AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 29 A Nightly Chat
"The winner of the Sootoplis City Pokemon Contest is…" The lights flashed over to the victor of the Pokemon Contest.
"Wallace!"
The scoreboard showed the two Coordinators were neck on neck, however, Wallace's points were one up than Alister's.
Everyone cheered for the newest Coordinator on his first win. "THAT'S MY BOY!" Wallace's Father cheered loudly for his Son's victory.
"WALLACE! THAT'S MY SON!" Wallace's Mother cheered loudly, proud of her Son. "That's my Son right there!" She cheered more, expressing how proud she was.
"Lisia, look." Cristina holds her toddler in her arms, showing her Wallace's win. "Your Uncle Wally has won his first Contest." She smiles, happy that her Brother is achieving his new dream.
The teal-haired toddler giggled, hearing the cheers around her. She claps her hands, copying the people around her.
Maya clapped her hands, still proud of her Older Brother, "Good job, Wally." She smiles happily.
Soon Wallace stood before Lydia and Juan along with the two Judges of the Contest. "Congratulations, Wallace. Your performance is splendid and is spectacular to watch." Mr. Contesta informed the Champion.
"Yes, and remarkable." Mr. Sukizo commented, happy to witness his performance.
"It's the most entertaining thing I've ever seen," Lydia added, pleased to witness a talented rising from the bottom up. "If you continue on this path, I can see a bright future ahead of you."
Juan steps forward with the Contests Ribbon in his hands. "Congratulations, Wallace. I am honored to present to you the Sootoplis City's Contest Ribbon," He presented the golden metal with a teal and white Ribbon to his protegee.
The Champion humbly took the Ribbon, showing it to the crowd. Everyone cheered, excited to see what Wallace has in store next.
At the backstage, Alister smiles as he held his Purple Rotom to his ear. "Yes, Wallace has won the Contest…yes, I'm sure he'll return once his friends get their Eight Gym Badge…Mmm? Girl?" the violet-haired boy turns to the crowd, seeing the black-haired trainer the person asked for.
"Yes, I see her…so she's the one who saved Dratini…I'll relay the message to Wallace," Alister answered, petting his Houndoom next to him. "Okay, I'll talk to you soon, Chairwoman."
Evergrande City, Pokemon League HQ
On the highest floor of the Pokemon League Headquarters, in a lavish office, a tan woman with white hair stood before the window. "Yes…I'll speak to you later,"
The woman wore a light-blue trench coat, a white vest, and a dark blue turtleneck sweater. She sighs, hearing the door to her office open. "I assume there's something you need?" The Chairwoman turned around, facing one of the Elite Four of the Hoenn League. "Drake?"
The man was around his early forties or so, wearing a black trench coat with no shirt underneath. He has blue jeans and black boots, and his short hair and his mustache black with grey sideburns signify his aging.
"Not really, just announcing my return from my sailing voyage." The Elite Four stated to the Chairwoman of the League. He walks over to the couch before her desk, sits on it, and makes himself comfortable. "I noticed that it's a lot busier when I entered the League. I may not be around as much, but I can tell when something's going on."
The Chairwoman turned around, surprised that her memo didn't reach the middle-aged Sailor. "Drake, you didn't get my message? I have sent you a text-"
"Look, these new technologies that they were developing are a bit tricky to understand given my age." The Dragon master groans, still getting used to the Rotom Phone. "A simple call would be just fine,"
"If you're determined to do things old school, then I'll call you next time." The Chairwoman smiles, returning to her desk. "Just letting you know that the Ever Grande Conference will start soon. The chance for Trainers to prove themselves that they can challenge the Pokemon League."
Drake chuckles at the annual event. "Indeed, there's a lot of Trainers that might be qualified to be the next Champion of the Hoenn Region." He crosses his arms, looking at the Chairwoman. "Will Wallace be able to keep his title, or will another take his place?"
The Chairwoman smiles, "I have full confidence that Wallace will defend his title the best he can," He stated,
"Interesting, but I saw Wallace performing at his hometown Contest and won," Drake commented, remembering when he entered the lobby a live footage of the Sootoplis City's Pokemon Contest.
"I know, Alister saw him ." The Chairwoman informed the Ship Captain.
Drake sat up and turned to the white-haired woman. "You mean one of the Elite Four Reserves? If I remember, he's a Coordinator on the side," The Elite Four commented, remembering his application. "Are you sure having him check on Wallace? You know the Champion is exploring something other than Battling."
"Yes, I don't mind. As long as he can perform his duty as Champion then it's all right." The white-haired woman said, pleased that the current Champion is exploring his interest.
