Hi Everyone, really sorry about the long waiting for this chapter. I have a few reasons for it though so don't hate me too much.
Reason one, I applied for a permanent job where I've been working as a temp for over two and a half years to do the same thing I'm doing now, I had three managers help me with the form and still didn't get the job even though everyone who looked at the form said I should've gotten through. That knocked me out of the writing mood.
Reason two, Work has been really busy lately and the girl I share my job with has been off due to family stuff, so I've been the focus point of work coming on to my team from about 30-40 people. Not fun at all, especially when the job is really fiddly. That took a lot of energy out of me so I've been going home and just reading instead of writing.
Reason three, There's been a few family things happening, won't go into it but that's distracted me too.
Reason four, This is the last one and probably counts as the main problem over everything else. I had to rewrite the battle in this chapter a few times because I kept forgetting they were Contest Battles and not normal ones. I had to tweak and redo them to make them more Contesty.
One last thing to say and that's it I swear. I got into contact with a few of the people who have been with my story for a while and asked them for a little help. I asked them to send me an OC for this Contest because I wanted to see what I could do with characters I haven't made up myself like a lot of the characters I've had in this story.
So thanks to Cookies United, Rose Duchess, RyoshiMorino, and Aquadrop (From the Advancers Proboards, please check the site out it's great).
Okay that's all I have to say now on with the story.
Current Teams
Ash – Pikachu, Lucario, Jolteon, Sandshrew, Trapinch, Skorupi, Bagon, Meowth
May – Blaziken, Glaceon, Litwick, Venusaur, Deerling, Sunflora, Lilligant, Altaria
Chapter 32
In Full Bloom
Just after Julia had announced the start of the Contest a stagehand passed her a note, she read the note and smiled before lifting her microphone to her lips
"It seems that we have an extra prize on offer for the winner, an all-expense paid VIP night out at Celadon City's most exclusive restaurant and club Sirens. This prize has been donated by Pamela, who happens to be one of the owners." The audience applauded the grass type elite's generosity. "Now let's have our first Co-Ordinator on stage."
Ash and Leaf sat waiting for May's Appeal to come up, so far they'd watched nine Co-Ordinators perform with Pokémon ranging from a small Hoppip to a large Tropius. Some of the Appeals had gone over well with the Judges while others hadn't, one in particular had gone spectacularly wrong, the Trainer had attempted to stand in the middle of a Razor Leaf and Petal Dance combo but his positioning was off and ended up looking like he'd been pulled through a hedge. There had been four Appeals that had gotten the best comments from the Judges so far, the Co-Ordinators were named Donovan, Raj, Rebecca, Xantel and Harmonia.
Donovan had made a winter wonderland with his Abomasnow, the Frost Tree Pokémon had created a tree trunk and branches with Ice Beam and launched a Razor Leaf to make it more tree-like. A combination of Powder Snow and Mist helped create the wintery atmosphere, the finishing touch was the use of Hidden Power to act as Christmas lights. The glow from Hidden Power refracted in the ice making the tree light up with a multitude of different colours.
Raj and his Cacturne had come on to the stage and used Energy Ball, sending the orb of green energy into the air, following it with a Solar Beam making the Energy Ball bigger and brighter ball of energy. As the ball started to fall back to the stage Cacturne sent a Dark Pulse into it before leaping into the air and punching the orb with Drain Punch absorbing it into his body. When he landed the Scarecrow Pokémon started to glow with this absorbed energy, the dark green parts of his body grew darker as the lighter green parts became brighter until he was almost in black and white.
Rebecca performed with Rosie, her Roserade. Rosie started off by using Sunny Day as she danced around the stage, then while still elegantly spiralling around the stage raised both of her arms above her head forming an orange ball of energy with fire streaming around it. The Weather Ball was thrown into the air and Rosie pirouetted her way to the centre of the stage and launched Giga Drain into the Weather Ball from her red rose-like hand. The flaming Weather Ball was absorbed and Rosie's red rose was now surrounded with fire. Rebecca quickly called for Growth causing Rosie to become outlined in green and the fire to grow stronger, finally Rosie ended the Appeal by jumping up and firing a Leaf Storm at the ground to propel her into the air. The Leaf Storm wasn't the usual blizzard of glowing emerald green leaves, this one was a brilliant red with each leaf ringed in a small halo of fire. Rosie controlled the power of the flaming Leaf Storm to gently lower herself to the ground as the light from Sunny Day faded, as a last move and to show that she wasn't hurt Rosie blew out the remaining embers on her red rose while looking at the Judges.
Xantel walked on to the stage and sent out his Venusaur. Venusaur started by sending a barrage of Energy Ball in a number of different sizes and strengths into the air, following them quickly with a medium strength Leaf Storm. Xantel then called for Vine Whip, numerous dark green vines grew from under Venusaur's flower and shot into the air. The vines moved with great speed and dexterity keeping all of the Energy Balls and leaves from Leaf Storm from reaching the ground. Next came Sunny Day to light up the juggled Energy Balls to project green light around the hall, Venusaur skilfully sent the leaves from Leaf Storm into the Energy Balls with light taps of Vine Whip. As Xantel's appeal time came towards it's end Venusaur retracted his vines and used one last attack, a rapid fire Solar Beam which shattered each of the Energy Balls individually letting the glittering dust that remained flutter to the ground.
Harmonia's Appeal started with the lights going out and her Gloom creating a Grassy Terrain by sending out a ring of bright green energy causing grass to sprout from the stage. Next Gloom used Ingrain to root herself to the spot and started to sing Luck Chant and launching a ball of white energy which hung in the air looking like the moon. The roots that kept Gloom in the centre of the stage intermingled with Grassy Terrain creating a chain reaction that made all of the grass seem to blow in an invisible breeze. Under the Moonlight and singing Lucky Chant while swaying from side to side Gloom had created a beautifully haunting landscape where the pale Moonlight glistened off the Grassy Terrain and Lucky Chant filled the air. Gloom then while still swaying used a low power Petal Dance letting the pink petals float gently through the air, after a minute Gloom ended the Appeal by sending a single glowing Seed Bomb into the Moonlight causing it to explode and plunge the hall into darkness until the main lights were turned back on.
