I thought it's time to let Brock have some show time in the story, especially for this chapter.
The chapter is in Brock's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Pokémon characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 22: Beauty and the Breeder
I thought I had found the one the other day when my friends and I stumbled upon a mysterious castle that turned out to be a small hospital. Doctor Anna was so kind and she had a female Zubat that worked well together with my Zubat. I was already dreaming about our wedding, but it fell into ruins because of Team Rocket. My Zubat evolved into Golbat and defeated them with his stronger Supersonic. Unfortunately, his Supersonic was too strong for Doctor Anna's computer to register that it caused the device to crash…just like my heart came crashing down by the devastating news. Despite the sad end, I got over it and never lost hope of finding the perfect girlfriend for me.
My friends and I were taking a pit stop at a Pokémon Center where I instantly tried flirting with Nurse Joy. I thought we had something, but Misty pulled me away from her by my ear. That brought me out of reality as I remembered something very important. I asked Nurse Joy if I could borrow a computer so I could check my emails. My father and oldest little brother often sent me emails to tell me how they were doing and if they took good care of the Gym. Father also gave me updates about Mother's condition. She was apparently getting better and the doctors said she could get discharged later this year. I've missed Mother so much and it was a relief she had woken up from her coma. It happened shortly after I left to travel to Johto.
"Pika?" Pikachu chirped as he jumped up onto the desk, checking my emails.
I silently rubbed his head as I wrote back to Father. Once I sent the email, I went back to my inbox and spotted a new email with a very familiar name. I opened the mail and pumped my fist cheerfully after I read the content. "Yes! I got a message from Suzie!"
"Suzie?" Ash spoke behind me. "Who was that again?"
"The Pokémon Breeder Brock admires and we met her in Celadon City", Ashley answered immediately.
"Yeah, and we rescued her Vulpix from Team Rocket who stole lots of Pokémon at the time", Misty added. "She asked Brock to look after Vulpix while she went on her own journey to hone her skills."
"That's right!" I told my friends. "But Suzie says here she's in a pickle."
"What kind of pickle, Brock?" Ash asked while my friends gathered behind me.
"She says she wants to participate in a Pokémon Beauty Contest in the city called Bonitaville, but she doesn't have a Pokémon she can enter with", I explained the situation.
"Bonitaville…? It sounds a lot like Ponytaville", Ashley commented.
"Suzie doesn't have a Pokémon she can use to participate in the contest?" Misty said confusedly. "I thought she would've caught some on her journey."
"Togii?" Togepi chirped, cuddling in Misty's safe arms.
"Yeah, you can only hone your skills if you've got Pokémon with you", Ash nodded.
I opened the Gaaple Map on the computer and checked where Bonitaville was located. It was actually in the path to Ecruteak City and one day away from this Pokémon Center. "The city's not that far away from here, but I've gotta go and help Suzie!" I announced. "Guys, are you okay with that?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm okay with it", Ash stuttered in surprise. "We've still got lots of time to collect all the eight Gym badges for the Johto League."
"Mm-hm…", Ashley nodded quietly.
"I wouldn't mind watching the beauty contest and see what Pokémon the other contestants have", Misty giggled softly.
"That settles it! Let's go to Bonitaville! Suzie, I'm coming for you!" I shouted determinedly, immediately writing a short reply to her before I sent the email.
XXXXXXXXXX
We picked up the pace as much as we could so we could get to Bonitaville in record time. It took two nights camping in the wild before we reached the urban city. There were lots of people and Pokémon crowded on the streets, a clear sign they were obviously here for the beauty contest. Many of the Pokémon were dressed up and had makeup on to spread their beauty and hope to get some fans, but I didn't really like that. Pokémon's beauty only shines through their natural body without accessories and heavy chemicals that could affect their fur or skin negatively. Which reminded me; I had to groom Vulpix before we could see Suzie again. I didn't want them to reunite with Vulpix looking dirty.
"Wow! Look at all these people and their Pokémon!" Misty exclaimed in awe. "They must surely be here for the contest. They're also very stylish."
