AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 36 One Step Closer
"IT'S MEGA MEDICHAM!" The audience roared in excitement at a Mega Evolved Pokemon standing right before them.
Flannery and Jackie's mouths hung open, not expecting the young surfer to have something like a Key Stone as his trump card.
"Well look at that, Brawly was holding out on us," Roxanne commented, seeing his Mega Medicham right before her eyes. "Typical Brawly, always surprising us at the end."
Helena giggled, smiling at their friend surprising everyone in the Stadium. "To be honest, I never expected him to get a Key Stone and Mega Stone," She commented.
"Kirlia," The Emotion Pokemon added,
"S-S-S…"
The three turn their heads to Flannery, trying to speak. "Flans, are you okay?" The brunette asked the red-haired girl.
"SINCE WHEN DID BRAWLY GET A MEGA STONE!?" Flannery exclaims, expressing her shock more loudly than anyone around them.
Kirlia covered her ears from Flannery's scream. She glares at the red-haired girl, a bit peeved by her scream, "Kirlia, Kirl,"
Helena chuckles, "Flannery, please calm down a bit?" She asked gently, looking down at her Partner. "Kirlia was startled by your shock scream," The former Witch petted her Partner's head.
"But Helena! Where on Earth Brawly got a Key Stone!?" Flannery asked, her voice raised a bit.
Jackie cleared his throat, "I think he got it when he went off to train in Rusturf Tunnel back at the school." The blonde said, remembering Brawly mentioning some special training one time. "You guys did somehow blow that tunnel up,"
"Heh, we don't talk about it." Roxanne chuckles nervously at the mention of Rusturf Tunnel.
Helena just smiles, hearing the story from them when she first arrived in her new home. "Kirlia!" She cried, gaining Helena's attention.
The black-haired girl looks down at her Partner, curious about what she's calling her for. "What is it Kirlia?" Helena asked.
She looks back on the Battlefield, seeing Steven smirking at Brawly. "Steven isn't one-bit phase by Medicham Mega Evolving," Helena informed her friends.
"Mmm? What do you mean, Helena?" Jackie asked, looking at Steven's side of the Battlefield where he wasn't nervous at all. "She's right,"
Everyone gazed over at the Steel-blue haired boy, wondering what he would do.
Back on the Battlefield, Brawly stretched his arms and body. He grins at his friend and opponent, "Surprised? I picked up these Stones back in Rusturf Tunnel when the path was cleared. I then saw something glinting in the cracks of the wall and saw them."
"You're not the only one with knowledge of Mega Evolution, Dude." Brawly grins, looking at his Partner. "Right, Medicham?"
Medicham switched his Battle position, "Medicham!"
Steven smirked at his friend across from him. "I have to admit, Brawls. You did surprise me." He placed his hand on his side, "Never in a million years I would expect you to have a Key Stone and Mega Stone."
Brawly smiles, knowing what he's going to do. "So Dude, what are you going to do about it?" He asked,
"Metagross?" The Steel-blue haired boy looked at his Partner, eyeing him from the front.
Metagross nodded, agreeing with his Partner's idea.
Steven reached for the stock in his pocket, taking it out from there. "Sparkling stone, give our bond form," He pressed his lips on his Key Stone, causing a ray of light to appear.
Metagross's Mega Stone reacted to Steven's Key Stone, causing rays of light to appear.
Both lights shined across the field before connecting between trainer and Pokemon.
"Metagross," Steven aims his Key Stock at Metagross, causing the Iron Leg Pokemon to glow. "Mega Evolve!"
"Meta…" The Duel-type's body lift into the air, and his frontal legs grew larger as another pair appeared from the body like some transforming machine. The light subsided, revealing a larger Metagross with four arms at the front and four smaller legs at the back. The once golden X grew into a large blue X.
"Meta!" The Mega Evolution Symbol appeared before the Duel-type, spreading its energy throughout the Battlefield.
"IT'S MEGA METAGROSS!" The Commentator announced, causing an uproar of excited people for a Mega Battle. "Both trainers possessed the means to Mega Evolve their Pokemon! It'll be an intense Battle for sure."
