POV John

After I got the order for Opal done at Ms, Ryan's store I had to go get the girl's pokeballs checked. Opal was given a small underskirt in lue of undergarments. It was plain black and hung down to her knees. So she was back to her happy and spunky self.

I made my way to Norman's gym. There was a battle going on so I decided to watch. The girls watched intently. Getting ready for their own fight one day. Even in his old age Norman was a beast. His Slaking body slamming his opponents into submission. He had to phase out his old team to keep up and now has a male Lopunny that was intimidating.

The Lopunny was built like a Machoke and fast. Getting behind his opponents only to send them flying into the air with a kick. He also had an attitude. Standing with a relaxed posture until the match started , then giving his opponent a cold stare. He was the opposite of the cute and fun image that the public usually has of Lopunnies.

[Scary.]

I looked at Sapphire. She was watching the Lopunny with her tail tucked down. I smile and go rub her head with my good arm.

"Don't worry. You will do great."

In response she started to wag her tail slowly.

The contender's partner was sent into the top of the Ergo-Dome. The crash was loud, even for the crowd. Some flinched, while others covered their eyes.

[They must be new.]

"No, that Lopunny is just a little brutal. Seems Norman hasn't trained him completely yet." I watched as the young trainer returned his pokemon to their pokeball, signaling the end of the match.

I turned away to talk to one of the gym staff members. Leaving the girls to watch the next battle.

"Excuse me. My pokeballs are giving strange readings to my Dex app. Do I go to a mart to get it checked out orâ"

"Sorry I don't really know. We have a small pokecenter here. But the trainer mart does a lot of work."

"Do I need to be an active trainer to use Trainer mart?" I ask, feeling the weight of my suspension.

"For some of it. They don't want random kids running around the wild. So new pokeballs must be ID controlled."

I nod before shaking their hand. "Thanks for the info. I will head to the center here first."

"No problem. Have a good day."

I returned to the girls as Norman was defeated. His Lopunny on the scorched ground. The opposing Charizard standing tall. Both pokemon were returned to their pokeballs as Norman handed over the Balance Badge to the trainer. Everyone present clapped and cheered, myself and the girls included. Beating a gym leader was hard work. Especially one as well versed as Norman.

"Ummâ Excuse me."

I turned to see who was addressing me. It was a young female trainer with another girl who looked exactly like her. My girls turned around to look past my legs. Still wary of meeting new people since the incident seven years ago.

"Yes?" I ask as I place a hand on Opal's head to reassure her.

"My sister and I were wondering if we could get a picture with your Kirlia. She is very pretty." The one on the left said. Her voice showed her nervousness.

I could feel Opal's hands tighten on my pants. I smile at the two young girls. "Let me ask her. My girls are wary of other people."

The two girls jumped at that. Moving their hands in a 'no' motion. "No, no. That's totally fine. It's that she is such a rare shiny and her horns are gorgeous."

I thank them before kneeling. "So Opal. Do you want to take a picture?"

Opal gave the girls a glance before looking back at me with those big beautiful eyes. [Do I have to?]

I shake my head. "You don't have to. But these two are nice enough to ask."

She frowns looking at the two girls again.

"Kirl." [Fine.] her voice was resigned as her mental one.

I rub her head making her swat at my hands. Sapphire and Ruby laugh as do the two girls.

"She says it's ok."

The two girls are ecstatic as they hand me their phones. They crouch down to pose next to Opal. Opal held her hands in front of her chest, looking at the camera with her big golden eyes. She looked so shy.

"Alright you three. Smile!" I watch as they all smile brightly before I take a few photos. "That should do it." I hand the phones back. Opal took her spot by my leg.

"Why don't we take a picture of you and your team."

I look up at them, thinking about the offer. "I think that is a great Idea!" I had a big smile on my face. We could make a collage at the end of our journey too. I hand the girls my phone.

Ithen sit on the ground and pull Opal into my lap. She let out a yelp as she plopped down. She watched as I caught Sapphire and Ruby, holding them in each arm.

[John?] Opal asked.

"Come on, it's fun. Just smile for the camera." I place my chin gently on her head. Her hair was soft and with a floral scent. I was careful to not touch her horns and she looked forward.

