that Oda dropped his smile. "Besides, only one of my kids has my family name. And Zoelle doesn't know who I really am either."

"When do you plan on telling her the truth?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't think I've earned the right to be in her life in that way. I prefer our relationship as it stands. It hurts less." With that Oda left the office. Deep down it stresses Roberts out with the situation. So much so, that he wished he never pressured his friend to tell him the truth. Yet, he was proud that he did not deny Zoelle like some people would do. Ever since he found the truth, he saw so much resemblance to her mother and to some degree his friend. The eye shape was a dominant trait that seemed to carry over to the next generation. He wondered if Zoelle planned on having kids what they would look like.

"Zoelle, make this school proud."

With one minute left on the clock the two competitors were calculating their next moves. Both were neck and neck with the points closing in on zero. Romeo was panting hard as he took many direct hits from drill peck, but he managed to get some fire punches as well.

"Wow the sheer raw power from these pokemon are exhilarating but who will be our winner today? Will it be Young Gentleman Sebastian, or will it be Exotic Zoelle only time will tell with thirty seconds on the clock!" The announcer exaggerated. Personally, Zoelle didn't take too kindly to being called 'Exotic'. Yet that was not the focus as of right now. She had a match to finish.

"Okay Romeo finish this off with a drain punch!" Zoelle shouted.

"Not so fast Empoleon push him back with a hydro pump!" The powerful jet stream of water successfully manages to cancel out Romeo's punch by pushing him back towards Zoelle.

"And time is up! The winner is Sebastian with only a margin" The announcer shouted.

Instead of being sad, Zoelle smiled and gave her partner a high five before she returned him to his ball to rest. She was so proud of how far they had made it together, despite it being a while for either of them. The young woman walked over towards Sebastian offering a congratulatory handshake. The young gentleman grabbed her hand and kissed it. Thanking her for a great match.

Before Zoelle could leave the area Beauty stopped her to offer her own congratulations towards the young woman. Then she proceeded on to giving Sebastian the ribbon. While Zoelle was getting undressed she watched the complimentary battle between the blondes. Instead of the usual five minutes it was cut down to three. Beauty was using her beloved Jynx against the Empoleon. With no surprise Sebastian managed to win by a small margin again. It was no surprise that he was a top coordinator. Zoelle felt accomplished to even face him and last as long as she did.

As the young woman was leaving the dressing room she was bombarded by her students. Per usual, they were all talking at the same time. Sighing, she had to use the teacher's voice to get them to calm down. The first one to speak again was Jackson.

"I really liked how cool Rebel and Romeo looked," he smiled widely.

"Yeah, that's why I'm going to have the same team like Ms. Zo," Jace added.

"Don't be a copycat Jace," Zoelle joked halfway with her student.

"I'm getting a tyrogue and then he will evolve into a hitmonchan. My daddy said his pokemon had a baby." Sammy interjected.

"There's no guarantee he will evolve into a hitmonchan Sammy. He might evolve into a hitmonlee or a hitmontop." Zoelle yawned. She couldn't believe how tired she was. Well yeah, she could. From worrying about HIM showing up at her house anytime soon, training, and just regularly doing her job she was exhausted. Mrs. Graystone once again scrounged up her face. Before a single word could come out of the teacher's mouth Ms. Norton called her to the side. True to her words the slightly older teacher apologized for everything she said about her. Zoelle smiled appreciating the thought. All the other kindergarten teachers also came up to congratulate the teacher.

Heading back to the school, the parents were ready to pick up their children. The teachers guided everyone to their respective classrooms to gather their things. Nora's mother quickly gathered and left not even interested in conversating with Zoelle. That's fine. She was exhausted anyway. The rest of the parents gave her a quick congratulatory speech as they left the building.

Yawning once again, Zoelle made sure her classroom was in order. Instead of staying late to do paperwork she decided to pack it up it do it at home. It wasn't much to do. All she had to do was look over the kids' work from the week. The different worksheets, the journals, and she had planned for the kids to do a home project with their parents as well, but she did not get a chance to type up all the details yet. Leaving the building she saw a familiar face waiting on her.