"Now it's time for our tenth contestant," Julia announced, "She's been on the Contest Circuit for a few years and there is one title we all know her by so please welcome on to the stage, the Princess of Hoenn, May Maple!" There was a loud cheer from the crowd with Pikachu and Glaceon joining in with Ash and Leaf. A look of recognition passed over Pamela's face when she heard May's name and he whispered something to Erika who nodded in response. May walked onto the stage and shyly waved to the crowds, even though she'd performed to a number of audiences before whenever she first got on stage there was always a slight case of nerves but with each step she took her confidence grew. She was wearing a pale green dress which tied around her neck, showing off her upper back and shoulders, her hair wasn't in its usual style but tied up in a bun and she only wore little make up but it accented her natural beauty.
"Deerling, Take the Stage." May called as she threw her Pokéball into the air. The Season Pokémon appeared in a flurry of petals thanks to the ball capsule May had used and landed with a skip, her green coat glossy and bright in the bright lights of the stage. "Aromatherapy." The flower on the top of Deerling's head glowed bright gold and it released a cloud of sparkling green-yellow powder into the air. The powder started to drift to the ground and May gave her next command. "Energy Ball!" Deerling formed a ball of shining green energy in front of her open mouth and tilted her head back to fire it towards the ceiling. The Energy Ball speed through the cloud of powder, taking some with it before it reached the ceiling and started to fall back to the stage. This was a crucial part of the Appeal now, May had to wait for just the right time to act and Deerling was ready to act the second May spoke. May's eyes watched the Energy Ball dropping until it was at the height she was waiting for.
"Double Edge and Jump Kick!" Deerling tensed her short legs as golden energy enveloped her and she sprang up into the air, spinning in mid-air Deerling kicked out at the Energy Ball with her back legs, the Energy Ball shattered sending out a wave of green light which mingled with the powder from Aromatherapy. Deerling landed on the stage and kept the energy from Double Edge surrounding her just in time to be framed by the sparkling powder and remaining light from Energy Ball. Deerling held her head up proudly as the powder and light combined with the energy from Double Edge made her stand out in all her glory and the crowds cheered, she stood there with a smile on her face enjoying the feel of the approval coming from the audience.
"As expected the Princess of Hoenn gives us a spectacular display of how to accent a Pokémon's inner beauty and strength. Now it's time to hear from our Judges." Julia said as May walked over to Deerling and knelt down to give her Pokémon a scratch behind the ear, Deerling leant into May's hand causing a pleased rumble to resonate in her throat.
"The way all of those moved combined showed off the lustre of Deerling's coat and natural cuteness." Mr Contesta said.
"It's rare to see a Deerling here in Kanto and this one is a prime example of what they are capable of." Erika said with a smile.
"I always knew that grass type Pokémon could use some beautiful attacks but Deerling and May have shown me just how beautiful those attacks could be." Pamela added. The crowd applauded again before May and Deerling bowed to the audience and started to walk off the stage together after May blew a kiss towards Ash.
"Looks like the Princess has a Prince, I wonder if it's Rota's newest Aura Guardian?" Julia said looking into the stands as the audience muttered and searched for someone they thought could be from Rota. May stumbled a little at Julia's question and stared at Ash.
"Didn't May say that the two of you went to Rota together?" Leaf asked. Ash inwardly flinched at the question and tried to keep his voice steady.
"Yeah, we did."
"Do you see the Guardian around here?" Before Ash had a chance to say anything Julia started speaking again.
"Sir Ash Ketchum, are you here?" Leaf's mouth dropped open as she stared at Ash.
"I'll explain later." Ash whispered as he put a hand over Leaf's mouth before she could do anything, he'd known her long enough to know that the first thing she'd do would be shout at the top of her lungs. Looking back at the stage Ash saw May's eyes widen as she realised what she'd done. "Lucario, tell May it's alright and we can talk after the Contest." The Aura Pokémon nodded and the appendages that hung from the back of his head rose a little as he passed the message on. Ash saw May nod subtly and continued to walk off the stage.
There were another four appeals before it was Drew's turn, he seemed to have recovered from his earlier shock as he swaggered out on to the stage. As he passed the Judges panel, Drew winked at Pamela with a smug grin.
"Dream on, little boy." Pamela muttered under her breath but her microphone picked it up so everyone heard it causing an uproar of laughter and Drew to stumble. The green haired Co-Ordinator composed himself, and with a red face stood in the centre of the stage. He launched his Pokéball into the air, signalling the start of his Appeal.
"Let's go, Leafeon!" He shouted as the Verdant Pokémon sat on the stage and flicked the long green leaf like tuft on his head with a paw.
That's definitely Drew's Pokémon. Ash thought as he felt Glaceon bristle and shuffle closer to Pikachu.
"Magical Leaf!" Drew commanded, Leafeon stood and pulled his head back before bringing it forward, sending a flurry of glowing leaves into the air in a circle above the stage. "Now Hidden Power." A circle of pale yellow orbs formed and hovered around Leafeon before the grass type flicked his tail sending them up to meet the circling Magical Leaf. When Hidden Power made contact with the glowing leaves it changed them so that now they looked like they were made of gossamer. "Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade combo." The leaf-like tuft on Leafon's head shone brightly with green light and extended a little, Leafeon whipped his head around and fired a circle of Leaf Blade powered Razor Leaf towards the still circling Hidden Power – Magical Leaf combo. The two attacks exploded into a shower of sparkling energy fragments, falling slowly to the stage. "Finish with Synthesis!" Leafeon let out a small bark as a pale light covered his body and mixed with the glittering shower the drifted to the ground.
