Disclaimer: We don't own Loud House or Pokemon. All rights to Loud House belong to Nickelodeon. All rights to Pokemon belong to Nintendo and Game Freak. All rights to the "It's (Not) Your Fault" Loud House comic goes to JaviSuzumiya on DeviantArt. Credit for the story idea goes to SuperSonicBros123.

Taking Some Time Off

After Stella's contest victory in Celestic Town, Lincoln's group decides to head back to Sandgem Town to take a break from their travelling for a while before his next gym battle in Canalave City.

"That's four ribbons for me." said Stella.

"That means you only need one more to enter the Grand Festival." said Sam.

"But don't count on winning the next contest because that one's mine." said Dawn.

"We'll see about that." said Stella.

"So where's the next contest going to be at?" asked Clyde.

"I think it's in Canalave City where Lincoln's next gym battle is." said Dawn.

"After we chill out in Sandgem for a while, we'll head over there." said Lincoln.

"Yeah, our Pokemon have been working hard; they deserve a chance to chill, dudes." said Luna.

"Is there room at your cabin for me?" asked Simon.

"We'll manage, bro." said Sam.

"Let's head out, everyone." said Lincoln.

Everyone grabs their backpacks and begin the long walk back to Sandgem Town. As they travel, they show Simon the places he hasn't seen yet. They stop by Pokemon Centers for meals and to sleep when it gets too dark out.

The next day, they all make it to Jubilife City.

"Wow; this place is amazing." said Simon as he looks around.

"Yep; Jubilife City." said Dawn.

"Largest city in the Sinnoh Region." said Sam.

"Hey, look over there!" a voice calls out, making the group look to see several people running over to them.

"Are you Dawn from the Wallace Cup?" asked a young boy.

"Yeah, you know about me?" asked Dawn.

"Of course." said a young girl. "All contests are on TV."

"And isn't that Stella?" asked another girl as she points over at Stella.

"You bet I am." said Stella.

Lincoln, Sam, Luna, Clyde, and Simon watched as Stella and Dawn were being bombarded with questions from their fans.

"I'll bet this popularity will make Lola want to do Pokemon Contests also." said Clyde.

"I think she's planning on doing that when she's old enough." said Lincoln.

An hour later, once Stella and Dawn's fans were gone after their questions were answered, they rejoined their friends.

"Sorry it took so long." said Stella.

"Didn't know how popular we are." said Dawn.

"Not a problem." said Lincoln.

"Let's get going, dudes." said Luna.

Everyone then leaves Jubilife City and head south until they finally make it to Sandgem Town; they all head for the cabin and go inside.

"Home sweet home." said Lincoln.

"Nice place." said Simon.

"We should pay our rent for the month before the landlord starts bugging us for it." said Sam as she grabs some money from her backpack.

"I'll come with you, Sam-urai." said Luna.

"And maybe we should grab some food." said Sam. "We emptied out the fridge before we left on our journey."

"I'm gonna chill out here with my Pokemon." said Lincoln as he plops down on the couch.

"I'll join you." said Stella as she sits next to her white-haired boyfriend and puts her hand on one of his legs, making him blush.

"Me, too." said Dawn as she sits on the other side of Lincoln and puts her hand on his other leg while glaring at her contest/love rival who glares back at her as lightning travels between their gazes.

With Luna and Sam, they just got done shopping for food at the grocery store after paying the month's rent; as they head back to the cabin, Sam and Luna see a poster that was advertising a festival in a place called Twinleaf Town and a Pokemon tournament that was taking place in it the upcoming weekend.

"You think bro would be interested in this?" asked Luna.

"I'm sure he'll like a chance to get some battle experience before his gym battle." said Sam.

"We should let him know about this." said Luna.

Luna and Sam soon make it back to the cabin, and they all make lunch; as the group ate, Luna tells Lincoln about the festival and the tournament taking place in it.

"I know about that; they hold that festival once a year." said Dawn.

"How do you know?" asked Stella.

"Twinleaf Town is my hometown." replied Dawn.

"This tournament sounds like one I would like to take part in." said Lincoln.

"Since the festival's on a weekend, maybe the fam would like to check it out." said Luna.

"Let's call later and ask them." said Lincoln as he eats his meal.

Once everyone finishes eating, and wash their dishes; they all head out onto the beach and relax in their beach attire.

