18

Connection

Winter's POV

"I thought the barriers between sections were impenetrable?" Gold ask as we travel through another one of the tree's dark and damp roots.

"For the most part," I explain. "But there's a few spots where you can travel in between."

"Makes sense," Golds shrugs. It really doesn't make sense though. "Are there legendaries in between too then?"

"No one really knows," I smile at Togepi who flails happily in my arms as we pass a glowing mushroom.

At least now I know he listens. When we were down in the root system the first time, I spent a lot of time explaining that every section has a legendary that is said to keep peace. Very few people have ever seen them though.

The last sighting was down in these tree's roots. Apparently a few tourists got lost and a strange Pokémon brought them to Fort Willow. Granted there's a lot of mushrooms they could've tried and started hallucinating.

"That was quick," Gold notices the sunlight as the root starts to move upward. He's in for some disappointment.

I follow him out and we appear in the middle of a forest. "Coni Forest," I laugh. "We have a long way to go."

Gold sighs and scans around us. Just above the thick leaved trees is Fort Willow. Giant pinecone pods hang in the purple branches, good thing they don't fall like regular pinecones. I can see the red Pokemon Centre one we stayed the night in.

I wonder where they're having the contest.

"This is like a tropical forest," He examines the vibrant flowers on display. 

Colours pop out of the bright green vegetation, everything is really healthy here without a city nearby. Most of the trees have wide palm tree-like leaves, draping over the fruit that hangs from them.

I pluck a berry off and feed it to Togepi who nibbles with her cute little smile. "We're headed to an ocean so it make sense."

"Sounds like a good place for contests," Gold looks at me with his hands on his hips.

I glance away. "I wasn't ready and still might not be when the next contest comes around."

"You said you would go in the next one," He drapes his arm around me and I can't help but smile. "That's why we left instead of staying to watch."

"Fine," I throw his arm away as a joke. "But there's no contest out here so let's talk about something else."

Serena's POV

"You're gonna win today!" Ash cheers for about the tenth time today.

I giggle, "Thank you Ash."

The contest is going to be at the base of the tree, where people can watch from the balconies or the floor. Anyone who comes into the town will see us on the stage as well. Just when I was getting used to the arena stage.

I'm already in my pink and red dress, a bow sitting high in my ponytail. Ash was helping me train last night for the battle portion so hopefully I can make it to the battle round and put up a fight. 

Of course I want to win but my goal today is to be close and make Ash proud. I have lots of time to get those five wins.

"Ready to go?" He asks.

"All set," I smile and move towards the door.

"Wait," He stops me and I feel his fingers brush my hair. 

My face heats up.

"Your ribbon is lopsided," He laughs. "Except I don't know how to fix it."

"Really?" I giggle. "Just try pulling on the side that's smaller."