"Yeah, but Pikachu's stylish too, right, buddy?" Ash asked his partner.
"Pi pikapi!" Pikachu smiled happily, rubbing his cheek against Ash's face.
"Well, the Pokémon do look good, but Vulpix will outshine them for sure", I chuckled as I carefully brushed Vulpix's fur on a bench.
"You mean you're going to give Vulpix back to Suzie so she can participate in the contest with her?" Ashley asked.
"Precisely! After all, Vulpix is Suzie's Pokémon and it's only fair I'll give Vulpix back to her now", I nodded, getting rid of a small knot of fur. "She did say she left Vulpix in my care as a test to see how well I can do as a Pokémon Breeder."
"Vuuul!" Vulpix howled happily. She must be eager to be reunited with her real Trainer.
"I'm sure they're going to be happy to see each other again", Misty giggled.
"Togi togiprii!" Togepi smiled.
"Yep, but…", I trailed off before I took a look at myself. It didn't feel exactly right to meet Suzie in my dirty traveling clothes. "I have to make a stop by a clothing store."
"Why, Brock? You need to buy a new shirt or something?" Ash wondered.
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head, looking just as confused as his Trainer.
"I need to buy more than just a shirt, Ash", I replied after I recalled Vulpix to her Poké Ball, just to make sure she wouldn't accidently get dirty after I had just groomed her. "I need a whole suit!"
"A suit?" my friends repeated simultaneously.
"Just you wait!" I smirked before I ran off to the closest clothing store. I grabbed a few of their best suits and quickly tried each one of them until I picked out one with cream colors. I wished I could have bought a suit with Father's help, but I had to roll with my own sense of fashion. I changed into the suit and bought matching shoes before I left the store, meeting my friends outside.
"So? What'd ya think?" I asked them as I fixed my red bow tie.
"Whoa! I didn't realize it was you, Brock!" Ash flinched, surprised by my handsome looks.
"Piiika!" Pikachu gasped in awe.
"Yeah, it's not every day we see you looking so handsome", Misty giggled sheepishly.
"You look really good, Brock", Ashley nodded, looking a little flabbergasted by my transformation.
"Thanks, guys! It means a lot to me!" I smiled widely, sucking in the compliments. "Now, I just need to buy a bouquet and then we'll go and meet up with Suzie!"
"Do you know where she is, Brock?" Ash wondered.
"Yep! She told me the address of the hotel where they're going to host the contest", I nodded. "It's located on the same street as the city's Pokémon Center."
"Then let's kill two Pidgeys with one Geodude and head to the Pokémon Center to drop our bags!" Ash shouted excitedly.
"Pi pikachu!"
XXXXXXXXXX
We stopped quickly at the Pokémon Center to check in and leave our backpacks in our room before we went to the hotel. Lucky for me, there was a flower shop on the same street, so I bought a bouquet of roses and called out Vulpix before we reached our destination. We were told by the receptionist the Pokémon Breeders were outside in their garden treating their Pokémon for the contest the next day, so we headed outside to look for Suzie.
Many Pokémon Breeders were preparing their Pokémon for the contest. There were quite a few who didn't use makeup and accessories and I had a whole lot more respect for those. I still couldn't find Suzie, though.
"Hey, Brock, there are some really pretty Pokémon here", Ash commented as we looked around. "There might be a tough competition."
"You're right about that, Ash, but the contest isn't just about how the Pokémon look", I explained. "The judges will also decide the winner on how well the Breeders have raised their Pokémon."
Ashley looked a little disappointed as she scanned the garden. "I don't see any dragon Pokémon, though…", she mumbled sadly.
"You have to remember, Ashley; dragon-type Pokémon are very rare, so not many Trainers can find and catch them", I reminded her.
"Yeah… That's true…", she sighed.
"Well, I'm gonna look around for water-type Pokémon", Misty said before she jogged over to a male Breeder with a dressed up Politoed. She asked the Breeder some questions and complimented his Pokémon. She had a big smile on her face, which made Ash grumble to himself. I noticed the look in his eyes; he was being jealous at the Breeder. I chuckled to myself, feeling like a big brother who observed his little brother having his first crush.