"Lincoln, would you put some tanning lotion on my back, please?" Stella asked her boyfriend.

"Sure." Lincoln says with a blush as he complies with his girlfriend's request while Dawn glares at the scene in front of her.

"Make sure to put some on my back when you're done." said Dawn as she holds out a bottle of tanning lotion, making Stella frown at her.

After Lincoln was done, and his blushing fades away, he plays in the water with Clyde, Simon, and all their Pokemon who don't mind the water, while the girls and the rest of the Pokemon just chill out in the sun.

As Stella works on her tan, something stands over her, blocking her sun, and casting a shadow over her.

"Is there a cloud above me?" Stella asked as she takes her sunglasses off; she looks up and sees Barry with a goofy smile on his face.

"Hey, beautiful." said Barry as he looks at Stella.

"Barry?" Stella says, getting everyone's attention.

"What are you doing here, dude?" asked Luna.

"Good question." Lincoln says as he glares at Barry who was gawking at his girlfriend.

"I'm here for the Twinleaf Festival that's happening this weekend." said Barry.

"We're going to be attending it also." said Stella.

"And I'm gonna be doing the tournament there also." said Lincoln.

"You, too?" Barry replied.

"I take it you're competing also?" asked Stella.

"Smart and beautiful; my kind of girl." said Barry with a grin. "Anyway, the winner of the tournament not only gets a gold trophy, but a chance to battle my father."

"Your father?" Sam replied.

"Yep." Barry said. "My dad is Palmer, the Tower Tycoon." said Barry.

"Never heard of him." said Lincoln.

"WHAT?!" Barry replied. "I should fine you for that!"

"Is he strong?" asked Lincoln.

"You bet he is!" said Barry. "He runs the Battle Tower in the Battle Frontier."

'What's the Battle Frontier?" asked Simon.

"It's a place where strong trainers gather to test their strength against the Frontier Brains there." said Barry.

"Who are they?" asked Clyde.

"Five strong trainers that each have an area of the Battle Frontier." said Barry.

"Maybe I should check it out myself." said Clyde.

"Really?" asked Lincoln.

"Well, you're doing your gym battles, and Stella and Dawn are doing their contests." said Clyde. "I feel like I should do something on our journey for myself."

"If that's what you wanna do, then go for it." said Lincoln.

"But lets see if you have what it takes to take on the Battle Frontier." Barry says to Clyde.

"How?" asked Clyde.

"Pokemon battle; you and me." replied Barry.

"You sure you want to do this, Clyde?" asked Luna.

"Yeah; you never battled a trainer before." said Sam.

"If it's the only way to see if I do have what it takes to take on the Battle Frontier, then yes." replied Clyde.

Moments later, Barry and Clyde stood several yards from each other while Lincoln and the others watched.

"So, how many Pokemon are we using?" Clyde asked Barry.

"Since it's your first battle, we'll each use one." replied Barry, pulling out a pokeball while Clyde does the same. "Go, Arcanine!" Barry throws a pokeball and releases an orange, canine-like Pokemon with black stripes and a beige head, muzzle, tail, and chest. Dawn takes out her pokedex and points it at the Pokemon.

"Arcanine, the Legendary Pokemon, and the evolved form of Growlithe. Its proud and regal appearance has captured the hearts of people since long ago." said Dawn's pokedex.

"Gallade, go!" said Clyde, throwing Gallade's pokeball, and releasing him. Gallade and Arcanine faced each other; Arcanine growls at Gallade and he slumps.

"My Arcanine has the Intimadate ability which weakens his opponent's attack strength." said Barry. "Arcanine, use Extreme Speed!" Arcanine becomes surrounded by white energy and charges at Gallade, ramming him, and knocking him back.

"Gallade, use Calm Mind!" said Clyde. Gallade stands on one legs while crossing his arms and closing his eyes; wisps of multi-colored energy appears and goes into Gallade's body, raising his special attack and special defense strength.

"Arcanine, use Crunch!" said Barry. Arcanine leaps at Gallade while his fangs glowed white and he bites Gallade, dealing damage, and weakening his defense.

"Gallade, use Psybeam!" said Clyde. Gallade fires a beam of mulitcolored energy from the end of his arms and it hits Arcanine, dealing damage.

"Good work, Clyde; Intimidate doesn't weaken special attack strength." said Lincoln.