"Let's hear what our judges have to say." Julia said walking onto the stage as Drew stood alongside Leafeon.
"I have to say that Leafeon is acting differently to what would've been expected for this type of Pokémon, though they do say Pokémon take after their trainers. All round a very nice Appeal." Mr Contesta said, Drew's nose wrinkled slightly having expected a better comment.
"The combination of moves was well thought out and Magical Leaf changing in to gossamer leaves, I assume was a fairy typed Hidden Power." Drew nodded, "Was indeed a surprise. I did however find the end very similar to May's earlier appeal." Erika commented, Drew's eye twitched at the last sentence but he kept himself composed.
"I have to agree with Erika, this Appeal was similar to May's. I did notice however that you used a technique that I employ for my battles, Razor Leaf and Leaf Blade fused into one attack though it still needs some work there should've been a lot more power behind it. All together it was a good Appeal." Pamela said, ending the Judge's comments. Drew's hands had curled into fists as he heard the comments and were shaking slightly as he fought to maintain his composure, quickly nodding he spun on his heels and walked off the stage with Leafeon following behind him. The final Co-Ordinator walked on to the stage and once his Appeal was finished Julia announced that there was going to be a 30 minute break while the Judges chose who would be moving on to the next round.
Glaceon jumped off of Ash's lap and ran through the stands to go visit May during the break, Pikachu looked at Ash turned to follow Glaceon with his eyes then back to Ash.
"Go on buddy, tell May her Appeal was great and I'll see her later." Ash said, giving Pikachu a quick scratch behind the ear before the electric type ran after the Fresh Snow Pokémon.
"So," Leaf started, shifting in her seat to face Ash. "Sir Ash Ketchum?"
"Yeah, I'll explain it all later." Ash said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"No, you're going to explain it now." Leaf said, folding her arms and glaring at him. "It wasn't Lucario that made the shield was it?"
"No that was me, it was just a reflex. I'll tell you but I can't explain everything." Ash held up a hand when Leaf opened her mouth to speak. "There's somethings I can't tell anyone. The short version is I've spent the last three years training and during that time I trained to be an Aura Guardian when May and I went to Rota for the Contest I went through my graduation and became a fully recognised Aura Guardian. I'll explain more after the Contest."
"Okay." Leaf said after a minute of silence. "But I want to know everything you can tell me." Ash nodded wearily knowing he was in going to be interrogated later on. "Who do you think's going to get through to the next round?" Leaf asked changing the subject.
"May will I know that for sure, the guy who used Abomasnow has a chance and the girl with the Roserade was good too." Ash answered.
"I think the other guy who had the Cacturne could go through too." Leaf paused when she noticed a shiver run through Ash's body. "Problem?"
"Just mentioning a guy with a Cacturne, gives me some bad memories." Leaf raised an eyebrow in question. "One of May's rivals has a Cacturne, Harley isn't the nicest person. He's always using dirty tricks to try and win, first time he and May met he embarrassed her in front of everyone."
"What did he do?"
"May has a phobia of Tentacool and Max, May's little brother, had told us the story. Harley was hidden nearby and recorded it then he played it during his Appeal."
"Why'd he do that?" Leaf said, even though she'd never met Harley she was starting to hate him for tormenting her new friend.
"Don't really know." Ash shrugged, "I think May must've done something to bruise his ego when they met but Harley has only beaten May in a battle once."
"That probably doesn't help his ego problem."
"You're right about that." Ash laughed. He and Leaf settled into an easy conversation about her Pokémon and sharing some tips they had about training grass types.
Meanwhile in the Co-Ordinators room.
May was sitting watching the highlights from the Appeals round to see if there were any ideas she could use for her Pokémon, Glaceon and Pikachu were sat happily in her lap as she stroked their fur. May jumped slightly when she felt a hand on her shoulder, turning round she saw a tall man smiling at her.
"Sorry if I startled you, Miss Maple." He said. The man was about 6'1'' in height with light tan skin, he had long black hair with was pulled back into a ponytail and was of average build. He as muscular as Ash was but not scrawny either. His clothes for the Contest was a full three piece suit in a deep emerald green complete with a bowtie in the same colour and a light green shirt. While he was backstage his jacket was open and a gold pocket watch chain could be seen reaching across his waistcoat. "I just wanted to say that was a beautiful performance you put on."
"Thank you Mister…" May said with a smile.
"Raj G but please call me Raj." The man replied. "May I sit with you Miss Maple?" He asked gesturing to the bench May was sat on.
"Sure and call me May." Pikachu and Glaceon looked at each other and nodded before turning to watch Raj.
"Thank you," Raj said as he sat down, "I must say May, you are much more beautiful in person then you are on screen." May felt Pikachu and Glaceon bristle in her lap and scratched each of them behind the ears to try and calm them.
"Thank you for saying that but I have a boyfriend."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Raj said moving a little further down the bench, there were a few seconds of silence before he spoke again. "Forgive me but may I ask you a personal question?" May nodded slowly keeping a wary eye on him. "Does he treat you well?" May's face flooded red with anger but before she could say anything a female voice came from behind them.
"What sort of question is that to ask someone you just met?"
Turning round to look at the speaker May saw a face she recognised though she didn't know the woman personally. The woman had beautiful chocolate brown eyes, long brown-auburn hair that had grown to waist length in loose curls, tan skin, minimal makeup just a touch of mascara and pink lipstick to make her lips stand out. Even though the woman was sitting down she looked to be a similar height to May, around 5'11. She was wearing a black dress that looked like a trench coat and matching fedora, black stocking and boots. May had seen her compete in a few contests over the last few years and like May this woman had earned herself a nickname 'The Contest Queen' but her actual name was Rebecca Hendrickson.