"We should look for Suzie", Ashley spoke up, snapping her twin brother out of his trance.
"Y-Yeah, I guess we should", Ash nodded, rubbing his forehead like he had just woken up.
"Pika?" Pikachu looked concerned about his Trainer's behavior.
"Vuul!" Vulpix barked before she jumped out of my arms and ran away.
"Vulpix, wait!" I shouted while chasing after her. It almost felt like the crowd was opening a path for me because the next thing I knew, Vulpix had jumped into the arms of Suzie's! My heart skipped a beat when I saw my idol. She looked prettier than before and her smile… It was so bright it could light up a whole room.
"Vulpix!" Suzie smiled as she cuddled with her Pokémon. "I've missed you so much!"
"Vul!" Vulpix barked happily, her tail wagging back and forth.
I immediately got shy and felt my body go stiff. Seeing my idol again was very nerve-wracking, especially since I had no idea what her verdict was going to be after she'll inspect how well-groomed and healthy Vulpix is.
The twins ran ahead while I hid my red cheeks with the bouquet, carefully peeking through the petals. "Hi, Suzie!" Ash called.
"Pi pikachu!"
"Hi, Ash, Ashley, Pikachu", Suzie greeted my friends. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, ma'am", Ashley nodded. "How have you been?"
"I've been doing good, thank you", Suzie smiled gently. "I assume you're here in Johto to participate in the Johto League?"
"Yep! We've got three badges each, so we're on a good run", Ash replied.
"Three badges already? That's very impressive", Suzie smiled. "It's no wonder because you and your friends helped saving Vulpix and so many other Pokémon from Team Rocket back in Celadon City." She finally noticed me which made me extra nervous. "Is that you, Brock?"
"Y-Y-Yes, it's me…!" I exclaimed as I stepped closer to Suzie, still hiding my face before I took the courage to give the bouquet to her. "T-T-These are for you!"
"Aw, thank you, Brock", Suzie smiled as she accepted the flowers. "They're so pretty."
"N-No, thank you for letting me look after Vulpix this whole time!" I replied, my face burning by the storm of feelings in my soul. "I've taken great care of her."
"Vuulpix vuul!" Vulpix barked with a big smile.
"I can tell by her coat that you've groomed and fed her well", Suzie responded with a sweet smile. "I was right leaving her in your care as a test to sharpen your skills as a Pokémon Breeder. You've done an excellent job, even better than what I could've done at the time."
"T-T-Thank you…!" I blushed, feeling my heart beat in triple speed by the compliments. I could die a happy man now if I wanted to.
"So… Is this the last time we're going to see Vulpix?" Ashley asked in a soft voice, her eyes gleaming with sadness.
"Yeah, Brock said he's going to return Vulpix to Suzie now", Ash told her and patted her shoulder. "Right, Brock?"
"Yeah, Vulpix never belonged to me in the first place", I nodded as my heart had finally calmed down. "I was always prepared to give her back to Suzie. And…when I got the email from Suzie, I knew my time with Vulpix have come to an end."
"Brock wrote that you were close to Bonitaville, so he told me I should wait for you so I can participate in the contest with Vulpix instead of a random Pokémon", Suzie explained.
"W-Well, I guess you and Vulpix should get reacquainted and prepare yourselves for the contest tomorrow", I said as a brief sense of sadness grasped my heart. "We should go and buy tickets for the show."
"You don't have to do that", Suzie shook her head. "I've actually got some tickets for you and…I have a big favor to ask you, Brock."
"Me?" I said in surprise, pointing at myself.
"I want you to enter the beauty contest together with me and Vulpix", Suzie revealed. "After all, you were the one who had taken good care of her for a year and I want everyone to know what a great Pokémon Breeder you are."
I got flabbergasted. Suzie seriously thought I was that great as a Pokémon Breeder that she wanted the community of Breeders to know about my skills and she wanted me to stand by her side? "T-That would be…a huge honor!" I smiled and bowed deeply. "Thank you so much for the opportunity, Suzie!"