"And Gallade's Mind Plate makes his psychic attacks stronger." said Clyde.

"Arcanine, use Flame Wheel!" said Barry. Arcanine charges at Gallade while a wheel of fire surrounds his body and he rams Gallade, knocking him back.

"Gallade, use Slash!" said Clyde. Gallade leaps at Arcanine while one of his elbow blades glowed white and he slashes Arcanine with it, landing a critical hit.

"Arcanine, use Fire Fang!" said Barry. Arcanine leaps at Gallade while fire surrounded his fangs.

"Gallade, use Double Team!" said Clyde. Gallade glows white and creates multiple copies of himself. Arcanine bites one of the Gallades, but it was only a copy. "Now use Confusion!" All but one Gallade disappears; the remaining Gallade's eyes glowed purple. Arcanine becomes surrounded by purple energy and gets lifted off the ground before it gets slammed into it; Arcanine begins stumbling around.

"Arcanine's confused." said Sam.

"Arcanine, use Take Down!" said Barry. Unfortunately, confusion gets the better of Arcanine and he rams a tree, causing damage to himself.

"Use Draining Kiss!" said Clyde. Gallade leaps at Arcanine and kisses him, not dealing much damage, but healing some of Gallade's wounds.

"Arcanine, use Flame Wheel!" said Barry. Arcanine fights through his confusion and charges at Gallade while a wheel of fire surrounded him, and he rams into Gallade, knocking him back; fire surrounds Gallade's body.

"Oh man, Gallade's burned." said Lincoln.

"Gallade, use Psybeam!" said Clyde. Gallade fires a multicolored beam of energy from his arms and it hits Arcanine, dealing damage; Gallade flinches in pain from his burn.

"Arcanine, use Bite!" said Barry. Arcanine snaps out of his confusion and charges at Gallade with his fangs bared.

"Gallade, use Teleport!" said Clyde. Gallade glows white and disappears, causing Gallade to miss. "Now use Confusion!" Gallade's eyes glowed purple and Arcanine becomes surrounded by purple energy; Arcanine gets thrown into a tree. Gallade receives damage from his burn while Arcanine struggles to get back on his feet.

"Don't take that from Gallade, Arcanine!" said Barry. Arcanine gets back up and glares at Gallade. "Good, now use Flame Wheel!" Arcanine charges at Gallade while a wheel of fires surrounded him.

"Gallade, use Slash!" said Clyde. Gallade charges at Arcanine while one of his elbow blades glowed white and he slashes Arcanine with it, causing an explosion that causes Clyde and Barry to shield their eyes; when the smoke from the explosion cleared, Gallade was breathing, heavily, while Arcanine was on the ground with swirly eyes.

"No way!" exclaimed Barry.

"Clyde won!" said Luna.

"That was amazing!" said Simon.

"Way to go, Clyde!" said Lincoln. Barry returns Arcanine to his pokeball and puts it away; he walks to Clyde who was checking on Gallade.

"Seeing how you beat me, you might stand a chance at the Battle Frontier." Barry says to Clyde before giving him pokedollars. "But don't underestimate my dad or I'll fine you."

"I won't." replied Clyde. "I'll train real hard; but I should also find more types of Pokemon to add to my team."

"But let's focus on the Twinleaf Festival for now." said Sam.

"Yeah." said Barry. "Anyway, you should train up your Pokemon for the tournament; against me, you'll need to do as much as you can."

"Back at you." said Lincoln as he glares at his rival.

"And I hope to see you there cheering for me, Stella." said Barry as she smiles big before he runs off.

"Is he always in a hurry?" asked Simon.

"Maybe." said Sam.

After everyone was done relaxing, Lincoln calls his family back in his home dimension to let them know about their day, and the upcoming festival.

"That sounds like it could be fun." said Rita.

"Bring some bottle caps if you want to get a hotel room in Jubilife City." said Luna.

"I'll start digging around at the dump to find some tomorrow after school." said Lana.

"You gonna do the battle tournament, bro?" asked Lynn Jr.

"Of course." said Lincoln. "It'll be a good warm up for my next gym battle."

"The festival is this weekend." said Luna.

"We'll see if Clyde's dads and Stella's parents want to come." said Lori.

"Thanks, Lori." said Stella.