"I meant no disrespect I…" Raj started but stopped as Rebecca stood up and stepped towards him. Raj got off the bench and took a step back. "I apologise, I just think that every woman should have someone who will cherish them. Again, I apologise for any offence taken." Raj gave both May and Rebecca a small bow before turning and walking away. From the corner of her eye May saw another Co-Ordinator had been watching them and a small smirk crossed his lips as he leant against the wall. He was wearing a black duster over a black shirt and red tie, black jeans and combat boots, May couldn't tell much about him other than he had black hair and a scar running across the bridge of his nose. She did know he'd used an Abomasnow for his Appeal and remembered that his name was Donovan. Knowing she would probably see more of him during the battle rounds due to the response he received for his Appeal, May turned to look at Rebecca.
"Are you okay?" Rebecca asked, putting a hand on May's arm as she took a seat on the bench.
"Yeah, I'm alright. I was just shocked by his question." May replied.
"I'm not surprised, my name's…" Rebecca started holding out a hand.
"Rebecca Hendrickson, the Contest Queen." May interrupted, shaking Rebecca's hand. "I know who you are, I've seen you compete in a few Grand Festivals. I'm…"
"May Maple, the Princess of Hoenn. I know who you are too. I suppose we're related in some way, me being the Queen and you the Princess." Rebecca replied with a grin.
"You could be right." May giggled. "Thank you for helping me then. I don't know what I would've done." May looked down at Pikachu and Glaceon, they were still glaring after Raj. Letting out a small sigh, May started to stroke the pair of them to calm them.
"Mind if I help?" Rebecca asked, gesturing to the two Pokémon. May shook her head and watched as Rebecca gently picked Pikachu up, placing him in her lap and softly caressed his fur. The two Co-Ordinators sat in silence for a minute as they focussed on the Pokémon in front of them. "Your Pikachu is in amazing shape, I can feel the strength just flowing out of him. I hope I never have to battle him."
"Oh, Pikachu isn't one of my Pokémon. He's my boyfriend's."
"PIKA!" The electric type said indignantly.
"Sorry Pikachu, they're partners." May corrected herself.
"For being someone else's Pokémon you can really understand him." It was only then that May, Pikachu and Glaceon realised that May had actually understood what Pikachu had said. Rebecca looked at May quizzically due to the look of shock on the Hoenn brunette's face. "What is it?"
"I didn't even realised I'd understood him until you mentioned it. I can understand Glaceon and my other Pokémon but Ash normally translates what his Pokémon have said." Rebecca nodded in understanding.
"So Julia was right then, you've bagged yourself an Aura Guardian of Rota as a boyfriend." The Contest Queen smirked as May nodded shyly.
"We only got together officially a few days ago."
"Officially?"
"Well I'd been having trouble with a rival and I might've told him that Ash was my boyfriend. I went to visit Ash and ask him to play along just in case he was asked about it but he'd just started travelling again to challenge the gyms. He asked if I wanted to travel with him again, I said yes and here we are now." May said quietly giving Rebecca a brief explanation so no-one would overhear her.
"You've travelled together before?" Rebecca asked as Pikachu turned around in her lap to face Glaceon and May before stretching out with a pleased squeak.
"When I got my first Pokémon, Ash had just arrived in Hoenn and we travelled together with his friend and my little brother. After that we went through Kanto while Ash took on the Battle Frontier."
"He's THAT Ash Ketchum?"
"You've heard of him?"
"The news that someone had beaten the Battle Frontier was heard around the world when it happened, I don't think anyone else has done it since then." Rebecca looked down at Pikachu, "That means that this is the Pikachu that…"
"Beat Brandon's Regice." May and Rebecca turned in the direction of a male voice and May smiled. "That's him alright."
"Ash!" May shouted as she got up and ran over to him, kissing him lightly. "What are you doing here?"
"There's something we forgot to do." He answered.
"What's that?"
"You forgot to tell us something important!" Three new voices said in unison, May looked at Ash's X-Transceiver and saw her parent and Delia looking back at her.
"I didn't know that the X-Transceiver could do conference calls." May said offhandedly before realising what their parents were talking about. "Oh…"
"We were watching the Contest after you let us know you were in Celadon City and saw that kiss you blew." Caroline said.
"And what was that she said about you being an Aura Guardian Ash?" Delia added.
"They called during the break and I panicked." Ash told May blushing slightly. Pikachu jumped off Rebecca's lap and ran up Ash's body to sit on his shoulder, waving at Delia, Caroline and a very silent Norman. "Your dad hasn't said a word, I'm a bit scared." Ash whispered to May.
"Ash." Norman said, startling both Ash and May. "You said that your intentions towards my daughter were to help in any way you could and keep her safe. You promised that you wouldn't let anything happen to her, no matter what you have to do and no matter the cost. You gave me your word." Norman paused to let the words settle in. "Do you still feel the same way?"
"No," Ash said, "I feel even strongly about it now." There was silence from everyone, including the other Co-Ordinators. Rebecca, even though she wanted to hear what was happening, turned around and started to shoo the other Co-Ordinators to the other side of the room to give Ash and May at least a little privacy.
"That's all I need to hear." A smile broke out on Norman's face, "I know you're a man of your word and I trust you to keep May safe but know that if anything happens to May or you hurt her in anyway intentionally or otherwise there is nowhere you will be able to hide from me. Understood?" Norman's face went back to a hardened stare.
"Yes sir."
"This is kind of my fault guys." Adam said appearing behind Delia's shoulder. "When I saw May blowing the kiss I said, 'Think Ash knows what that means now.' Your mom used some sort of voodoo on me and I told her everything. I tried to hide stuff but she kept tricking me into telling the truth."
"It's alright Adam." May said, "We were going to tell them earlier but with Gardevoir being ill and getting ready for the Contest it slipped our minds."
"Well, I suppose that's understandable." Delia and Caroline said in unison before giggling at their synchronicity.
"How's Gardevoir doing?" Ash asked.