"Alright you guys. Say Arceus!"

The girls make their pokemon calls as I said the name normally. There was a flash and the girls were giggling.

"Awww they are so cute!" The two girls fawned over the picture before handing my phone back. I looked at it with a smile.

Opal was on my lap all prim and proper. A shy smile as her gold eyes looked through her lavender tinged light blue hair. Sapphire was a ball of energy as she clung to my arm with one arm. The other was waving at the camera. Her eyes were closed as she had her mouth open in a yell of joy. Ruby had moved from my arm and jumped on my shoulder, her red eyes staring into the camera. She seemed happy enough.

"Thank you again." I told them before they left. I showed the girls the picture. Sapphire and Ruby were delighted. Opal looked at it expressionless.

[It looks nice.]

I rub her head. "It's perfect. You looked like the models you watch."

She perked up. [Really?]

"Yes really. Now let's head to the mobile center in this place." I lifted her onto my shoulders. She protested, but in the end she just adjusted her new black skirt and held onto my head. Sapphire and Ruby walked beside me.

There was a line at the center. Despite the gym having a leader most of the actual venues were safe spaces for trainers to practice fighting. With multiple fields for battles. It built rivalries and collaborations between the various trainers. Some even helped others as teachers. Leaving the gym leader free to battle and rest.

[So many.] Sapphire said, clinging to my leg.

[I agree sis.] Opal shifted on my shoulder. Probably uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. I placed a comforting hand on her leg.

"Don't mind them. They are just jealous of how pretty you are." I felt her lean against my head.

[Thanks.]

"No problem." I reached down and scratched Sapphire's head. Ruby was quiet, just watching the crowd. Her nature makes her cautious of others.

"Who is my little hunter?" I said, patting my leg. She let out a bark before putting her front paws on my leg. This put her head in reach of my hand so I didn't have to crouch down. She let out a happy whine.

I laughed as the girls fought over my attention. My hands going from one to the next. Soon though it was my turn.

"Hello, it seems that your pokemon seem healthy. What brings you here?" The nurse asked.

I pulled the pokeballs from my thigh. "Sorry. I will try to make this quick. I need a diagnostic done on these pokeballs. The Dex app was getting weird readings from them. Throwing errors in my girls' information."

"Oh, ok then. We can only run a safety check to see if they are still able to contain your pokemon safely. For an in depth check you will need to take these to the Trainer Mart store. They have the proper tech to check them thoroughly."

"Thank you." I stepped away to let the next person get help for their mons. The nurse put my pokeballs in a different machine from the one used to heal. I sat on the floor to play with the girls. Opal floated Ruby's quartz stone around.

Ruby chased after it, trying to catch it. I was blocking Sapphire's punches and kicks. Having her strike randomly. Sometimes I would seat her hand out of the way or move to tap her head. She would try to avoid those.

After about ten minutes and five people trying to get close to Opal. Only to have me and Ruby glare at them until they left. The computer analyzing my pokeballs dinged.

"Sorry for the wait." The nurse said while handing my back the balls. "They are fine for use. All safety protocols have been met. The internal habitat is in perfect working order. So there is no issue in putting them inside if you wish."

"Thank you for the reassurance." I held the balls out to the girls after deploying them. "Anyone done with all the walking around?"

[Yes I am.] Opal said

"I carried you most of the time." I scoffed.

[Do you know what it's like to have no feet anymore? To constantly walk on points on hard surfaces?] She shot back before tapping her opalescent ball. Her body turned to red energy as she was pulled inside.

I hold the ball up to my face. "No, no I don't. You got me there sis." I press it to my forehead lovingly before shrinking it to place it on my thigh. "What about you two?"

[Nap time!] Sapphire cheered.

"Ok then. Go rest." I tap the ball on her head.

[Yay!] was all I heard before she was absorbed into the ball.

"So energetic." I put her ball away, turning to Ruby. "What about you?" I wiggle her ball in my hand.

She shook her head. Deciding to rub against my leg. I got the message pretty quick. Laughing as I put her ball away.

"Is my little hunter feeling jealous of her sisters getting carried around?"

She lets out an affirmative bark. I shake my head, holding my hands out.

"Ok then. Hop on."

