Loving Him Is Pink -- Bede x Avery (A Pride Month Pokemon Short Story)

He Did WHAT?! -- Avery

The moment we encroached on the Master Dojo, I immediately noticed Honey and Klara chattering furiously.

"I just don't get it," she said frustratedly when we got closer. "I waited at the train station forever, and they never showed up! Some people just don't try to be on time any more!"
"Well, perhaps they didn't arrive because there was no one to show them the way to the dojo," I said flatly, dismounting to announce my presence.

"Avery? I thought you were supposed to be with Mustard welcoming our guests," Honey asked, handing her broom she was holding to the Squirtle standing by her side. "I was," I admitted, gently stroking Rapidash's muzzle. "Mustard let me take a walk, and I ended up on the beach. I then decided to show our guests to where they were staying, since Klara apparently hadn't. Speaking of which, why weren't you at the train station?"

"I came back after 30 minutes," she said sheepishly. I groaned, putting my head in my hands. "Why am I not surprised?" I huffed. Rapidash nickered softly, nibbling at my hat. "Okay, okay! You can go get your reward."
"I'll go and get them, sweetie," Honey laughed, patting Rapidash on the nose before leaving us with our guests.

"Hiya!" Klara bounded up to the gym leaders. "I'm Klara, one the Master Dojo's top students! Sorry if I didn't wait up for you at the station."
"It's fine," Piers grumbled sarcastically. "It's not like we hadn't ever been on the island before." As soon as she made eye contact with Piers, she squealed and squeezed him in a giant bear hug.

"Hiya, cuz!" she grinned. "Long time no see! How's Spikemuth?!" All the gym leaders dropped their jaws in awe and shock. I, however, kept my composure. After all, I had already known Klara was related to the Dark-type superstar for quite some time. I remember that night like it was only yesterday.

"Hey, Avery!" Klara grinned, bouncing up and down excitedly like a hyperactive toddler. "Guess what?!"
"What?" I asked, tired from my day of dodging Ponyta's Psybeam attacks.
"We should totally take a hike and climb the Tower of Darkness," she whisper-shouted when no one could hear us.

"Klara, have you been hit by Confusion?!" I asked her. "We can't climb the tower! Mustard said it was strictly forbidden!"
"What Mustard doesn't know won't hurt him," she whispered, eyes glinting with mischief and adventure. Sighing in defeat, I leaned back on my bed. Once Klara made up her mind, there was next to nothing that could change it. "I'll see you tonight at 11," she grinned. "Be sure to wear hiking shoes!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting outside," Honey apologised, snapping me out of my brief trip down memory lane. "Do come inside. Don't mind the faint stench of sweat!" Rapidash trotted up to her, looking very expectant.

"Oh, don't think I forgot about you, Dashie," Honey cooed, feeding him the extra sugar cubes from breakfast. Whinnying in delight, he nuzzled her hair before returning to my side. As soon as I put him back in his Pokeball, we entered the Dojo.

The doors swung open with a terrific shriek, announcing our arrival to everyone inside the Dojo. Mustard turned at the sound, and smiled at everyone standing in the doorframe. "Ah, it seems our guests have finally arrived," he chuckled, walking up to us. "Thanks for getting them here, Klara!"

"Actually-"
"No problemo, Master," Klara cut me off, sending a little wink my way. I scowled, though I should have expected for her to do that. Klara always was one for stealing other's glory.

"Wonderful! Now, for introductions. I'm Mustard, the master of this Dojo, and I'm pleased as cheese to meet you all! I'm especially happy you accepted my invitation, Opal. It's been such a long time!"

"Yes, it has been a while," the elderly lady with the umbrella from before chuckled. "Though it sometimes feels like only yesterday you became Champion."
"Teeheehee!" Mustard laughed, grinning like a maniac. "Oh! That reminds me! Where's Leon? I heard he would be coming to the island with you."