"She's fine Ash. Just a little sleepy due to the treatment, it's completely normal don't worry about it." Brock said. Delia moved away from the Vid-Phone camera so Ash and May could see Brock but the former Gym Leader wasn't alone. Lucy, Cynthia, Professor Oak, Tracey and Gardevoir were also in the room with Delia and Adam.
"Gardevoir wanted to watch the Contest to support May and your mom decided to make a party of it." Adam explained, in the background Ash saw Gardevoir's eyes brighten with blue energy. "Gardevoir says hi and to tell May that her Appeal was beautiful.
"Thanks Gardevoir, glad to hear you're feeling better." May said.
"Can we get back to the reason we called you please." Delia said calmly, "Ash, May I've very happy to hear that you've finally gotten together and I wish you all the best."
"Norman and I feel the same but there is one thing we need both of you to know." Caroline added, her eyes flicking to look at Delia on her Vid-Phone screen and they both smirked before continuing in unison
"We don't want any grandchildren just yet." May's eyes widened as she went red out of embarrassment, it took Ash a couple of seconds to realise what they meant before he turned red too. Norman nearly fell out of his chair laughing at the look on the couple's faces as did Brock and Adam while Lucy and Cynthia giggled, Professor Oak and Tracey just smiled broadly.
"Aww how cute." Delia giggled putting a hand over her mouth, "They even turn the same shade of red."
"It's so precious." Caroline added, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
Ash pressed the button to end the call, cutting off the laughter and the grinning faces.
"I'll see you after the Contest." Ash said quickly as he turned and left the room. An announcement came over the speaker seconds later saying the battle round was going to begin in a few minutes so Glaceon ran up to May and rubbed against her leg, getting a final ear scratch before she ran out of the room to follow Ash back to their seats.
"Come and take a seat, I think you'll need it after that conversation." Rebecca said, guiding May back to the bench they had been seated on a few minutes earlier.
"Yeah, I think I do." May replied as she sat back down. She was quiet while her mind processed what had just happened.
"At least your parents are happy for you and I saw the way Ash looked at you. He really cares for you."
Rebecca and May talked quietly about other things, past battles, grooming tips and famous Co-Ordinators amongst other things to pass the time until the next round started. Rebecca told May how she grew up in Nacrene City surrounded by the artistic culture, how she fell in love with Pokémon Contests after seeing them on the TV and starting off her Pokémon journey in Sinnoh so that she could compete in them as Unova didn't have a Contest Circuit at that time. She occasionally would forgo a Contest Season to compete in the Pokémon League so that her Pokémon were balanced as both performers and battlers. In turn May told Rebecca about how she started out, how she met Ash and started travelling with him again a few months ago.
Harmonia walked over and introduced herself to Rebecca and May quickly becoming friends with them but seemed to be a little lethargic at first but after eating a Chesto Berry she soon perked up and became more outgoing. Harmonia told them her lethargy was due to growing up having parents who worked at odd hours researching Berries and their effects on different Pokémon, how they grew in different environments and how the different environments affected their properties among other things. She also told them to call her Nia as it took too long to say her full name, she was lean with pale skin that contrasted with her long black hair. Her lips were pink and she had onyx eyes that seemed to hide a mischievous nature, a small beauty mark sat at the corner of her left eye. Nia's Contest outfit consisted of a dark purple satin brocade dress with an open back, black pumps and dark pearl earrings, her hair was curled and in a rocker side sweep style.
While everything had been happening no-one had noticed the lone green haired Co-Ordinator sitting in the furthest corner from May, seething in barely contained fury at the display that had just occurred. Drew's mind was raging as Ash and May's relationship was confirmed before his very eyes. He settled himself into the corner and started to think of a plan to get May for himself.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to the Celadon City Contest." Julia said, her voice echoing around the hall. "We're now going to reveal the first Co-Ordinators to compete in the battle round." She gestured to the screen that was fixed to the wall above the Judges as pictures of all the Co-Ordinators appeared and spun around, shuffling across the screen leaving 8 pictures visible. May, Rebecca, Raj, Donovan and Drew had passed the Appeals round along with 3 others. "We'll now reveal which Co-Ordinators will be battling first." The pictures turned and shuffled again until two were left, the first to be revealed showed the guy May had seen leaning against the wall of the Co-Ordinator's room, Donovan. The second spun to show a girl with long black hair, fair skin and brown eyes, Julia looked up at the screen and started to speak again. "Can Donovan Strouse and Harmonia Rosethorn please make their way to the stage for their battle. To the Co-Ordinators that didn't make it through to the next round thank you for participating and we how to see you again."
There was a couple of minutes wait while Donovan and Harmonia prepared themselves for the battle and arrived on the stage. They met in the middle of the stage and shook hands, Donovan still in his dark clothing and Harmonia wearing her Dark purple dress, black pumps and earrings, before retreating to the trainer's boxes and readying their Pokéballs.
"The time is set and our Co-Ordinators are ready, the battle starts as soon as both Pokémon are on the field." Julia said before quickly retreating to the judges desks. Donovan and Harmonia both released their Pokémon at the same time.
"Curtain's rising, Shiftry." Donovan said as he called out his Pokémon.
"Let's make this thrilling!" Harmonia shouted as her Carnivine came out and floated in front of her. "Carnivine, spin and use Bullet Seed."
Carnivine opened her mouth wide and spat out a volley of glowing seeds towards Shiftry as she spun around. Donovan didn't have to say anything as Shiftry nimbly dodged to the side of the attack, deducting some points from Nia's score.
"Leaf Blade." Donovan said. Shiftry's leafy hands glowed a vibrant green as he dashed forward and slices at Carnivine but missed as Carnivine bent backwards under the blow. Not to be deterred Shiftry struck again and again but Carnivine evaded every strike due to her unique body shape. She opened her mouth wide to avoid an attack to the face, swayed like a reed in the breeze and bent at what would be impossible angles for other Pokémon to miss the Wicked Pokémon's assault even going so far as too lie on the floor propping her head up on one leaf-like arm. All of her dodges were slowly whittling down Donovan's points. "Shiftry, crank up the speed!" Donovan shouted, a barely perceptible nod came from the dark and grass type Pokémon as he increased his speed until a mesh of glowing green trails floated in the air between the two Pokémon as Shiftry's attacks moved too fast for follow.
