Pokemon: Advanced Wishes Black or White

Chapter 19: The City That Never Sleeps

"Look at all these stores! I've never seen so many stores together in one place!" May couldn't contain herself.

"Castelia is notable for its fashion scene," Cilan was embarrassed by the outburst she caused on the street.

"Hopefully, we're not here too long," Ash sighed. He couldn't say "no" to May after she begged him to pass by the stores before going to the gym.

May clasped her hands. Her eyes glistened at a window display with contest dresses lined up. She pulled Ash by the hand, "Ash, look at this!"

"That's nice, May," Ash tried to sound enthusiastic, but May disregarded it. Pikachu pitied his best friend.

Iris tilted her head, "How much are these dresses anyway?" Axew eyed the outfits with curiosity.

May stared down at the price tag. She gulped when she saw it, "Too much." She laughed away her despair.

"Hey, look. There are wedding dresses too," Cilan noticed the store's other window display.

Iris teased, "You think they're ready for marriage, Cilan?"

"What?" Ash and May froze. They eyed each other with faces as red as a rose bouquet.

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "I mean-"

May placed her hand over his mouth. "Save it," the brunette flashed a shy smile. Ash read her eyes. He gave a quiet nod.

Their attention shifted when someone called their names, "May, Ash, Cilan, Iris!"

May took her hand off Ash's mouth to see who it was. "Hilda!" May was thrilled to see it was her rival.

"Hey, Hilda," Ash grinned.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu greeted their friend.

"We weren't expecting to see you here," Iris smiled at their friend.

"What brings you to Castelia City?" Cilan inquired.

Hilda scratched the side of her face, "My Xtransceiver got damaged a while ago. I came to Castelia because the company that builds them is based here. I just got back from there and received a new one," the brunette showed them a red Xtransceiver.

"My brother would love that," May giggled at the glossy design.

"So, I bet you guys are here because of the Castelia Gym, right Ash?" Hilda gave the boy a knowing grin.

Ash made a fist, "What else!"

"That's awesome, good luck!" Hilda cheered.

"Would you like to come with us?" May invited her.

"Really?" Hilda placed a finger on her chin.

"Why not?" Cilan encouraged her to join them.

"Yeah, it'll be fun!" Iris added.

Hilda giggled, "Alright then!"

"Great!" May pumped her fist in the air. Suddenly, her stomach grumbled. "But first," the coordinator lowered her head in shame.

May's friends laughed over her empty stomach. "Why don't we grab a pizza while we're here? Castelia City has the best pizza around. It's my treat to you guys for letting me come along," Hilda offered.

"I can't say no to that," Ash got excited over Castelia City's famous pizza.

"Of course, you can't. You're such a kid," Iris crossed her arms. They laughed at Ash this time.