"Ready to go Zoelle?" Dario asked leaning on a post. How long had he been waiting? "I just finished grading some papers in the faculty lounge." Well, that answered the question.

"You don't have to walk with me you know," Zoelle mumbled.

"This is coming from the one who asked to borrow my pokemon to stand guard," He retorted. "Geez it's no big deal. We're neighbors anyway."

"I just want to go home and sleep. It's been a long day," the young woman sighed as she walked ahead. She just wanted to go home. She appreciated Dario's company; however, she wondered if she made a mistake by getting too close to him. She did not want to see him hurt because of her. Noticing this, the Orre native grabbed her hand. He reassured Zoelle that he was doing this on his own free will. She was not forcing him into anything.

"Let's eat out tonight," Dario suggested. "I know you're tired but at least we're off tomorrow." Agreeing, the two friends walked towards the local restaurant where they had the teacher's outing. Feeling rejuvenated Zoelle offered to pay since Dario covered her the last time. Before he could reject, they were interrupted by someone.

It was Sebastian. His hair was no longer in a comb over, but it was still laid out neat. He was wearing a pair of khakis and a simple burgundy button-down shirt and a pair of black sneakers. Even in his casual clothes he gave off a gentleman aura.

"I did not expect to see you here milady. Is this your boyfriend?" He inquired, looking Dario up and down. They were both relatively the same height, but Dario might've been a centimeter taller. Sebastian could see the appeal. The spiky hair, the barely covered up tattoo, and his also foreign appearance.

"No, we're just friends," Zoelle replied with a smile. "I guess you decided to stay in town?"

"Yes. I am taking a hiatus in my career now. I just recently rented out an apartment here in Viridian City. It is relatively cheap, spacious, and quite modern.

"Is it by chance Edgewood?"

"It is. I have enough money saved up to not work for a few months, but I still plan on getting a job. I'm thinking about doing event planning. I did study for that and have some expertise in it." Sebastian explained.

"If that doesn't work out you can work at the school with us. I'm pretty sure you can teach a coordinator class." Zoelle smiled causing the Sinnoh man to blush a bit. Feeling like a third wheel Dario cleared his throat. "Oh yeah this is my friend Dario Garcia. He's from Orre and teaches the fifth graders."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Sebastian smiled extending his hand.

"Likewise."

"Since we're all here let's hurry up and eat!" Zoelle exclaimed.

"Dad, I am disappointed that I did not get to face her," Beauty said in a private room into her phone. "But she did so well. I'm proud of her. It makes me wonder if my son will follow me and my husband's footsteps as coordinators."

"He will find his own path no need to pressure the boy. If you had him sooner, he would be right there with Zoelle and Legacy," Mr. Oda replied gently.

"Speaking of my nephew where is he now?"

"He's in Alola right now. How come you are not asking about your brother?"

"He has my number and I talked to him yesterday. I'm starting to think he's taking after you," The woman joked.

"We all know that's Courage if that's what you're implying," Oda laughed.

"Which is ironic since he's the shy one." Taking a pause Beauty tone became more serious, "Dad, we should have a reunion. We should do it on her death anniversary. That way Zoelle can reunite with her cousins at least. They do ask about her and Logan, Juniper, and Reese, do not know her at all. I just can't believe Legend made her forget about us."

"I'm glad you and your siblings got along for the most part. I'm also glad my three eldest at least traveled together for a while." He sighed, "Having your mothers would be a different story."

"Geesh. What did Legend's mom do for everyone else to hate her so much. Either way think about it."

"Wouldn't her birthday be better?" The middle-aged man inquired.

"I don't think having a reunion on your oldest birthday is the smartest, especially since Legend's is two weeks after and mine a week after his." Beauty replied deadpanned. "Her death anniversary is the way to go. I miss her. We had our squabbles but what sisters don't. I get along with her better than Grace and we came from the same woman."

"But you two became closer over the years."

"I just wish it didn't cost us a sister in the process."