"Be a leaf on the wind!" Nia said as soon as Donovan had shouted and even with the increase in speed none of Shiftry's attacks were landing on Carnivine. "Bug Bite." Carnivine's teeth glowed white as her head shot forward and latched onto Shiftry's arm. Shiftry was caught in Carnivine's grasp and feeling the effects of the doubly super effective attack.
"This girl's smart." Leaf said under her breath causing Ash to turn to look at her.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked.
"She's using Carnivine's body type to her advantage because Carnivine float in the air they tend to sway in the breeze a little. She's trained her Carnivine to dodge using the breeze that comes off her opponents attacks, that's why none of Shiftry's attacks are landing." She explained. "The more speed and power Shiftry puts into his attacks the stronger the breeze is that comes off them meaning Carnivine dodges that little bit earlier. Erika uses the same tactic when she battles with her Carnivine." Ash nodded in understanding and started to wonder if any of his Pokémon could use the technique.
"Break out of it, use Hurricane and Bullet Seed." Donovan shouted. Shiftry's leaf-like hands burst into radiant light blue energy as he swung them back and forth summoning gale force winds, due to Carnivine being so close Shiftry anchored himself to the ground with Grass Knot so he wasn't lifted off the ground. Time seemed to slow down as Carnivine fought to keep her grip on Shiftry but wasn't enough as she was blown away from her opponent and flew into the Hurricane. As soon as Carnivine had released him, Shiftry opened his mouth and launched a volley of Bullet Seed into the winds which were soon spiralling around in the air and pummelling Carnivine. Nia's points were dropping until both hers and Donovan's were hovering around the halfway point.
"Oh this is a magnificent disaster." Nia said, looking worried until an idea came to her, "Carnivine, be a leaf on the wind!" She shouted over the roar of the wind, Carnivine must've heard her as she stopped flailing about and stretched herself out and started to ride the Hurricane. "Protect and Synthesis!" A pale green sphere formed around Carnivine as she started to glow with a white light causing Protect to look like a green sun floating in the winds. Due to Protect blocking the attack which held Carnivine in the air, the Bug Catcher Pokémon was slowly sinking back to the ground and as she came close to the ground Nia completed her plan. "Ingrain!" Carnivine dropped the shield of green energy and stabbed her vines into the ground, keeping her in place as well as helping to replenish her energy. The combination of Protect and Synthesis was enough of Nia to take the lead as Donovan's point dipped further.
"Feint Attack!" Shiftry stopped using Hurricane and Bullet Seed as he faded out of sight appearing behind Carnivine ready to strike but Nia was prepared.
"Sludge Bomb." Carnivine bent backward so she was looking at Shiftry upside down and spat a large glob of brown ooze at the Wicked Pokémon. Shiftry was too close to dodge out of the way in time and took the attack full in the face. Shiftry staggered back as purple energy crackled around his body like electricity, he'd been poisoned.
"Façade!" Gold energy shimmered across the grass and dark type as he slammed into Carnivine's body hard enough to tear her from the ground.
The buzzer went off ending the battle, everyone looked to the board to see what the results were. All eyes turned to the screen, Donovan's last attack had taken some of Nia's point out but was it enough to win the match.
"The winner of our first quarter-final match is…Harmonia Rosethorn and Carnivine. Please give both of our Co-Ordinators a round of applause for giving us wonderful battle." Julia said as everyone clapped. "Now we'll get a few quick words from our judges."
"I was very impressed with both Pokémon and their trainers." Mr Contesta said, "The Pokémon looked exceptional and demonstrated their attacks splendidly."
"Carnivine showed an amazing amount of flexibility that most people don't realise they are capable of and Shiftry's attack speed was equally impressive." Erika added.
"The combination of Hurricane and Bullet Seed was a brilliant idea the winds add more momentum to the attack therefore giving it more power and Carnivine riding the wind was a true sight to behold." Pamela finished.
"There we have it, we're going to have a brief break to repair the field before our next battle." Julia said. Harmonia and Donovan both left the stage and the repair team came on to fix the damage that had been done from the previous battle. Once everything was back to the way it was before Julia walked back onto the stage. "Now it's time for our second quarter final which is between…" Julia gestured to the screen as two new picture appeared. "May Maple and Rebecca Hendrickson, the Princess of Hoenn against the Contest Queen. Looks like we're in for a Battle Royale." (AN Sorry I had to put that in, couldn't stop myself)
May and Rebecca looked at each other before nodding and walking to the stage, a silent promise passing between them to go all out against their newest friend. Truth be told both May and Rebecca had been dreading a battle between them, they both knew what the other was capable of, Rebecca was a former Grand Festival winner and May was a consistent 2nd Place only missing out on the victory by a point or two. This was going to be a difficult battle for both of them, deep down they both knew that they would've battled each other in this Contest but they didn't expect it to be so soon.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our next Co-Ordinators. Rebecca Hendrickson, The Contest Queen, and May Maple, The Princess of Hoenn." Julia said, causing an eruption of applause from the spectators. As she walked onto the stage May saw Ash standing up and cheering loudly, making her blush and wave to him.
"Time to shine, Lily!" Rebecca called as she released her Leafeon.
"Take the stage, Venusaur!" May said, throwing her Pokéball into the air and Venusaur appeared on the field.
"Now let the battle beg.." Julia paused mid-word and put a hand on her earpiece. "It seems that we're having some difficulty with the selection system." Everyone looked up to the screen and saw the two pictures that had previously shown May and Rebecca's faces kept flickering between all of the competing Co-Ordinators. "There will be a short break and then we shall draw the participants of the second battle again. If May and Rebecca wish to change their Pokémon they can." The two Co-Ordinators recalled their Pokémon and left the stage while the problem was corrected.
