"Welcome to the Norbarrow town contest!I'm your host,Lilian!"The energetic brunette fist-pumped,causing the crowd to go wild.The day was gorgeous,not a cloud to be seen from the roofless contest stage.Everyone was excited,including the Coordinators and Judges."We all know that today will be an exciting day!And of course,I didn't forget to put on sunblock during a beautiful weather!So let's get busy!"Lilian shouted.The crowd went wilder than ever.

"Now let's welcome our first contestant,Audrey Kelsey!"Lilain exclaimed as the brunette wearing yellow clothes made her way to the stage.

"Alright,Vulpix!Showtime!"She sent out her Vulpix.

Meanwhile,Sora was grooming her Flareon and Vaporeon in the locker room.Many Coordinators were chatting around her while some are getting nervous.She sighed.

"Flareon,Vaporeon,let's do our best!For our second ribbon!"She exclaimed as she patted their heads.

* * *

"And now,let's welcome Sora!"The crowd screamed as Sora ran to the stage.Crystal and Gold screamed the loudest,causing Sora to grin.

"Alright,Flareon!Let's go!"She shouted and sent out her trusted Flareon.The fire type jumped up in the air and uttered his name.

"Let's start with Dig!"Sora ordered.Flareon dug a few holes arranged in a circle.

"Huh?What is Flareon doing?"Lilian asked and tilted her head to the side.The crowd went silent.

Flareon dove inside a hole.He emerged out of a hole and posed.He dove indside and emerged out of another hole,doing another cute pose.He repeated this again and again.

"Awww!Such a cute little Pokémon!"Lilian exclaimed.The audience awwwed as the fire type jumped up in the air.

"Let's finish this up with Flamethrower and Swift!"Sora finished.

She grinned as they got surrounded by flames and golden stars.It's like a fire fountain.Everyone clapped for Sora.She bowed down while her Flareon grinned.

* * *

Sora was relieved that she made it to the second round.She now found herself facing a boy named Link.His spiky brown hair swayed as he stared at Sora with his blue eyes.Sora felt as if she was being pierced by his eyes.

'I heard he's a tough Coordinator.Me and Vaporeon should be careful.'Sora thought.

"Begin!"Lilian signalled.

"Let's go,Rapidash!"Link sent out a Rapidash.It neighed and stomped its foot.

"A Rapidash,huh?Vaporeon,it's showtime!"Sora sent out her Vaporeon.She made a graceful entrance,causing the crowd to scream.

"Rapidash,use Stomp!"Link ordered.The fire horse charged toward Vaporeon,but the water type waited patiently and kept a calm face.

"And Link starts with Stomp!But Sora and Vaporeon just stood still,waiting!"Lilian exclaimed.

"Ice Beam on the ground!"Sora ordered when the Rapidash was a few meters far away from her.Vaporeon froze the ground beneath them.The fire horse slipped and fell face down on ground,causing Link to lose a couple of points.

"Rapidash,get up!"Link shouted frantically,but the fire type was unable to stand up.He lost a couple of points.

"Owww!An unexpected Ice Beam freezes the ground!Will Link find a way through this?"Lilian asked as she watched the battle getting more intense.

"Skate on the ice and use Aurora Ball!"Vaporeon slated across the ice and shot out a dark ball,then she jumped up and slammed it using her tail.As the ball travelled toward the struggling Rapidash,Vaporeon shot out a multi colored beam that fused together with the shadow ball,making it look like a rainbow Gastly.Link lost a lot of points.

"And a beautiful Aurora Ball combination!This battle is just getting more intense!"Lilian exclaimed.

Rapidash got hit by the Aurora Beam-Shadow Ball,causing the Rapidash to receive a massive amount of damage.Link lost a lot of points.

"Rapidash,use Fire Blast!"Link ordered.His Rapidash used Fire Blast.It scored a direct hit and sent the Vaporeon flying.She crashed to a wall,taking away a massive amount of points from Sora.

"Vaporeon!"Sora screamed.The water type stood up,not willing to give up.Sora smiled and nodded."Alright,let's use Hydro Pump!"

"Dodge it!"Link shouted.His Rapidash struggled,but managed to avoid the dangerous blast of water."Now,we're going to have to rely on long ranged attacks,use Hyper Beam!"Link commanded.