Drake shrugs, getting up from the couch and ready to head out to his Chambers. "Well if that's all right with you, I guess I got nothing to worry about." The Elite Four Member smiles, walking towards the exit. "See you around, Ms. Blanche."
Blanche looked up, bidding the Ship Captain off. "Yes, have a good day, Drake."
Sootoplis City, Juan's Manor
A bottle of champagne popped out in the dining room. Juan was holding a flowing champagne bottle in his hand and pouring it into two glasses,
"Cheers!" Everyone toasted on Wallace's first win in the Hoenn Grand Festival.
Helena's friends and their Pokemon were having a great time celebrating with Wallace.
Wallace held up his glass of sparkling flavor water in replacement of the champagne. "I would like to thank all of your support," He looks at his friends, Family, Pokemon, and Mentor. "Without you all, I don't think I would win."
"Oh, Wallace, it was your skills alone that got you the win." Wallace's Mother held her cheeks, happy that her Son would mention them in his victory.
Wallace's Father chuckles, placing his hand on his Son's shoulder. "Geez, Wally, you're making me blush." He laughs, patting his shoulder.
Maya groans at her Father acting himself. 'Seriously, Dad we're in public.' She mentally said.
Cristina giggled, seeing her Father being himself even around a large group of people. "Dad, please be mindful." She held onto her Daughter in her lap.
Lisia was giggling happily, watching the joy in the room.
"I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves, Sebastian and Milford did their best in preparing tonight's celebration." Juan motions to the Butlers standing at the side.
Brawly smiles, looking at the Butlers. "Thanks, you two!" He raised his glass to them.
"Yeah! Your food is delicious, best dishes I've ever eaten," Flannery laughs, taking some seconds.
"It's like tasting a bit of home, thank you both," Roxanne commented, enjoying her portions. She turns to Steven, a bit jealous of him, "Do you eat like this every day, Steven?"
Steven sighs then smile, "Yeah, but I do like cooking for myself."
"The young master is always a hardheaded person, he wanted to learn how to cook for himself at a young age," Sebastian remembers when Steven was young, always entering the kitchens and asking him to teach him.
Steven blushes, scratching his cheeks. "W-Well, I was looking forward to being on my Journey. So I wanted to be prepared." He explains before getting up from his seat. "Hey, I think I heard my Pokemon calling me," The young trainer left the table and head towards the Pokemon playing.
Helena giggled, looking at Roxanne who joined in. She then realizes that Lydia wasn't at the table, "Where is Mrs. Stone? I thought she would be here with us?" She asked her friends.
Roxanne paused, pondering on the last time she saw her. "Mmmm, I believe she was outside in the gardens." The brunette explains to her friend, "Probably she needs some fresh air,"
"I'll look for her, by the time she arrives the food might be gone." Helena looks over to everyone getting some seconds from the dining table.
"I'll make sure there's some food remaining for you two." Roxanne ensures her friend,
Helena nodded and turned to Juan. "If you excuse me, Juan,"
The Gym Leader looked over to Helena and nodded, "Of course," Juan allowed the former Witch to be excused from the table.
Helena walks into the halls of Juan's Mansion, searching for Lydia. "Where could she be?" She asked herself,
The former Witch has entered the hall leading to the gardens. Looking at the windows, Helena saw Lydia sitting with her Pokemon, both looked concerned for her.
Lydia coughs violently as she covers her mouth,
"Roserade!" Roserade panics as he went to retrieve her medicine from his trainer's purse.
"Roserade, there's no need to panic." Lydia smiles at her Pokemon, gently stroking his head with her hand. "I'm doing just fine,"
"Mawile, Maw…" Mawile looks up, feeling her trainer's hand on her head. "Mawile?"
Lydia smiles at her Pokemon, happy to see them caring for her. "Mawile, Roserade, you two don't need to worry that much. I'm doing better now thanks to Joseph and the medicinal herbs that the Doctors prescribe,"
Both Pokemon were still concerned for their trainer, remembering how sick she was before.
"Mrs. Stone? Are you alright?" Lydia turns around and saw Helena walking towards her.
"Helena, were you looking for me?" The white-haired woman asked, seeing the former Witch standing behind her.
Helena nodded, "Yes but…I heard you coughing. Are you okay, Mrs. Stone?" She asked with concern in her voice.
Lydia smiles, "I'm doing fine, Helena and please call me Lydia." The white-haired woman stated, she scoot over, making some room for her. "Please, join me."
The young trainer blinks and sat down in the space that Lydia made. She watches as Lydia's Roserade handed her some pills and she took them.
"Mrs…Lydia," Helena spoke up,
"I'm really fine, Helena. This is my medicine that I need to take for a few weeks." Lydia explains, taking the water bottle from Mawile, "You see, I was severely sick after a few days when Steven joined the Trainer School. It was a week ago that I've overcome the sickness."