She jumped into my arms. Her head pressed into my chest. She nestled into his arms comfortably. Her tail came around to cover her head.

"That's a big girl." I rubbed her side with my hand. I thanked the nurse one last time before leaving the gym. My next destination was the Trainer Mart.

Leaving the gym It was in the town center with the rest of the stores. The area was arranged in a circle with a small park at the center. The bell attached to the door jingled.

"Welcome! Let me know if you need anything."

The store had the tech on display along the back walls and near the clerk. In the center were shelfs with camping gear. It was a very niche store.

I made my way to the counter.

"Good afternoon. I need a full diagnostic on these." I place the three pokeballs down on the counter.

The employee whistled. "Custom colors. A cheaper option for custom work from the manufacturer. What seems to be wrong?"

"The dex app was giving a weird reading." I pull out my phone and show him. Using Sapphire's ball. The employee took my phone when he saw the error.

"That is weird. I have never seen that before." He handed the phone back to me. "There are two ways errors could happen. Either the data from the ball is wrong or the data gets corrupted when it transfers through the watch. I will need both the balls and the Ergo watch. Please release your pokemon for safety."

I let Opal and Sapphire out. They were a little grumpy, having their naps disturbed. I calmed them down. All it took was a promise to play in the park across the street. I take the Ergo watch off next and place it with the poke balls.

"This will take some time. Fill out this form."

The form he slid had a required trainer lisence number. My heart sank a little.

"Ummm, I have an issue."

The employee's eyes squinted suspiciously. "Do you not have a lisence?"

I shake my head in a panic. "No, no! I mean Yes I do, it's just that I am on suspension. My battle rights were revoked by the rangers."

The employee held out his hand. "Hand it over so I can check. Had too many people lying to me before."

I pull out my card and hand it over. After a few minutes the man nodded. "Yep, a suspension just like you said. Care rights are intact so there are no problems. I will have to put a times lock on your Ergo watch. This will stop you from using its battle features."

I let out a relieved sigh. "Thats perfectly fine. I was more worried that you would have my team taken away."

He waved the comment away. "That only happens when care rights are revoked. In those cases the original team was already confiscated. Making me have to call the police when they come in with new ones. Any way, why don't you fill out that form and wait for a call."

I fill out the form and hand it over with the gear. "I think I will browse a bit. See if there is anything I want for when I move on."

"Go right ahead. All the stock is back here anyway." The man exited through a self locking door. Trainer mart took their security very seriously.

I looked through the store a little. Checking out anythin that caught my eye. One thing that was advertized but had no price tag was a portable home. It was by a company call Spencer corp. what ever they did. Using spacial compression it shrunk to the size of a backpack and weighed about twenty pounds. When not deployed. Ample storage and a built in shower.

"That is cool. But seems like it is for the very rich. Don't think I will ever have that in my life." I mutter. There were a few pokeballs that were cool, like the duskball. There was also a new model called a zen ball designed for psychic types.

By now the girls were pulling on my legs to go to the park like I promised. I was practically dragged out of the store. Much to the employee's amusement.

"We will call you when the diagnostics are done."

Outside I picked up Sapphire with a groan. Her body hiding her weight.

"Those iron supplements must be working. You got heavier."

She pouted and crossed her arm. [Not funny!] she jabbed me in the chest. Hard enough for me to cough.

"Ok, ok. Just happy to know that you're fit and healthy." I gently grabbed her by the snout to shake her head gently. She let out a growl before I pressed my face against the side of hers. Feeling her short fur brush my face as she laughed.

The park was small and had a pavilion. We decided to stay on the grass. I didn't have a ball with me so I decided to play hide and seek with them. The boundary was the park itself.

I was it first so I counted while they ran off to hide. I could hear them giggling as I counted to twenty. When I had finished I started to look for them. Starting by looking in the bushes, careful of the thorns.

After looking at the bushes I walked around, glancing at the trees. That was when I noticed something blue in the higher branches of an oak tree. I quickly ran over to look closer. Sure enough I could see a small blue tail sticking out of a patch of leaves.

I smiled at the sight. "Found you Saph." The tail quickly pulled up into the leaves. I climb up after her with a sigh. Once I was up there I pushed through the patch and tapped her. "Got you."