"Vuul!" Vulpix barked joyfully.
"That's so nice of you, Suzie", Ashley smiled.
"Guess you get to be in the showbiz too, Brock?" Ash smirked and elbowed my side.
I laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of my head embarrassingly. "W-Well, it's an honor to stand on the same stage together with my idol", I said.
"Oh, I almost forgot", Suzie suddenly called out. "I have an old friend of mine who's also going to join the contest."
"A friend?" Ash and I repeated confusedly.
"Pika?" Pikachu chirped in surprise.
"Is it a friendly rival?" Ashley asked as she tilted her head.
"Precisely", Suzie giggled. "His name is Zane and he's got a Ninetales. He should be here somewhere…"
"Is it that Nintales over there…?" Ash trailed off before his eyes widened in surprise. "Hey! Misty's with him!"
Misty was standing next to a Ninetales with its fur practically glowing. A man around Suzie's age was busy grooming the evolved form of Vulpix and tried ignoring Misty's many questions. He obviously got annoyed before he shouted at our friend once he reached his limit. "I'm busy here preparing my Pokémon for the contest tomorrow, so leave us alone!"
"Oh!" Misty flinched back by the unfriendly voice and looked down with a sad expression. "S-Sorry…"
"Hey!" Ash yelled and ran to the duo, standing in front of his obvious crush. "You don't have to yell her like that just because she has some questions for you!"
The man's irritating expression swiftly changed into a guilty one. "Sorry. It's just…I'm so focused to perfect Ninetales' coat that I can't lose my concentration."
"You're the same as always, Zane", Suzie commented as the rest of us approached the group. "But you could try being a little nicer to your fans."
"Suzie?" Zane called out in surprise before he noticed Vulpix. "You got your Vulpix back?"
"Yes, but don't change the subject", Suzie scolded him softly. "Instead of being angry at Misty, you should be happy that she compliments Ninetales."
"You're right", Zane sighed in defeat. "I'm just focused to win the beauty contest, but now… I'm focused on you."
I knew immediately by the glance he gave Suzie he had feelings for her. It irritated me, seeing a rude man like him having a crush on my beautiful idol.
We went to a café where we settled down to have a quick chat with the two official Pokémon Breeders. "So you've known each other since nursery school?" Misty asked, intrigued by their childhood story.
"Yes", Suzie nodded. "Even back then, we already knew we wanted to become Breeders. We even started our journey with a Vulpix each."
"We both promised we were going to become the best Pokémon Breeders and become the best rivals", Zane added.
"That makes you Suzie's sworn enemy!" I exclaimed as I felt like I needed to protect Suzie from this selfish bastard.
"Well, we are rivals, but not enemies", Zane calmly replied, a totally different attitude compared to earlier.
"I wanna check Ninetales' data…", Ash mumbled as he grabbed his Pokédex and aimed it at Zane's Ninetales.
Ninetales, the fox Pokémon. Fire-type. The evolved form of Vulpix. Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
"While Suzie kept her Vulpix the same, I evolved mine so it could become a beautiful Pokémon", Zane explained before he gently patted his Pokémon's head, making Ninetales purr in delight by the attention.
"Kooo…", Ninetales purred.
"Your Ninetales' really cool, Zane", Ash commented.
"Its fur shines like gold", Misty added.
Those two little traitors…! They were complimenting mine and Suzie's rival!
"Thanks, guys", Zane smiled. "I'm always very careful with Ninetales' fur and use the best shampoo. I want to win the contest just as much as Suzie, but her Vulpix will be hard to beat, even though it's still in its pre-evolution."
"Any Pokémon can be beautiful, even a Muk", Ashley commented.
"You're right, Ashley", Suzie nodded before he smile slightly dropped. "But Zane doesn't agree with my view of Pokémon beauty. He believes the only beauty with Pokémon is how they look on the outside, but I think the real beauty comes from the inside."
"That way of thinking is so old-schooled", Zane shrugged.