After the call ends, Clyde walks to the Sandgem Town Pokemon Center to get his Gallade treated; after that, he uses the Pokemon Center's PC to exchange his Leafeon for his Chikorita. After that, everyone hangs out until it was time for dinner; after everyone eats, Clyde goes back to the Pokemon Center and picks up his Gallade. After he returns to the cabin, everyone showers and brushes their teeth; after that, they all get ready for bed, with Simon sleeping on the recliner with a blanket.

Before Lincoln lied down on the couch, Stella walks over to him and kisses him on the lips.

"Good night, Lincoln." Stella says before she gives her boyfriend a couple light pats on his butt, making his face turn red.

"G-Good night, Stella." Lincoln stuttered, making Stella giggle before she goes into her room.

Lincoln's group are now aware of the Twinleaf Festival and plan on entering it. What else will happen as their Sinnoh adventures continue?

End of Chapter 74

Pokemon on Lincoln's team: Infernape (M), Hisuian Zoroark (F), Bastiodon (M), Floatzel (M), Dragonair (F), and Shiny Snorunt (M).

Pokemon in Lincoln's collection: Infernape (M), Staravia (M), Bibarel (F), Hisuian Zoroark (F), Bastiodon (M), Espeon (M) Floatzel (M), Pachirisu (F), Gastly (M), Misdreavus (F), Skitty (F), Dragonair (F), Charmander (shiny M), Grimer (F), Stunky (M), Hippopotas (M), Victreebel (F), Phanpy (M), Porygon (no gender), and Shiny Snorunt (M).

Pokemon on Sam's team: Empoleon (F), Luxray (F), Kricketune (M), Crobat (F), Onix (F), and Eevee (M).

Pokemon in Sam's collection: Empoleon (F), Luxray (F), Kricketune (M), Crobat (F), Onix (F), Eevee (M), and Treecko (F).

Pokemon on Luna's Team: Golem (F), Torterra (M), Hisuian Sneasel (F), Eevee (F), Ambipom (F), and Shellder (F)

Pokemon in Luna's collection: Golem (F), Torterra (M), Hisuian Sneasel (F), Eevee (F), Ambipom (F), Rotom (genderless), Shellder (F), Tyrogue (M), and Venonat (M).

Pokemon on Clyde's Team: Gallade (M), Golduck (F), Ninjask (F), Shedinja (genderless), Absol (F), and Chikorita (M).

Pokemon in Clyde's collection: Gallade (M), Golduck (F), Leafeon (M), Ninjask (F), Shedinja (genderless), Absol (F), and Chikorita (M).

Pokemon on Stella's Team: Roserade (F), Eevee (F), Shiny Beautifly (F), Blaziken (F), Kingdra (F), and Flaaffy (F).

Pokemon on Stella's Collection: Roserade (F), Eevee (F), Shiny Beautifly (F), Corsola (F), Blaziken (F), Bronzor (no gender), Kingdra (F), and Flaaffy (F).

Pokemon on Dawn's Team: Piplup (M), Sylveon (F), Pachirisu (F), Lopunny (F), Altaria (F), and Typhlosion (F).

Pokemon in Dawn's Collection: Piplup (M), Sylveon (F), Pachirisu (F), Lopunny (F), Togepi (F), Altaria (F), Typhlosion (F), and Hoppip (M).

Pokemon in Lisa's care: Abra (M), Girafarig (F), and Porygon (no gender) .

Pokemon in Lily's care: Bibarel (F).

Pokemon in Lynn's care: Machop (M).

Pokemon in Lola's care: Pachirisu (F) and Plusle (F).

Pokemon in Lucy's care: Gengar (M), and Duskull (M).

Pokemon in Leni's care: Skitty (F).

Pokemon in Lana's care: Grimer (F), Stunky (M), and Minun (M).

Pokemon in Luan's care: Mr. Mime (M).

Pokemon in Simon's Team: Feraligatr (M), Lairon (M), Slugma (M), Heracross (M), Shiny Gabite (M), and Dodrio (F).

Pokemon in Simon's Collection: Feraligatr (M), Lairon (M), Slugma (M), Heracross (M), Shiny Gabite (M), Dodrio (F), and Carnivine (M).

Pokemon in Lynn Sr's care: Nidoran (M).

Pokemon in Rita's care: Nidoran (F).

Pokemon in Lori's care: Clamperl (F), Illumise (F) and Volbeat (M).