There was a whine when she poked her head out of her hiding space. [How you find?]

I picked her up, grabbing her tail when she was in my arms. I gave it a rub, feeling the fur. "You always forget to hide this cute little thing."

She swats my hand away from her tail. Tucking it between her legs. [Bad John.]

I just laugh as she pushes her head into my chest. Hiding her face from me as I nuzzle the top of her head.

"Let's get down so we can find the others." I set her down following her as she helped to find the others. Sniffing the air to catch their scent.

It took time to find Ruby. She was constantly moving and using illusions to hide. She just made a mistake by hiding in a bush. I noticed and grabbed her quickly. Pulling her out with a loud, "Gotcha!" She keened playfully. Wiggling in my arms as I held her tightly to pet her face. Scratching at her cheeks, knowing how much she loved it.

"Wanna help us find Opal?" I ask, holding Ruby to look at me. She let out a yip of affirmation so I let her down. She ran off with Sapphire in a direction. I followed them but noticed something as I did.

Getting closer I could hear two women talking. They were in the gazebo. I could see a cameraman

Focused on a reporter and a young woman.

"So what is the Kalos Queen doing in our humble Hoenn region?" The reporter asked.

I tuned out the interview as I noticed a bush shaking. It was filled with lovely purple flowers. Some of which were shaking. I krept closer, reaching out to push the leaves to the side.

"Pi!" The surprised Pichu jumped out of the bush, scaring me. I fell backward trying to get out of the way as it rushed out. Its little red cheeks sparking. I rolled from my back to my belly. Keeping eye contact with it.

"Pichu!" It growled.

"Ok buddy. I didn't mean to scare you." I started to push against the ground to back away only for the little yellow mouse's sparking to get worse.

'Well crap.' I thought, trying to think of a way out of this.

"Go Delphox!" A Delphox materialized in front of me ready for a fight. Her fur was well kept and styled. Seemed like her trainer cared for her well.

The Pichu jumped back still trying to seem tough. Then it turned its head. Following its gaze I saw my girls running over, yelling in poke speech.

The Pichu let out a wail as it ran in fear. I felt bad for it. The girls ran over to me. Opal checking to see if I was all right. While the Sapphire hugged my face. Ruby was growling at the Delphox.

I calmed them all down. Saying that nothing happened. The Delphox offered me her hand. I took it so she could help me up.

"Thank you."

"Phox." She nodded before returning to her trainer.

[She said, you're welcome.] Opal translated.

I rubbed the top of her head. "I know. I think I need to apologize to her trainer though."

Opal looked over at the gazebo. Her jaw dropping as she saw the Delphox's trainer. "Kirl Kirlia!" She exclaimed. She got so excited and began to jabber in poke speak pulling at my shirt.

"Easy sis, you know I don't understand poke speech." I tried to calm her down but failed. She kept looking at the trainer with wide eyes.

[Famous.] Sapphire explained while pointing.

"Saph you know you shouldn't point. But thanks for telling me." I scratch the back of her ears

I walk over to the reporter and the woman. "Sorry about that. I was playing hide and seek with these three."

The woman smiled. "No problem. Good to see you're alright." She looked at Opal beaming at her.

"My what a pretty Kirlia!" She knelt down to be eye level.

Opal panicked and hid behind my leg. I chuckle. "Opal is a little shy. She was so excited when she saw you though."

"Oh, her name matches her horns. Are you a fan of mine?"

Opal nodded with a blush. Her hand holding my pant leg tightly.

"Well it is nice to meet you, Opal. I'm Serana. But you knew that already." Serena smiled at Opal again.

"Well for what it's worth my name is John. These two are Sapphire and Ruby."

Serena greeted them both. "You gave them such lovely names."

"Well they seemed fitting. Opal for her horns, Sapphire for her eyes, and Ruby for the red in her fur."

"Some would say you were bad for that. But the names fit." Serena stood up. "I have to go. The interview needs to be redone." She waved at Opal which sent her over the moon. Opal's face turned bright red.

"Do you want to watch the interview?" I asked.

[Yes.]

I picked her up. "Then let's go sit down on a bench out of the way."