His comment irritated me so much. I fully agree with Suzie's view of the inner beauty of Pokémon. A Pokémon might look pretty on the outside, but it can only shine the best when the beauty inside of it is on par.
"If Vulpix were with me, I'd curl and cut its fur so it would look beautiful", Zane said as he dared to brush his dirty hand on Vulpix. "But I doubt it'd want that."
"Vul!" Vulpix barked and jumped back into Suzie's protective arms.
"I think she looks beautiful just the way she is", Suzie chuckled. "And no amount of cutting or trimming can match the beautiful look in her eyes."
"You certainly haven't changed a bit, Suzie", Zane smiled, a soft frown appearing on his eyebrows.
"You haven't changed that much too, Zane", Suzie giggled, her eyes glowing with a hidden emotion I couldn't identity.
"Well, I guess we should go and prepare ourselves for the contest tomorrow", Zane said after he drank the last of his coffee. "Let's go, Ninetales."
"Koon!" Ninetales barked.
Zane got up from his seat and placed the money for his drink on the table. "See you tomorrow, Suzie, Vulpix."
"You too, Zane, Ninetales", Suzie nodded as our rival left the café. She let out a soft sigh as soon as the automatic doors closed after Zane stepped outside. "He used to be such a sweet boy…"
Oh… Now I think I figured it out. Suzie must have romantic feelings for that jerk. While it hurt my heart that she didn't have those kinds of feelings for me, I wanted her to be happy with the man she would choose as her partner in the future.
"Your rivalry…is so much different compared to mine with Gary", Ashley suddenly spoke up.
"Gary?" Suzie said confusedly.
"He's a childhood bully of ours", Ash explained. "He bullied Ashley a lot in the past and we've been rivals ever since we began our journey last year. He used to be very disrespectful toward my sister, but he's changed his tone since she beat him in the Kanto League." He finished that with a toothy grin.
"Yes… He was…oddly nice the last time we saw him", Ashley nodded.
Suzie gave her a knowing look. "It sounds to me your rivalry is slowly blossoming into a respectful friendship."
"I highly doubt there will be more between them", Misty added as she fed Togepi a piece of cookie.
"Prii!" Togepi chirped happily by the little sugar kick.
"More of what?" Ashley asked, looking sincerely confused.
"You'll understand when you get older, Ashley", Misty replied and patted her on the back.
"Suzie!" I exclaimed and ejected myself out of my seat. "We've gotta show Zane our view about Pokémon's inner beauty is vastly superior to just the outer beauty! We must defeat him in the contest tomorrow!"
Suzie was taken back by my outburst, but she could see I was determined to win the contest together with her and Vulpix. "Right."
"Vuuul!" Vulpix howled determinedly.
XXXXXXXXXX
Suzie and I met up the next day behind the stage in a lounge with the other contestants and their Pokémon. We did a final grooming together with Vulpix so she would look beautiful on the outside and also bring out her inner beauty.
"You know, Suzie…", I began slowly. "It's an honor to be part of this with you and Vulpix. In this short time, I've already learned a lot from not only observing you but everybody else who's in this contest."
"I feel the same", Suzie smiled. "And I can tell by your fingers your skills are amazing."
"T-Thanks, Suzie", I stuttered as I felt my cheeks heat up. "I'm gonna pour everything I know to bring out Vulpix's inner beauty."
"Let's do our best", Suzie nodded. "We're almost done, Vulpix."
"Vuul!" Vulpix barked, standing still as she let us groom her.
I noticed Zane from the corner of my eye. He was watching us carefully like he wanted to study the movement of our hands, but I saw his eyes were glued on Suzie. We soon made eye contact and he actually gave me a glare before turning his attention back to his Ninetales cutting some split fur off.
I think he was getting jealous of me, but I don't think he should be. After the contest, I'll leave and continue my journey with my friends who are sitting in the audience outside. I had calmed down a little after yesterday's interaction, so I was thinking more rationally now. Perhaps Zane would change his mind once we win and he'll realize his way of thinking about beauty is wrong.