Helena smiles, seeing Steven is taking this Battle seriously. "Win it, Steven."
Steven/ Mega Metagross vs Brawly/ Mega Medicham
"Medicham, let's end this quick!" Brawly shouted, holding out his hand toward his Partner. "Fire Punch, full power!"
Medicham leaps forward, his six fists lit on fire, aiming for Metagross. "Medicham!" He shouted, almost at his target.
Steven stood there for a moment before smirking, "It's useless," He held out his hand.
Just as Medicham's six Fire Punch was about to land a hit, Metagross disappeared on the field.
"Medi!?" The Meditate Pokemon's eyes widen, seeing that his attack was missed.
"What? How-" Brawly was flabbergasted, even when Metagross Mega Evolved he was still able to dodge it.
Steven looks up, seeing his Partner appear at the side of Medicham. "Metagross, Meteor Mash!" He cried.
"Meta!" The Iron Leg Pokemon's four frontal limbs glowed a yellow hue like before. He dashed forward, slamming into Medicham.
Medicham was hit to the side, slamming right into the rock formation on the Battlefield. "MEDICHAM!" He gritted his teeth, feeling the full force of the Steel-type move.
Steven looks at Brawly, placing his hand on his side. "When Metagross Mega Evolves, not only his speed increased but his calculation and mind capacity as well." The Steel-blue haired trainer shared a bit of information about his Partner as he floated before him.
Brawly clicked his tongue, hearing what Steven said. "So, he's like some supercomputer." He gave a light chuckle before punching his fist into his hand. "Then we'll go all out!"
"Medicham, High Jump Kick!" Brawly ordered a risky move for his Partner.
"Medicham," The Duel-type nodded, complying with his trainer's suggestion. He leaps into the air, propelling his legs at the Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon.
Like before, Metagross dodges the High Jump Kick and lets Medicham fall to the field below. Brawly smirks, knowing this might happen. "Follow up with a barrage of Aura Spheres!" He quickly shouted.
Medicham turned around, and his six arms came to the center of his body, releasing multiple blue energy balls at Metagross.
"Deflect it with a Flash Cannon!" Steven cried out,
Metagross's large blue X took on a glowing white hue, releasing a white beam of light toward the Aura Spheres. "Meta!"
Steven acted quickly to the small opening they had. "Metagross, Zen Headbutt!"
"Meta!" Metagross's body took on a blueish hue before rushing at Medicham.
"Counter with Confusion!" The Sky-blue haired trainer shouted.
"Med-"
"Too late,"
Metagross impacted Medicham, charging him back onto the Battlefield.
Everyone went silent, waiting for the dust cloud to clear for who won the Battle. The Referee approached the dust cloud, watching carefully to see who the victor is.
The dust cloud dissipates as a flash of rainbow light is within it.
Once the dust cleared, Medicham laid on his back with spials in his eyes. "M-M-Medicham…" The Duel-type groans are knocked out completely.
Metagross reverts to his original form, earning him and his trainer victory.
The Referee raised his hand over to Steven's side of the Battlefield, "Medicham is unable to Battle," He announced. "The victor of the final Qualifying Round is Metagross!"
"AND THAT'S IT, EVERYONE!" The Commentator announced as the crowd cheered for the victor. "After many Battles between trainers, after a Battle against two powerful trainers. Only one stood victorious against all! Steven Stone is the Evergrande Conference victor!"
Steven's smile grew bigger, hearing he won the Final Round of the Qualifying Rounds. "I-I did it…."
"With this victory, Steven Stone has earned the right to Challenge the Elite Four." The Commentator announced,
Brawly sighs, shrugging at the outcome of the Battle. "Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles." He took out his Pokeball, aiming it at Medicham. "Great wipeout, Medicham. You deserve some rest, my Dude."
A red light beams over to his faint Pokemon, calling him back.
Steven looks over to Brawly giving him a thumbs up, accepting his loss. In response, the young trainer returned the gesture with a victory sign with his hand.
Back at the Hotel, everyone gathered around with their Pokemon out.