Roughly ten minutes later Julia walked back onto the stage.
"The fault with the selection system has been corrected and we'll now reveal the Co-Ordinators for this battle." May's face appeared again followed by a Co-Ordinator by the name of Dan Ellis. Dan walked onto the field wearing a three piece grey suit, with short black hair and Caucasian skin tone. "Co-Ordinators the timer is set, please send out your Pokémon."
May once again released her Venusaur while Dan sent out a Simisage. Julia gave the word for the battle to start but it was quickly evident May was the better Co-Ordinator. All of Simisage's attacks were either turned back on him or overpowered by Venusaur's own. The battle ended after a couple of minutes with Dan's points exhausted by May's creativity and Venusaur's undeniable faith in her trainer's commands. After the Judges had passed their comments May and Dan left the stage and the third match up was revealed.
"Can Rebecca Hendrickson and Drew LaRousse please come to the stage." Julia said. A minute later both Co-Ordinators came onto the stage, greeted by the applause of the audience. Drew walked to his place on the stage, taking the greeting with his usual smugness and flick of his hair, a self-important smirk on his lips but the anger of knowing May was with Ash still burned in his eyes. Rebecca on the other hand gave the crowds her full attention, waving, smiling and blowing kisses to them all.
Like May, Rebecca had chosen not to change Pokémon and sent her Leafeon, Lily, out again. Drew opened his Pokéball to reveal his Roserade.
"We have five minutes on the clock, our Co-Ordinators are ready so let the battle begin." Julia said as she left the stage.
"Lily, Sunny Day." Rebecca said at the same time Drew called for Poison Sting. Lily's eyes blazed with an inner fire as she sent an orb of shining energy into the air, seconds afterwards she skipped to the side to dodge the incoming attack.
"Weather Ball and Solar Beam!" Drew shouted, a ball of fire shot towards Lily as less than a second later Roserade's Solar Beam connected with it. The orb of flames tripled in size and glowed white hot as it sped towards the Verdant Pokémon. The combination took a portion of Rebecca's points away so she was just above the three quarters mark.
"Dig." Rebecca countered, Lily dove head first at the ground and disappeared into the earth. The attack kept streaking across the stage towards Rebecca, she quickly spun out of the way and patted out a few embers that had gotten onto her dress. Lily's quick dodge underground took some of Drew's points away to between the full and three quarter mark.
"Don't worry gorgeous, I'll buy you a new one." Drew called across the field, Rebecca just glared at him in reply.
"Echo Echo." Rebecca shouted, there were a couple of seconds were nothing happened then the ground started to shake. The stage under Roserade cracked and before the Bouquet Pokémon could react a blast of sound in blue waves cannoned into the grass and poison type sending her flying into the air. "Now Hidden Power!" Lily leapt out of the fissure she's created by using Hyper Voice and Echoed Voice together. Spheres of pink energy orbited her as she landed on the stage, with a low growl she fired the orbs at the falling Roserade. This flurry of attacks further depleted Drew's points to halfway full.
"Solar Beam!" Drew yelled desperately. Roserade spun in the air as he moved to face to incoming attack, beams of pale energy shot out of his rose-like hands destroying the pink orbs that flew towards him. Lily kicked up a cloud of sand, temporarily blinding the falling Pokémon before sending another couple of volleys into the air. Unable to see Roserade was left defenceless as Hidden Power slammed into him, Roserade fell to the field with a dull thud before slowly getting to his feet.
"Iron Tail." Lily didn't let up on her assault, spinning and somersaulting around Roserade while hitting him with her metallic looking tail. Roserade was defending himself the best he could but hardly anytime was given for him to even try to counter-attack. Eventually Lily leapt back panting from the exertion of her assault, that was when Drew attacked.
"Toxic!" He shouted, Roserade pointed his rose-like hands at Lily and fired out two streams of purple liquid.
"X-Scissor." Rebecca countered. Lily ran forward as a light blue cross of energy formed in front of her, she charged into the purple liquid and with the help of X-Scissor cut straight through it. The Verdant Pokémon slammed into Roserade and added an Aerial Ace for good measure. Roserade was thrown back by the attack and just as he tried to get back up the timer sounded, Drew didn't have to look at the screen to know the result. It was only when the light from Sunny Day started to fade that Drew realised, Rebecca hadn't used it to make her attacks stronger or quicker like he had with Solar Beam. He thought for a minute and knew why she's used it as her first move, Leafeon's ability is Leaf Guard which in bright sunlight stops all status conditions from effecting Leafeon, that was why she charged Toxic instead of dodging around it.
"The winner of the third quarter final battle is Rebecca." Julia announced as she walked to the centre of the stage, beckoning Rebecca and Drew towards her. Lily walked slowly alongside her trainer while Drew returned Roserade to his Pokéball, Drew and Rebecca shook hands and he offered her a rose which she declined gracefully saying she was allergic. Rebecca wasn't allergic she just didn't want to take the flower from him, after hearing the Judges comments, most of which were directed towards Rebecca's performance, the two Co-Ordinators left the stage and once it had been repaired the final pair of Co-Ordinators were called to the stage. "Can Raj G and Xantal Orpheus please come to the stage."
Raj and Xantal walked onto the stage and they couldn't have looked more different Raj walked out wearing his green tux and his hair tied back in a neat ponytail Xantal strolled onto the stage grinning, his medium length brown hair styled in a fohawk cut with dyed blue tips. He wore dark jeans and brown combat boots, a Union Jack t-shirt and a plain grey button up shirt open on top of it, as he made his way to the centre of the stage he was rolling a shrunken Pokéball over the knuckles of one hand, the other hand stuffed in his pocket. Raj and Xantal shook hands and went to the trainers boxes, readying themselves for the battle, Raj drew a Pokéball from the inside pocket of his jacket while Xantal flicked his hand up and caught the Pokéball as it fell back to his hand. At Julia's instruction the timer started when both Co-Ordinators had released their Pokémon, Raj has sent out the fully evolved Kalos grass type started Chesnaught while Xantal had chosen to use his Abomasnow. As soon as The Frost Tree Pokémon appeared a small blizzard blew into existence coating the stage in a pure white blanket of snow.