They started calling for the first couple of participants to enter the stage once the opening ceremony was done. Suzie and I were number 37 and Zane was right after us. We watched the participants on a large TV screen, studying their Pokémon. There were a few entries I thought they did a great job bringing out their Pokémon's inner beauty. I was getting nervous the closer our number was coming. I have never been on a stage before. I thought it was going to be a piece of cake, considering I used to be a Gym Leader, but this is a totally different experience.
"Hi, Brock, Suzie!" Ash called. He, Ashley and Misty showed up in the lounge with Pikachu and Togepi. "It's almost your turn."
"How are you feeling?" Misty asked.
"J-Just fine!" I replied stiffly.
"You're nervous?" Ashley asked, tilting her head.
"A little…", I confessed and scratched the back of my head. I swiftly remembered one contest Ashley participated in last summer in that beauty contest on the Sevii Islands. "By the way, Ashley… How did you handle your stage fear?"
"Me?" Ashley repeated before she rubbed her chin, thinking about the old memory. "Well, I…got nervous, but once I got into the mood of performing, I…forgot everything because I remembered I wasn't alone. I had my Pokémon by my side and they would never laugh at me if I messed it up."
"Which you didn't, sis", Ash smiled. "You were great back then. And so were you, Misty."
"Thank you, Ash", Misty blushed at the compliment. Obviously, their feelings were mutual, but they were either too stubborn to admit it or they were clueless.
"You're gonna do great, Brock", Suzie spoke up. "You should accept the crowd's cheers and praises for taking great care of Vulpix. They'll acknowledge you as a Pokémon Breeder."
"You think so…?" I mumbled shyly.
"I know so", Suzie smiled.
All of the sudden, the doors were slammed open by two people dressed in white coats that had the Pokémon Center logo on the chest. They were wearing white face masks and glasses, and their hairs were tucked in white net hats. "Attention, everyone! We're Pokémon Doctors from the Pokémon Center!" the female doctor called out, her voice muffled by the mask.
"We're here to examine your Pokémon before you can enter the stage!" the male doctor explained.
"Really? How come nobody told us about this part?" I asked.
"That's strange…", Suzie mumbled. "They never mentioned about an examination."
"It was a last minute change of the rules", the female doctor explained.
"If so… Then why didn't you come before the contest started?" I asked, getting a little suspicious about the situation.
"A tight schedule is what made us late!" the female doctor responded. "A fair warning to everyone; those who won't let us examine your Pokémon's health will be disqualified!"
"Disqualified?!" many contestants exclaimed in shock.
"I'll give everyone a final warning! If you don't let us examine your Pokémon, you're out of the beauty contest!" the female doctor repeated the threat.
"Alright, Pokémon! Line up and walk quietly out to our Pokémon ambulance!" the male doctor waved his hands to the outside.
"Suzie…?" I mumbled concernedly while some of the Pokémon followed the doctors' instructions and walked out of the lounge.
She responded with a soft sigh. "I guess we've got no choice but to follow the rules."
"Vuul…", Vulpix barked softly and walked out of the room together with Zane's Ninetales. Speaking of, he was about to follow them outside when the doctors blocked his path.
"Sorry, but none of you are allowed to stay with your Pokémon", the female doctor told him.
"What do you mean we're not allowed?" Zane asked.
"Yeah, we have to be with our Pokémon; we're worried about them!" another random contestant called out.
"The examination will be over before you know it and we'll give you the reports of your Pokémon's health afterward", the female doctor told us before she walked out of the lounge where her colleague was waiting.
"So sit tight and wait patiently, Breeders! We'll be back shortly!" the male doctor said before shutting the double doors.
There was a murmur in the crowd as everyone got worried about their Pokémon and the beauty contest. The speakers crackled before the MC's voice echoed in the lounge. "Number 25! Can Number 25 please come up to stage?"
A man in his early thirties started pacing around nervously, chewing on his nail. "That's me! If I don't get on stage with my Tauros, I'll be disqualified!"
"That's it!" Zane exclaimed. "This doesn't feel right at all! We need to see our Pokémon!"