"Congratulations Steven!" Everyone cheered for the Steel-blue-haired boy's victory in the Evergrande Conference and for earning the right to Challenge the Elite Four.
Their Pokemon joined in their cheering for the young trainer's achievement, including Steven's Pokemon join into the celebration.
Steven chuckles, a bit embarrassed that his friends would throw another Party just for him. "You guys really didn't have to throw another Celebratory Party for me." He humbly said.
"Oh come on, you deserve this, Stevie." Flannery groans, having enough of his humble personality. "You've just earned a ticket to the Elite Four, not everyone could say that they Challenge the Elite Four," The red-haired girl stated.
Brawly nodded, agreeing with Flannery on her statement. "Yeah, Dude. It's an honor to say that they got a chance to Challenge the Elite Four." The young surfer said.
Steven shook his head, smiling at his two friends being proud on his behalf. The young boy noticed someone wasn't with them,
Kirlia and Dratini were present with the rest of their Pokemon, Steven looked at his friends wondering where Helena was. "Does anyone know where Helena's at?" He asked.
"I believe I saw her going to the kitchen for trainers here," Jackie answered, remembering that she rushed out when they first set up for the small Party. "I wonder why she went there," The blonde ponders,
Roxanne's eyes widened, knowing where the black-haired trainer went off to. "Ah, I think she's there to try baking some Pokepuffs," She explains to the group.
Steven blinks, Steven blinks, hearing their friend was trying something new. "Pokepuffs, huh…" He was intrigued by Helena trying baking.
In the Hotel's Kitchen for trainers, Helena smiles and watches as the Pokepuff batter rises in the oven.
"Hat!" Hatenna said excitedly, smelling the Pokepuffs almost done baking.
Helena smiles at her newest Pokemon, excitedly to taste some Pokepuffs. "I know you're excited to have some, Hatenna. But you have to be patient," She giggled at the Calm Pokemon's eagerness to have some.
Hatenna frowns that she needs to wait until the Pokepuffs are done. "Hatenna…" She deflates at what her trainer said.
"Oh? Helena, is that you?" Both the black-haired girl and the Duel-type turned around, seeing a familiar face.
The young trainer smiles, seeing a familiar white-haired woman entering the Hotel's Trainer kitchen. "Lydia, I had a feeling you'd be around here." Helena greeted Steven's Mother.
"Hatenna!" Hatenna greeted the familiar person.
Lydia smiles upon seeing both Helena and Hatenna. "Of course, my little Stevie is competing in the Evergrande Conference, a momentous moment in a trainer's life." The white-haired woman said, expressing how proud of her Son she was.
"You must be really proud of Steven, Lydia." The former Witch said, seeing her excitement bursting out.
"Oh, it's not only her, Ms. Potter." Helena looks to the side of Lydia, seeing the same navy-blue-haired man she had met at the first match of the Conference.
Her eyes widen at Joseph approaching her side of the kitchen. "Oh, Joseph. It's nice to see you again." Helena greeted the Businessman.
Lydia faced the man, raising her eyebrow at him. "What are you doing here dear? I thought you said you'll be seeing Steven first while I take a quick stop." The white-haired woman said to her Husband.
"Oh, I was just wanting to meet the young Ms. Potter again," Joseph explains to his Wife before giving a kind expression to the former Witch. "It's a pleasure to see you again too, Helena."
Helena looks at Lydia and then at Joseph, her mind clicked when the two address each other. "O-Oh, I didn't realize you two know each other. Let alone married," The black-haired girl connected the dots.
Then another connection was made in her mind, "Then you must be Steven's Father." Helena asked,
Lydia sighs, turning to her Husband next to her. "Joseph, dear, did you forget to tell her your full name like the last few people?" The white-haired woman asked,
Joseph chuckles, scratching the back of his head, "I guess that slipped my mind," He joked around, receiving a deep sigh from his Wife. He looks at Helena and Hatenna, nodding to the young trainer's question. "Yes, Steven is my Son, making me his Father."
"Now, what are you doing in the kitchen with Hatenna?" Lydia asked the former Witch, curious why she was there. " I thought you would be with Steven and the others?"