Helena looked at Steven's Mother, curious about something. "Does Steven know?"
Lydia shook her head, indicating that Steven doesn't know a thing. "No, he doesn't." She stated, "I didn't want him to worry about me, Joseph was with me and my Pokemon too."
"Why didn't you tell him? He has the right to know," The black-haired girl commented, feeling Steven should know these types of things.
"I believe so too, but I also believe that Steven should enjoy his Journey," Lydia explains her reasons to the black-haired girl. "As his Mother, I want him to focus on his goals and not to worry about something that'll hold him back. He's a growing boy,"
Helena looked at Steven's Mother, she could tell that she really cares about Steven. "Helena, you're a special person to my Son," Lydia spoke.
"E-Excuse me, b-but what do you mean by that?" Helena was caught off guard by the sudden statement.
Lydia smiles softly at the former Witch. "Ara, my Stevie is very respectful to others, especially when it comes to my Husband's Business guests during parties," She commented. "He's very considerate to everyone, even to the Daughters of those guests; but you…" The white-haired woman looks at the black-haired trainer.
"I've seen him give the same friendly look to every girl he meets, even to Flannery and Roxanne," Lydia explains, remembering the same expression he gives to the girls at those events. "But the way he looked at you, it's different from the ones he gives,"
Pictures of Steven appeared in Helena's mind, each one was of him smiling softly. Helena blushes, gripping her red skirt at the memory of Steven's smile. "Y-You think?" She said softly.
Lydia smiles at the young trainer next to her as she lifts Mawile onto her lap. "I do, as my little Stevie's Mother I have known him for the longest time." She said,
"I-I see…"
"Helena, if you would. Please continue being friends with my Son." Lydia said, wanting her to continue being friends with Steven as she pets her Mawlie. "I believe that if you do, he can be the person he strives to be."
Helena blushed, turning her head, and obliging her request. "I-I'll try my best, Mrs- Lydia." She smiles.
Lydia smiles, this girl reminded her of her youthful days when she was a Coordinator. Helena was indeed an interesting girl, a rare sight to meet. "I appreciate it," She giggled and smiled. "Speaking of my Son, I want to hear what you think of him. I have spoken about him that I didn't consider you at all."
"N-No, please don't apologize. I came to and asked about you," Helena held up her hands, seeing that there was no need for her to apologize.
Lydia giggled, finding fun to speak with this trainer. She moved "Ara, I'm really curious, what do you think of my Son?" She asked.
"W-Well, he's kind and selfless. He always helps others even though they don't ask for it." Helena smiles, blushing at the qualities that make Steven, Steven. "He's a good person who goes above and beyond for the people he cares for."
The white-haired woman smiles, happy to hear that from Helena about her Son. "Yes, he sure is."
They continue to talk about Steven and eventually about Helena's interests and goals in life. Soon they left the gardens unbeknownst that they were being watched.
Maya growls seeing the two bonding in Juan's gardens. She bit her thumb, seething with jealousy, "(Damnit, that should be me with Steven's Mom. Just who does she think she is?)" She growls walking off back inside the Manor.
The next day was the day Steven was waiting for, the Gym Battle for the last Gym Badge.
Steven walks forward, seeing the Battlefield filled with water and small pockets of grasslands scattered across the field.
Standing before him was Juan, ready to Battle him.
'Flannery has lost her Battle as Brawly he barely made it, but nonetheless won,' Steven thought, knowing he was at the disadvantage with his Rock-types.
Flannery covered her face, seething at the fact she'd lost. "Man, I was overconfident back there." The red-haired girl commented on her loss.
Roxanne comforted her friend, patting her back. "H-Hey now, you did your best out there," She said,
'Still, she's using Fire-type Pokemon. They're weak to Sensei's Water-types,' Wallace mentally commented, not wanting to be rude to his friend.
"I'm sure you can beat him next time, Flannery," Helena commented, wanting to say something to make her feel better.
"Kirlia," The Emotions Pokemon commented while sitting on her trainer's lap.
Flannery smiles at her friends comforting her. "Thanks, guys," She smiles before looking up to see Brawly entering the audience. "Hey Brawly, nice job out there," The red-haired girl congratulated the Fighting-type user.
Brawly smirks, proud of his victory today. "Thanks, my dudes! When they say Juan is like a bomb, they weren't kidding." He laughs, scratching the back of his head. The young surfer looks over to Flannery who was happy for him winning his Gym Battle.
"Hey, Flans; sorry that you lost your Battle. At least there's the next time for you to win your Eight Gym Badge." The Sky-blue haired trainer ensures that Flannery that she can still win.
"Thanks, Brawl."