"Right!" Suzie agreed. "I'm worried about Vulpix."
Zane rushed to the doors, but they wouldn't budge when he tried opening them. "H-Hey, what's the big deal?! We're locked in here!"
"No way!" some of the contestants exclaimed in horror.
"This must've been a trap! Those doctors aren't real doctors!" Misty shouted.
"We need to get out of here before they can escape with the Pokémon!" Ash nodded.
"Piika!" Pikachu nodded.
"Leave this to me!" I shouted and threw Geodude's Poké Ball. "Geodude, break down the doors!"
"Geoduude!" Geodude growled before he threw himself onto the double doors, knocking them off the hinges. We ran down the corridor and found the emergency exit and got greeted by a massive shipping container that was being lifted up by Team Rocket's balloon that had extra equipment to lift up the cargo.
"Team Rocket?!" my friends and I exclaimed in shock, seeing Jessie and James without their doctor costumes.
"Dang it! They got out already?!" Jessie growled.
"Meowth, put metal to the pedal!" James shouted in a panic.
"Aye-aye, James!" Meowth said before the extra propellers activated to pick up the speed.
"You're not going anywhere!" Ash yelled and threw a Poké Ball. "Noctowl, stop Team Rocket!"
"Hoo-hoooh!" Noctowl hooted when he came out from the device. He flew toward the balloon and made a huge hole on it with his sharp beak. To him, it wasn't enough, so we flew through the balloon and came out from the other side, making a total of two holes.
Team Rocket's balloon crashed down on top of the container. The door to it was locked and barricaded, so we couldn't open it. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the lock!" Ash shouted.
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped up from his shoulder and collected his inner electricity. "PikaCHUUU!" The lightning bolt struck the lock on the container and broke it apart, making the doors to open up on their own. The scared Pokémon ran out of the container and to their Trainers, cuddling in their safe arms.
"Vulpix!" Suzie called out in relief and embraced her Pokémon.
"Ninetales, are you okay?" Zane asked his partner, patting its head.
"Koon!" Ninetales barked.
"Ow…!" Team Rocket grunted as they crawled out of the basket of their fallen air balloon.
"Zane, how about we teach them a good lesson?" Suzie suddenly called out.
"I was just thinking of the same thing", Zane smirked in response.
The duo stepped toward Team Rocket with their fire-type Pokémon, getting the trio's attention. "You are a disgrace to Trainers and Breeders! We're going to give you a lesson so you won't steal Pokémon again!" Zane exclaimed seriously.
Jessie, James and Meowth quickly jumped up on their feet, recovering from the fall. "You dare teaching us?! How dare you, kid?! We're Team Rocket; we don't need lectures from brats like you!" Jessie growled.
"She's sadly right, Zane", Suzie said. "They only know one language."
"Then let's use the same language, Suzie", Zane nodded. "Ninetales!"
"Vulpix!"
"Use Fire Spin!" the duo shouted simultaneously.
The two fox Pokémon howled before they breathed a Fire Spin each. The two attacks combined into one massive fire tornado that engulfed Team Rocket. The bad guys screamed in pain before the force of the move threw them up and away into the sky, yelling the familiar words.
"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
"WOOOBBUFFEEET!"
That part was new. Wobbuffet must have come out in the midst of the attack to join them. Anyways, we all cheered for the successful rescue of the Pokémon before Officer Jenny and some people of the contest staff checked up on us to see what had caused the delay of the show.
XXXXXXXXXX
The beauty contest was back to normal. No one got disqualified after the judges and Master of Ceremonies got informed about the disturbance caused by Team Rocket. Time was ticking and soon it was going to be our turn to enter the stage.
Suzie and I groomed Vulpix swiftly after her fur got a little dirty from the incident. While I was brushing Vulpix, I thought about the battle before. Suzie and Zane worked great together and seemed to be in perfect sync, even though they had different beliefs about Pokémon beauty. Was it because they were childhood friends or something else? Whatever they had, I couldn't step in between them. I had to take a mature decision for the sake of Suzie's happiness.
