The contests in the Orange Islands were no joke. I couldn't help but be impressed by the level of competition we faced. It seemed like everyone had their sights set on one goal: to be crowned the first-ever Top Coordinator of the Orange Islands. And that ambition was reflected in the fierce battles we witnessed.
Dawn, in particular, had been on fire lately. Despite some setbacks, she had bounced back with a vengeance after her victory in the Wallace Cup back in Sinnoh. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as Dawn clinched her fourth ribbon, defeating both Drew and me in the process.
As for myself, it had been a tough road. Winning my fourth ribbon had been a grueling challenge, pushing both my Pokémon and me to their limits. The contest had left us exhausted and in desperate need of rest. But despite the fatigue, I knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down. With each passing day, the competition only grew fiercer, and I had to stay on top of my game if I wanted to stand a chance at claiming the title of Top Coordinator.
As the fatigue weighed heavily on me and my Pokémon, we made the difficult decision not to sign up for the Kinnow Island Contest. It was a tough call, but we knew we needed some much-needed rest and recuperation after the exhausting contest we'd just been through. This time, it would be Drew flying solo, determined to catch up with the competition, especially since he still only had three ribbons to his name. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the thought of sitting out the contest. Competing alongside Drew had always been one of the highlights of my journey, and the idea of cheering him on from the sidelines felt bittersweet. But I knew it was the right decision for both me and my Pokémon. We needed this break to recharge our batteries and come back stronger than ever.
So, I resolved to be the best girlfriend and cheerleader I could be for Drew. Despite my own fatigue, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as I watched him step into the spotlight, ready to give it his all. The spotlight cast a warm glow around Drew as he commanded the stage with confidence. I couldn't help but marvel at his poise and charisma, knowing that he had worked tirelessly to perfect his performance. As Roserade made her entrance, scattering Magical Leaf with precision and grace, I found myself captivated by the beauty of their routine.
With each carefully choreographed move, Roserade wove a spellbinding display of talent and skill. "Create a spectacle, Roserade! Let your leaves dance with the wind!" Drew's voice was filled with passion as he urged his Pokémon to give their all. "Now, use Aromatherapy!" Drew's command was met with a gentle nod from Roserade, and soon the stage was enveloped in a calming aroma.
And when Sweet Scent enveloped the stage, intensifying the floral aroma and embracing the audience in a comforting embrace, I couldn't help but smile. It was a testament to Drew's creativity and Roserade's natural grace, a performance that touched the hearts of everyone in the room.
"Toxic Spikes, Roserade! Show them the deadly beauty of your moves!" Drew's voice rang out with authority, and Roserade responded with grace and poise, her movements fluid and effortless as she moved across the stage.
I watched in awe as Roserade scattered Toxic Spikes with precision, creating a dangerous yet captivating barrier of poisonous thorns. "Now use Poison Jab, Roserade!"
The air crackled with anticipation. With each strike of Poison Jab, Roserade seamlessly incorporated the toxic environment into her dance, punctuating her movements with precise strikes that left me breathless. The audience was enraptured, their eyes glued to the stage as Roserade moved with a grace and precision that was truly awe-inspiring.
"This was amazing!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine admiration as I watched Roserade's breathtaking performance unfold. Drew's commands were like poetry, guiding Roserade through each move with precision and finesse.
"Grassy Terrain, Roserade! Let the stage come alive with the beauty of nature!" In an instant, the stage was transformed into a vibrant garden, bursting with life and color. I couldn't help but marvel at the sight, my eyes wide with wonder as I took in the breathtaking scene before me.
As Roserade performed her dazzling Petal Dance finale, the signature move of Roserade and Drew, I felt my heart swell with pride. Drew's skill as a Coordinator was undeniable, his ability to connect with his Pokémon and bring out their best shine through with each command. And Roserade... well, Roserade was simply magnificent, her graceful movements and radiant energy captivating the audience and leaving them spellbound.
"Show them what you're made of, Roserade! Let your petals dance with the wind!" Drew's voice rang out with passion, Roserade responded with a flourish, twirling, and spinning amidst a cascade of petals and leaves that filled the air with color and fragrance.
As the performance reached its crescendo, I found herself swept away by the sheer beauty of it all. The stage was alive with energy, pulsing with the rhythm of Roserade's dance and the collective awe of the audience. And in that moment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me, grateful to be a part of such a magical world filled with friendship, passion, and the boundless beauty of Pokémon contests.
The backstage atmosphere was electric with excitement as I rushed over to Drew, my heart still racing from the exhilarating performance I had just witnessed. I couldn't contain my joy as I threw my arms around Drew in a tight hug, a wide smile lighting up my face. "Drew, that was absolutely incredible!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine admiration. "You and Roserade were simply breathtaking out there!"
Drew grinned at my praise, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you, May! You were the best cheerleader out there."
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as Drew handed me a beautiful red rose as a token of his appreciation. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to me. Especially, with all the memories it held. No longer was he hiding his feelings by claiming it to be a token towards Beautifly.
"Thank you, Drew," I said, my voice filled with warmth. "This means a lot to me."
Drew flashed me a charming smile. "It's the least I could do for my number one supporter."
When the scores were announced, it took all my self-control not to kiss Drew then and there. His scores were on the high tier, meaning he was advancing into the Battle Rounds. With one parting kiss on his cheek, I returned to the stands to watch the Battle Rounds, excitement bubbled within me, eager to continue cheering on Drew as the Battle Rounds commenced. When Drew stepped onto the battlefield, my eyes widened in surprise at the sight of his Flygon. It was a bold choice, but one that spoke volumes about Drew's determination and confidence. Flygon was no ordinary Pokémon—the dragon was one of Drew's most formidable partners, a true powerhouse in battle.
Watching Drew and Flygon in action filled me with a sense of awe. They moved as one, their bond evident in every graceful movement and calculated strategy. Flygon's powerful attacks echoed through the arena, sending shockwaves of excitement rippling through the crowd. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride swell within me as Drew battled with all his might. He was giving it his all, leaving nothing to chance as he fought for victory.
With each round won, I found myself holding my breath, my heart pounding with anticipation. None of his opponents could match up with the power and grace of Flygon, the dragon being too much for them. Flygon took out a Wigglytuff and a Machoke, in quick succession, and was now facing against a formidable Kadabra. With each decisive move, Drew edged closer to victory, his determination shining bright. When the final blow was dealt and Drew emerged triumphant in the final round, a wave of elation washed over me. The stands erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating Drew's hard-earned victory.
He had done it—he had proven himself as a true contender in the Battle Rounds. With a smile of admiration, I cheered for Drew with all my heart. I later watched Drew standing tall on the stage, his radiant smile lighting up the arena, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of pride and affection wash over me. There he was, my Drew, victorious once again, his fourth ribbon held high in triumph. It was a sight that never failed to fill my heart with joy.
In that moment, as I gazed upon Drew with adoration, I couldn't help but reflect on our journey together. From the moment we had met, Drew had been a constant presence in my life, challenging me, inspiring me, and pushing me to reach new heights. He was more than just a rival or a boyfriend; he was my partner in crime, my confidant, my rock. I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the countless battles we had fought side by side, the victories we had celebrated, and the defeats we had endured together. Through it all, Drew had been there for me, offering support, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my abilities.
Though he did irritate me quite a lot at times, I thought with fond exasperation. Still, I wouldn't change a thing.