I carried her over to a nearby bench out of the camera's sight. Opal sat on my lap watching them. Sapphire and Ruby ran around playing tag.

"You seem happy." I poked Opal in the side making her jump.

[Don't do that!] She said, bopping my forehead.

I chuckle as I catch her hand. "Do you really like the contests?" It was a fair question. I had seen her watching them for years now. Though she never said anything about them much.

[You will laugh at why I like them.]

"Bet you I won't."

We lock eyes for a moment. [I like the outfits that some of the pokemon wear.] She finally admitted. Ready for me to laugh.

Contrary to her belief, I didn't laugh. Instead I pondered on her words. "Maybe when you evolve again we can visit a contest store."

Opal looked at me. [Why when I evolve?]

"So that you won't outgrow them. We can get you accessories for now." I told her.

Opal stared at me in disbelief. [Are you serious?]

"Yeah, after the balls are done we can go back to Ms. Ryan's. I'm sure she would love to dress you up."

She jumped up and hugged me. [Thank you John!]

"Anytime little sis." I hugged her back.

"Well isn't that adorable." Serena said as she came over after finishing up her interview.

Opal turned red a little as she let go. I still held her close. Something in the air making me feel uneasy. "Well she is my little sister. Aren't little sisters supposed to be cute?"

Serena chuckled at my retort. "Yes they are. But why do you call her your little sister?"

"Because I have known all of them since they hatched. So we are family." Ruby let out a yawn, pushing her head next to Opal's leg on my lap. I gave her head a soft rub.

Serena put her hands on her hips with a smirk. "You have all the answers."

"I have to. I am their brother and trainer. It's my job to protect us."

"I wish more trainers had your ideals."

"Then it wouldn't be fun to be a trainer. It is about the journey and the unique people along the way. Good or bad."

Serena held up her hands in defeat. "Ok I give. Your philosophy is too great for me. Moving this conversation along, what were you talking about?"

"I was thinking of getting Opal here an accesory. Might get one for these two as well." Sapphire jumped up when I said that.

[Yay!]

"Well why don't I join you. It would help to have a woman help them." Serena offered.

I shook my head. "Sorry but I am waiting for their pokeballs to be checked up. But I can point you to the store."

Serena seemed bummed but accepted the directions. She left while I enjoyed the afternoon park air. Opal had dozed off, her head leaned back against my chest. The smell of mint coming off her hair from the shampoo. It was relaxing.

I felt my phone buzz and carefully pulled it out of my pocket. It was the trainer mart. The diagnostics were done. I gently shook the girls awake, opting to carry Opal on my shoulder.

The clerk of the store said nothing was wrong with the balls. His best guess was that something was wrong with the app. Nothing that can harm the girls. I thanked and paid him for his service.

"Hey, do you want a new Ergo-watch?"

I looked at him as I put the balls away. Opal and Sapphire were back in their balls for some much needed privacy.

"Um, was there anything wrong with mine?"

"Not really. It is just a bare bones model that only tells time and had the energy field function. The store has ones with better options. Like linking to your phone for calls, holographics for built in dex app info, trainer aid, the Helperland guild appâ"

That last one caught my attention. "Helperland guild app?"

"Yeah, you can keep track of you accepted requests and link their locations to the map."

"I might check them out then. But I don't need the holographics. That seems excessive."

The clerk was grinning ear to ear. "Hey whatever you say. Let's head over to the display."

We spent some time going through the watches. Most were flashy with a few being just over the top for wealthy individuals. In the end I got one that would let me answer and make calls as well as sync to my phone for Helperland guild and maps.

"Thank you for your patronage." The clerk says handing me the box with my new watch.

It was black with a fabric band. Simple just the way I like it. Ruby gave a yap of approval. After that I found a place to grab lunch and ordered take out. I kept it simple for all of us. I didn't want to disturb Opal and Sapphire.

It was about time to go to Ms. Ryley's store to check out accessories for the girls. When I arrived there was a gathering of people watching outside the store.

"What's going on?" I asked as I got nearer.

"The Kalos queen Serena is talking to Ms. Ryley." A man said. "Two contest champs from two different regions. And they are in our town."

I sighed picking up Ruby to keep her close.

"That is cool, now can I get through? I want to buy something for my team."