"Hey, Suzie?" Zane called as he approached us. "Can I say something real quick?"
"What, Zane?" Suzie asked and turned to her friend.
"Well, I…", Zane began nervously while rubbing the back of his head. "I actually learned something very important after fighting Team Rocket. Our Pokémon worked great together that I could see their true beauty emitting from them. If we could work together just like our Pokémon, we can become an amazing team! We could breed and groom the most beautiful Pokémon ever!"
I could tell Zane wanted to work with Suzie after he had finally learned his lesson. Perhaps this is what they both needed to reach the master level of Pokémon Breeding.
"You can work on the beauty on the inside of Pokémon and I work on their beauty on the outside", Zane continued.
"That sounds like the best combination ever", I couldn't help but comment. "You should go for it, Suzie."
"Do you think so, Brock?" Suzie asked.
"Yeah. I'm certain you two can learn from each other and work together in perfect harmony, just like Vulpix and Ninetales", I nodded.
"Vul!"
"Koon!"
"It sounds like our Pokémon agree to it", Zane chuckled. "So what do you say, Suzie?"
Suzie gave him a sweet smile before shaking his hand. "Let's do it, Zane. Let's put our differences to the side and focus on uniting our beliefs into every Pokémon we'll work with and open a beauty salon…together."
This was it. The way Suzie said the last word with such affection in her voice was enough for me to let her go and focus on the passion in her life; Breeding…and romance.
"Brock, can I have a quick word with you too?" Zane suddenly said, catching me off guard.
"With me?" I blinked confusedly.
We walked to a corner where we could speak alone. Zane cleared his throat before he poured his thoughts out. "Suzie told me a lot about you and your skills as a Pokémon Breeder", he revealed. "To tell the truth, I got a little jealous of you."
"Jealous of me?" I said in total surprise.
"Yes. She told me you're one of the best Breeders she's ever met and now I can tell she was right", Zane smiled and held his hand out. "Continue walking on the same path so we can become colleagues in the future."
I felt a little proud that Suzie spoke so highly of me that her childhood friend got jealous of me, but I was mainly happy to be acknowledged by another Pokémon Breeder. "Thanks. I'll always do my best", I smiled and shook hands with Zane. "And hey… Good luck with Suzie."
Zane gave me a smile, realizing my real thoughts about my good luck wishes. "Thank you, Brock. And you too."
"Number 37! Can number 37 enter the stage, please?"
"This is it", Suzie called as she picked up Vulpix. "Are you ready, Vulpix? Brock?"
"Vuul!" Vulpix barked.
"I am ready", I nodded and adjusted by bowtie. "Let's go, Suzie, Vulpix."
"Good luck, guys!" Zane called before we left the lounge.
"Kooon!" Ninetales howled, wishing us the best of luck.
We walked out to the stage and got greeted by claps and cheers from the crowd. Suzie carried Vulpix in her arms and showed her for everyone to see what a beautiful Pokémon she was.
In the end, we didn't win the beauty contest, but I still felt like a winner standing side by side with my idol. It ignited the fire within me, burning stronger and brighter than ever before.
I will become the best Pokémon Breeder in the world and one day, I'll work side by side with both Suzie and Zane!
XXXXXXXXXX
Ashley's party:
Cedric the Larvitar (male)
Trica the Furret (female)
Hikaru the Flaaffy (male)
Mystic the Togepi (male)
Victor the Houndour (male)
Axel the Scyther (male)
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash's party:
Ivysaur (male)
Pikachu (male)
Chikorita (female)
Cyndaquil (male)
Totodile (male)
Shiny Noctowl (male)
XXXXXXXXXX
Ash's Pokémon at the Lab:
Heracross (male)
Wartortle (male)
Tauros (male)
XXXXXXXXXX
Misty's party:
Goldeen (female)
Staryu (genderless)
Psyduck (male)
Togepi (female)
Poliwhirl (male)
Chinchou (female)
XXXXXXXXXX
Brock's party:
Geodude (male)
Onix (male)
Golbat (male)
Pineco (male)