"Ah, I was just baking some Pokepuffs for the Party." Helena looks over to the oven when it dings. "It's done!" She quickly rushed to the oven she was at, placed some oven mitts on and took out the freshly baked Pokepuffs.
Joseph approached the baked good, smelling the aroma from where he stood. "What a wonderful smell," He commented, seeing the light brown texture of the Pokepuffs. "Those look good, Helena."
The black-haired girl smiles, appreciating Joseph's comment. "Thank you for your input, it's my first time baking some," Helena said, placing them on the counter.
Lydia noticed that she has some frosting ready at the side, "You're going to decorate those Pokepuffs?"
"Well, it's not going to be Pokepuffs without some decoration." Helena turns to Hatenna on her shoulders, "Right, Hatenna?"
Hatenna nodded but still pouted that she can't have some yet. "Hat…" She sighs.
Helena giggled, hearing her Partner complain that she has to wait for another minute. "Do you need help with decorating, Helena?" Lydia offered her service in decorating.
"Thank you, but I'd like to do this on my own." The young trainer smiles, wanting to finish this without help.
"I see, well we'll be waiting for you with your friends Helena." Lydia headed towards the exit of the kitchen with her Husband.
Helena smiles, watching the married couple leave the kitchen area. She looks at Hatenna on her shoulders, scratching her chin. "Wanna help me decorate, Hatenna?" She asked her Partner.
Hatenna jumps in glee, wanting to help her trainer. "Hat!"
A few minutes later Helena arrived with a basket of Pokepuffs she decorated and baked herself. "Sorry for the wait everyone." The black-haired trainer apologizes to her friends for taking too long.
Everyone turns around after meeting with Steven's parents. "Ellie!" Her friends greeted the former Witch.
Helena smiles, lifting the basket to show. "So, it took a while, but I made some Pokepuffs." She announced to her friends, suddenly most of their Pokemon gathered around her catching the whiff of the freshly baked Pokepuffs,
"AH! H-Hold on everyone; I've baked plenty for everyone!" Helena panicked, lifting the basket away from the Pokemon.
"Ellie, hold on." Flannery and Brawly quickly rushed over to Helena's aid and pulled their Pokemon away from her.
"Oi, come on Dudes, leave Helena alone." Brawly grabs Hariyama and Machamp, tugging at them to get off of his friend.
Flannery held onto her Torkoal, lifting her in the air. "Torkoal, come on. I know you want some Pokepuffs but wait until Ellie is handing them out." The red-haired girl urges her Pokemon to stop crowding her friend.
Lydia and Joseph chuckle, seeing how lively their Son's friends are. "My, oh my, things are sure exciting, right dear?" The white-haired woman covers her mouth, smiling at how energetic they are.
"Yes, you are quite right, dear," Joseph smiles happily that his Son made some good friends. His eyes then caught Steven walking behind Helena,
Helena gave a light chuckle, still bombarded by Skarmory and her Dratini. "U-Um, you two pleas-" The basket was taken from her hands, prompting her to turn around. "Huh?'
Steven stood behind her, holding the basket away from their Pokemon. He gave a bright smile towards her before looking at their Pokemon,
Both Skarmory and Dratini flinched when they met with the eyes of the Steel-blue haired trainer. "You two, please be patience. You'll get your share soon," Steven said to the Pokemon.
Both Dratini and Skarmory halt their advancement, giving the former Witch some room.
"Thank you, Steven." Helena appreciated his assistance, letting the young boy return her basket.
"Anytime," Steven replied, looking at the hungry Pokemon. "If you don't mind, Ellie, can you start giving out the Pokepuffs you made?" The young trainer asked.
"R-Right," Helena responded, giving each Pokemon one Pokepuff each.
Once the former Witch handed out her handmade Pokepuffs to the Pokemon who wants some. The Celebration went off well, everyone congratulates Steven on making it to the Elite Four once again,
Steven smiles, humbly taking their compliments with humility. He took a bit of the Pokepuffs that Helena made, once the piece entered his mouth, his eyes widened at the flavor. "Wow, this is good."