"You want to go in there?"

"Yes, now please move. I started to squeeze my way through as politely as I could. Some people got mad but Ruby growling with her tail fluffed up made them quiet down.

I opened the door and stepped inside the store.

"About time one of you walked in. It was starting to get awkward." Ms. Ryley said, looking at me. "Oh wait it's you, John, right? The boy with the gorgeous Kirlia?"

"Yes Ms. Ryley it's me. I walk over to the two adults Serena waving at me.

"Hello again. Ready to have your little sisters transformed?"

Ms. Ryley was puzzled. "What do you mean transformed dear Serena?"

"He was thinking of getting his team some accessories. Isn't he such a good man?"

Ms.Ryley nodded. "Why don't you let out your little darlings and we can get to work. Do you have anything in mind?"

I grabbed the pokeballs from my thigh. "Something small to go in her hair. I don't want it to affect her evolution when it happens. For any of them." I released Sapphire and Opal. The two stretched after having a nap in their balls.

They both waved to the two women. The women waved back. Serena smiled as she saw Opal get shy.

"Ok little one, let's go see what makes you pretty."

Ms. Ryley got out from behind the counter to assist. "You stay there. I haven't styled a pokemon since my flora." She picked up Sapphire who gave me a funny look. Seems she wasn't a fan of the burly build of Ms. Ryan.

Ruby just followed while I unpacked my watch to charge it while I waited. I could hear Ms. Ryan and Serena squeal with delight as they dress up the girls.

I know the people outside were watching so I kept a side eye on them. After a few minutes Ruby ran over with barrettes clipped into the tuft of fur on her head. They were bedazzled with red plastic stones.

She held her head up high, all proud. I laughed at her a little. "Seems you are all sparkly now." She came over wanting a head pat. Due to the numerous barrettes it would be hard. "Sorry I think I would hurt the both of us if I pet your head."

She pouted and ran back. Next to show up was Sapphire. At first I thought she didn't get anything done. I was about to voice my thoughts when I saw something on her Aura sensors. I kneel down to get a better look. Around her sensors were silver ribbons.

"Well isn't this pretty?" I say with a gentle smile. I reach out to hold one of the sensors. Like her ears the sensors had soft short fur covering them. The silk ribbons add to the softness. "These look great on you."

Sapphire gets a little shy but stands firm. Giving me a happy yap. [I like them!] she cried out. She was getting better with how to use her aura for speaking.

"I do too. Guess I will have to learn to put these on you from Ms. Ryley." I moved my hands from the tear drop shaped sensors to her ears. Tickling them to make her laugh. Her eyes scrunched up as she giggled.

"Well why don't you see your other two team members."

I looked up to see Serena, Ruby ran between her legs with her tail and head scruff covered in hair ties. I laugh as she tackles me down, rubbing her face into my chest.

"So instead of barrettes it's hair ties this time?" I tell her trying to get them out of her fur. She whined as I did, wanting her fur out in all angles I assume.

"She likes to go overboard." Serena commented, helping me out with the removal. Her hands were better trained than mine.

After a few minutes of careful extraction we got them all out. Ruby was sad again having been denied her attempt at fashion. I rubbed her head as I looked at one of the ties. It had two clear red beads. That's when it hit me.

"Serena, I have an idea." She sees the hair tie in my hand.

"I think I know where you're going."

I get up and follow her to the accessories section. I could see Opal being fussed over by Flora and Ms. Ryley. I waved to her, she waved back shyly. There were a few things around her.

Now in the hair ties I found what I was looking for. A sparkling red scrunchy. I pulled Ruby into my lap to place it on her tail. Giving it the look of the orb in her evolved form. Though with the twist of the red scrunchy being a close facsimile of her name.

"There we go. Subtle, just how I like it." I pulled her head to mine. Rubbing my face into the tuft of fur on the top of her head. She swished her tail as she let out a happy whine. She pushed her cheeks into my hand for scratches.

Sapphire jumped on my back. [Me too!]

I reached back with a laugh to pet her head. Giving special attention to her ears. She nuzzled the side of my face in return.

"They really do love you." Serena commented, a smile on her lips.

"Yeah, we are family. Why wouldn't we love each other?"