"Everyone," The trainers looked at the side where Lydia and Sebastian were sitting next to them. "The young master's Gym Battle is about to begin." The black-haired butler informed the trainers.
Lydia smiles, folding her legs and waiting what Steven's strategy is. "Ara, ara, my Son is so cool down there." The white-haired woman giggled, excited for what was to come.
Steven stood on the platform above the Battlefield. He looks at Juan standing the opposite of the field. "Steven, you're the last Challenger of today, if I'm being honest with myself." The Gym Leader smiles, excited about his Battle with him. "This is the most intriguing Gym Battles that I have partaken in,"
"I'm glad we're able to entertain you, Juan." The Steel-blue haired boy smiles before turning to Milford acting as Referee.
Milford cleared his throat, preparing to announce the rules of the Gym Battle again. "Welcome to the third Gym Battle of the day; the Challenger Steven has challenged the Gym Leader Juan for the Eight Gym Badge," The butler stated.
"The rules are simple, both trainers shall be in a Double Battle. As such, each trainer will use four Pokemon, only the Challenger can switch out Pokemon." Milford continues with his explanation. "Now, bring out your Pokemon!"
Juan took out two Pokeballs from his belt. "Alright, come out you two, and grace us with your presence!" He tosses both his Pokeballs in the air, releasing his Pokemon.
The first one is a sky-blue seal with large white whiskers. "Sealeo," The Water/Ice-type cried out,
The second one was a large redfish with large a horn and fins. All over his body were black strips and a few black spots peppered around his fins. "Seaking." The Goldfish Pokemon cried out.
"A Sealeo and Seaking…" Steven saw that he's gonna have to think carefully about whom to bring out. He looks up and took out his Pokeballs,
"Armaldo, Baltoy! Come on out!" Steven tosses his Pokeballs at the field, releasing his partners.
The first one was a bipedal shrimp-like Pokemon with two large claws for forearms. "Armaldo!" The Rock/Bug-type Pokemon cried out, ready for Battle.
The second one that Steven called out was a light brown doll Pokemon, standing on the point at its bottom. "Baltoy," The Rock/Psychic-type cried out.
"What an interesting play, both Pokemon are at a disadvantage but might win this," Helena commented, seeing that both were Rock-types.
"Duel-typing, Steven must be prepared just for this Gym Battle," Flannery added, hoping their friend will win.
"Alright, Battle begin!" Milford raised the flags,
Steven/ Armaldo and Baltoy vs Juan/ Sealeo and Seaking
(Insert Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gym Leader Battle Music (HQ)
Steven held out his hand out to his Pokemon, "Baltoy, start off with a Light Screen, Armaldo Sunny Day!"
"Baltoy," Baltoy's body glowed a pinkish color as three barriers of clear windows appear before him and the Plate Pokemon.
"Armaldo!" The Duel-type cried out to the sky as a bright light covered the field,
Juan smirks, seeing their first move. "Setting up defenses, are we? Then let's test them out," He held out his hand to the Water-types on the field. "Sealeo, use Ice Beam on Baltoy and Seaking use Horn Drill on Armaldo!"
Both Pokemon leap into action, Sealeo opened his mouth and a light blue orb appeared. It released blue lighting that went for the Clay Doll Pokemon.
"Seaking!" Seaking's horn began to spin rapidly and charged for Armaldo.
"Baltoy, Ice Beam to counter Sealeo's and Armaldo, X-Scissor to block the Horn Drill!" Steven cried out to his Pokemon.
A light blue orb appeared on top of Baltoy's head and released the same blue lighting at the Ice Beam. Both Ice Beams met and froze over each other, creating two blocks of ice in the water.
Seaking was on top of Armaldo about to land a strike. The Duel-type's claws began to claw a light greenish hue and slashed at the Horn Drill, deflecting it from hitting him.
Juan smiles, looking at the Goldfish Pokemon. "Seaking, Scald,"
Just as Seaking return to the water, he faced Armaldo and opened his mouth. Boling water released from Seaking's mouth, hurling towards the Duel-type.
Three barriers appeared, decreasing the Scald's attack but still hitting Armaldo. "Armaldo!" The Duel-type stumbles back, taking half the damage from the water attack.
Steven remains steadfast, he looks at Juan whose calculated expression was unpredictable. "If you're not going to make the first move, then I'll be the one who'll make it," Juan stated,
"Seaking use Water Pulse on Baltoy, Sealeo assist him with Blizzard!" The Gym Leader ordered his Pokemon.
"Seaking!" The Goldfish Pokemon released a blue orb from his mouth as Sealeo supported it with a powerful blizzard.
The Water Pulse hurls over to Baltoy while the Blizzard trails it, a powerful combo."Baltoy!"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.