"I know right? Helena sure has the technique down." Flannery ate another Pokepuff, savoring the taste. "The taste is soooo gooood!" She moans, liking the taste.
"Don't eat too much, Flannery." Roxanne chuckles, watching the red-haired girl take some more of Helena's Pokepuffs. "You might get a stomachache." She warns her friend.
Flannery raised her eyebrow, kneeling down to her Torkoal. "Eh? You don't need to worry, Roxy!" She said,
"Torkoal…" The Fire-type Pokemon munched on the Pokepuff, enjoying the savoring flavor.
"My Family always eat an abundance of food, and neither one of us ever had a stomachache!" Flannery proudly stated, seeing there weren't any problems with eating a lot of food. "I mean, look at Brawls, he's eating a lot."
The brunette girl turned around, seeing the young Surfer stuffing his mouth with food. "What?" Brawly asked,
Roxanne sighs looking back at Steven, "Well, at least we know that Helena's good at baking." She opens her eyes, noticing that Steven was gone. "Steven?"
"If you're looking for Steven," Jackie approached the brunette girl, pointing to the other side of the room. "He's talking to Helena, right over there,"
She looks over where the blonde was pointing to. "Ah, I see."
Helena smiles, seeing her three Pokemon enjoying the Pokepuffs she made for them. "Don't eat too fast, you three." She said kindly to her Partners.
They all responded before returning to eating.
"Your Pokepuffs are a big hit, Helena." The black-haired girl stood up, facing her friend. "It's something different than the ones bought in those markets., Steven added,
"Well, you know what they say, homemade things are a bit better than the store-bought ones." Helena flinched before smiling at what she said. "But that's not to say that the ones in stores are good,"
Steven chuckles, finding that to be humorous. "Still, your version is good." He praises the young trainer's work, already tasted some himself.
Helena blushed, happy to hear that from him. "T-Thank you, Steven." She appreciated his compliments. There was complete silence, both were unsure what to say to each other next. She cleared her throat, quickly thinking of a conversation. 'So, the Elite Four. That must be something you're excited about,"
"Y-Yeah, though it's going to be tough." The Steel-blue haired boy stated, "They are four of the strongest trainers in the Region next to the current Champion." He explains.
"I wonder who the four trainers you're facing and the types." Helena ponders, meeting two members of the Elite Four already.
Steven smiles, ready to share that information with her. "Well, some Elite Fours in other Regions allow you to choose which one of the Four to face." He explains what the other Pokemon Leagues do with their Elite Fours. "But the Hoenn Region goes by the least Strong to the Strongest."
"The first is Sydney, a Dark-type trainer. Next is Phoebe, a new addition to the Elite Four; she uses Ghost-types." Steven explains to his friend, "After she is Glacia, her specialty is Ice-type Pokemon. Finally, considered the toughest is the one who uses Dragon-type Pokemon, Drake."
"Those are a lot of hurdles you need to face before Battling the Champion." The black-haired girl commented, seeing how simple and yet difficult the process is. Helena smiles, wanting Steven to win and achieve his dreams. "I wish you luck, Steven. I want you to overcome the Elite Four and become Champion." She cheered for him,
Steven blushed that Helena has that much faith in him to win. He smiles at her, appreciating her support leaving the only thing for him to give his support in return. "The same goes for you too, I want you to wish you luck on your dreams too, Ellie."
Both smile that they have each other's support in their dreams.
Lydia and Joseph saw their Son talking to the young trainer before him. "Now that's an interesting sight, right dear?" The white-haired woman asked her Husband.
"Yes indeed," Joseph smiled, seeing those two might have a future together. "A shame, they are too oblivious to their feelings or watch others,"
"That may be true but they'll grow when they reach a certain age," Lydia said, wanting the best for her Son.
Joseph nodded, seeing things from his Wife's perspective.
AN: How do you like it? So, even if Helena is going to be a researcher of past Pokemon forms, I thought that since her friends are going to be Gym Leaders or Champions, why not make her one of them too? So here's a poll to decide what her second occupation should be.
Fairy-type Gym Leader
Fairy-type Elite Four reserve
Frontier Brain