"You have a point." Serena looked up as something caught her eye. "Though I would save your compliments for your ace."

I raise an eyebrow at her before turning to look behind me. There I saw Opal with a slight blush on her face. She had a bracelet and a barrette in her hair. Holding her bangs back to show off her golden eyes better. The bracelet was a simple iridescent plastic bangle and the barrette matched it with a faux gemstone. Both accessories complemented her horns.

[H-how do I look?] She asked with a slight stutter.

"Even more stunning than the day you hatched." I replied, making her blush even more.

"Careful with your words there. People might take it the wrong way." Ms. Ryley said.

"Am I wrong?"

Neither woman had a response. They agreed with what I had said. She was beautiful. I reached out to her. She stepped forward and put my hand on her head. I rubbed her head gently as she giggled.

Ms. Ryley clapped her hands. "Well, it seems our job here is done. Why don't you come watch our exhibition match at the petalburg contest hall?"

I looked surprised. Opal froze in shock. "Is that ok?"

"Why not. It isn't like you are going to do anything. You might even learn something. Most trainers are straight forward with their battles." Serena explained. "My good friend is a prime example of it. Contests make you think outside of the norm."

I was confused by what she was saying. How can it

Be so different.

"Just come watch. We are two top class contestants. It is more than glam and dress up."

"Mhmm, it's about showing off what your pokemon can do." Ms. Ryley added.

I looked at Opal to be met with sparkling eyes. Her hands clasped together. She really wanted to see the contest. I sigh. "I guess we will be there."

Opal danced around, grabbing Sapphire's paws to pull her in. The two, spinning around each other. Ruby sat on my head humming. I paid for the accessories and grabbed my watch and charger. I thanked the two women after getting the date of the contest.

Since it was in two days I took us to the hotel associated with the pokemon center and the league. I wanted to see what my suspension would block me from outside of battles.

"Says here your license is suspended." The clerk said after scanning my license.

"Yeah if-"

"Boy why do you have your pokemon?" He cut me off.

I was taken aback. "Because they were not taken from me. The rangers gave me a suspension and a warning." I answered confused at where this was going.

"Why were you suspended?" The man asked.

"Because I put myself in danger to complete a guild request."

He looked at the cast on my arm and then to Ruby on my head. "Ok then. You can stay here but there will be a fee due to your suspension. Adhere to the conditions and there will be no problems."

I thanked the man and handed him the money for my stay in advance. In the room I pulled out one of the smaller tent poles to scratch my arm under the soft cast. There was a deck of cards in the room so we played go fish until it was time to turn in.

The next two days we explored the town. Opal and Ruby loved the signature flower fields. Sapphire found out she had allergies so I had to make a small run to the pokemon center for some pills. She was not happy with the added medication.

She did perk up when I told her there were no major side effects and she only needed it when she was having allergy symptoms.

In the blink of an eye the two days flew by. We got our tickets and watched the contest. Serena used her Delphox to mesmerize the crowd with multicolored flames. All controlled with psychic powers and some freezing the area where they touched, stunning the judges.

Opal watched with rapt attention. Cheering for her idol.

Ryley had Flora show off dance skills. Classical music filled the air as the large frame of a Machamp showed off a grace I didn't think they could. Her lower hands brushing the ground summoning stones that formed into a pillar as she dances around it. Then as the music crescendoed she began to use the force of her fingers to subtly crave away at the pillar. The stone formed the shape of a dancing couple. There were no fine details but enough of the shape was there and it had a refined feeling.

It was stunning, as was the battle later. Both pokemon used stylized attacks against each other to great effect. It was here that I could see what they were talking about in the store.

I started to think about what moves were known by the girls and a smile began to cross my lips. The girls cheered on the two contestants. The battle ended in a tie, leaving the final decision from the judges in the air. The judges were from out of both the contestants' regions to be as unbiased as possible. In the end Ms. Ryley won, to Opal's dismay.

I waited in line to congratulate the two women and get a picture. All the girls were wearing the accessories they got. After that we ate dinner and went to the hotel. Four more days until the suspension was over.

Over that time we relaxed and I explained what I learned from the contest to the girls. They were excited to get back to training. I spent my time with the pokedex app and a notebook. Learning as much as I can.