"Sunny Day." Raj commanded, in an attempt to stop Chesnaught from taking additional damage and weaken Abomasnow's attacks but shortly after Chesnaught has thrown the attack into the air the blizzard blew it out of existence.
"Abomasnow, Icy Wind and Razor Leaf." Xantal called out, with a deep breath and a swipe of her arm a flurry of ice covered leaves shot across the field.
"Spiky Shield." Chesnaught slammed his fists together and a circle of light green energy appeared in front of him with thorn-like spikes protruding from the front. Abomasnow's attack shattered against the shield leaving behind a shimmering haze blowing in the winds. "Now Drain Punch." The Spiny Armour Pokémon ran forward as green energy swirled around his fists, the large Pokémon soon closed the distance and threw out his punches.
"Dodge." Xantal said calmly as Chesnaught started to approach causing Raj to raise an eyebrow in confusion. Abomasnow punched both of her hands towards the ground and fired an Ice Beam from them, the blue light from the attacks was so bright it was hard to look at them. The brightness of the attack also signified how much power was being put into it, The Frost Tree Pokémon started to slowly rise from the ground and quickly gathered speed just before Chesnaught's first punch landed Abomasnow was pushed into the air. The dual Ice Beams had created a pair of pillars which pushed Abomasnow up out of the grass and fighting types reach. Showing immense strength Abomasnow held herself up with one arm as she used the other to make a platform between the two pillars, once the platform was finished she lowered herself onto it. A smile was visible in her eyes as she looked down at Chesnaught.
"Bring it down." Raj said, "Hammer Arm and Body Slam." Chesnaught took a few steps back as his forearm started to glow with golden energy, he took a quick step forward and swung around with Hammer Arm, using Body Slam to get his full body weight behind it. The pillars that Abomasnow made shook from the impact but when everyone looks at the pillar there was only a small crack in it. Surprised at how little damaged he'd done Chesnaught repeated his attack again and again each time chipping away a few slivers of ice.
"That ice is too compacted to be broken that easily." Xantal said in a relaxed tone. "Abomasnow's spent too much time working on this to let it fall that quickly. Avalanche and Rock Slide!" Abomasnow roared as she was surrounded briefly with white energy, multiple white rings appeared in the air dropping rocks down on Chesnaught and slightly higher a wide ring of pale blue appeared releasing a massive stream of snow. As the two attacks fell Rock Slide was coated in snow and above the noise of the attacks Xantal could be heard whistling what sounded like Winter Wonderland.
"Gyro Ball!" Raj shouted knowing that even Spiky Shield would have trouble blocking the incoming attack. Chesnaught held his arms up in a boxer's guard before spinning at high speeds, he managed to deflect a few of the rocks, some of which flew back at Abomasnow hitting her but didn't stop her assault. Eventually something had to give and a minute later something did, the snow that coated the field caused The Spiny Armour Pokémon to slip and fall onto his back. "Pin Missle!" The spines across the grass and fighting type's body all glowed white and fired out lances of energy, smashing the falling rocks out of the way and attacking Abomasnow directly. "Now Earthquake!" Chesnaught quickly slammed his fists into the ground, shaking the hall. Abomasnow fought to keep her balance and therefore had to stop her attack as she held on to the pillars.
"Abomasnow, let's end this. Cold Front." Xantal shouted. The Frost Tree Pokémon roared again as she used a combination of Blizzard, Frost Breath and Ice Shard. The three ice type attacks all glittered against the snow and hail at they flew towards Chesnaught.
"Frenzy Plant!" Raj yelled desperately but it wasn't enough, by the time the massive roots started to erupt from the ground the triple ice type attack was seconds away from connecting with Chesnaught. Frenzy Plant kept going though this time not as a shield to the attack but to bring Abomasnow down from her icy perch.
The timer rang just before the attacks would hit their targets and the Pokémon were unable to stop them. Cold Front lifted Chesnaught off his feet and covered him in ice and snow while Frenzy Plant was focussed on the point where Chesnaught had broken away some of the pillar. The powerful roots broke through the ice and toppled the platform that Abomasnow was stood on causing the grass and ice type to fall heavily to the stage.
The snow and hail caused by Abomasnow's ability stopped, gently falling to the ground as everyone waited to hear the result and see whether the Pokémon were able to get up. Abomasnow was the first to rise, shaking some snow from her body and looking around. She made her way across the field, navigating around some of the rocks from Rock Slide and stopped as she began to dig through a pile of snow. A few seconds later she thrust her hand into the pile and pulled Chesnaught out, helping him stand. They shared a look that said good battle as they waited for their trainers to join them.
"The winner of the fourth and final quarter final match is….Xantal Orpheus. Commiserations to Raj G now let's hear what our Judges thought of the battle." Julia said as she walked back to the centre of the field. The Judges praised both trainers and with that Julia turned to the audience. "We will now have a half hour break before starting the semi-final matches." She pointed to the screen and the four faces belonging to the semi-finalists appeared, Harmonia, May, Rebecca and Xantal all had their picture on the screen and in the changing room the three girls looked at each other knowing that it was going to be a hard task to win that ribbon.
Current Teams
Ash – Pikachu, Lucario, Jolteon, Sandshrew, Trapinch, Skorupi, Bagon, Meowth
May – Blaziken, Glaceon, Litwick, Venusaur, Deerling, Sunflora, Lilligant, Altaria
That's all I've got for now, hopefully the next chapter will be out quicker.
Until Next Time
Basic Trainer