A powerful Hyper Beam came toward Vaporeon.She was hit again.She fell on the ground,causing Sora to lose a lot of points.

"Vaporeon,please stand up!"Sora pleaded.Her Vaporeon growled and carefully stood up.Sora smiled as she smirked at her trainer.Sora nodded."Alright,let's use Water Pulse!"Sora ordered.

Vaporeon threw a ball of energy toward the Rapidash.It bursts and turned into a large wave."Now,use Ice Beam!"She was going to use Soren's combination.

The pulse froze when it caught the Rapidash.It tried to move,but it was held by the ice.Link lost all of his points,a beep was heard and the crowd went wild.

"And we have a winner!Let's give Sora a hand."The crowd clapped wildly.Sora thought all of them will turn hoarse from screaming too much.She ran toward her Vaporeon and carefully skated across the ice.She was thankful that the twins gave her rubber shoes that are great for ice and slippery surfaces.Her Vaporeon jumped in her arms,causing Sora to spin on the ice.Her long,thick ponytail swung along with her bangs.The crowd cheered as the brunnette hugged her Vaporeon.

"Great job!"Sora praised the water type.Vaporeon licked Sora's left cheek fondly as they carefully skated across the ice.Sora felt someone place a hand on her shoulder,she turned around and saw Link and his Rapidash.Both of them were smiling brightly at them.

"That's a great battle."Link took her left hand with his and shook it."Wish you good luck."Sora smiled.

"Thanks.That was an awesome battle!"Sora grinned.Link nodded and winked.

"How about a date after this?"He asked in a flirty manner.Sora sweatdropped.

"Ummm.No."She said firmly.Link grinned.

"Alright.I know you already have a boyfriend."Link winked at her again.Sora gritted her teeth and walked away.

* * *

"And we have a winner!Sora is the winner of the Norbarrow town contest!Congratulations!"

The crowd went wild as Sora and her Vaporeon panted,both tired from the previous battles.Her opponent,Melody,retrieved her Butterfree and approached Sora.

"That was a great battle!Congratulations!"Melody smiled.Sora also smiled and took her place in the center of the stage along with Vaporeon.She grinned as she received her second ribbon.

* * *

(Sora's POV):

Finally!The contest is over!We can take a break!I sighed as I finished my soup.I stood up."I'll go for a walk.I'll be back!"I exclaimed and ran off.

"I'm coming with you."Rafe stood up.I was a bit shocked.What the heck happened?Does he have something to talk about?

I slowly nodded at him,trying to hide my shock."Alright.Why?"I questioned.

"It's dangerous outside by now."He answered as we both walked out of the Pokémon Center.

The sky was full of stars,not a cloud to be seen.A few Pidgeys slept peacefully on tree branches.I hummed a bit as we walked down the path."So,why do you want to come?I know it's not because it's dark outside."I questioned.

"Of course,I wanted to make sure you won't get into any trouble."He told me with his arrogant tone.I almost smiled.That's him alright,but there's something else.There's another reason.

"Don't worry.I have Rayquaza and the others.Is there another reason?"I heard him sigh.

"I'm starting to get worried.The Team Rocket grunts have been following us.They're stalking us,stalking you."He told me.I tried to smile at him assuringly.I know,I also feel a bit paranoid.Who knows when a random Rocket grunt will jump out of the bushes and try to kill me?

"Don't worry.I'll be fine...I think."I whispered the last part so he won't hear.We continued to walk until we found ourselves in a forest.I caught sight of a small Hoppip.It looked around,scared and shuddering.I bent down to meet its level.

"Hey there.Are you lost?"I asked softly.Rafe sat down next to me to see the Hoppip.It looked around frantically,acting like a lost child in a park.I decided to try if the Forest Song works on it to calm it down.

"Croa Riou Ze Tue Riou Rei Neu Riou Ze."I became surrounded in a light green aura.The Hoppip calmed down.It smiled and hopped on my shoulder,making me smile.Rafe's eyes widened.

"You learned another song?"He interrogated.I frowned a bit.Oh.I forgot that I still didn't tell him and the others that I learned about the Second Song.I smiled at the memory of encountering Celebi.She was a great Pokémon.I hope I can see her again.

"Yep!Celebi helped me learn about the Second Song."I told him with a smile.

(Rafe's POV):

"Croa Riou Ze Tue Riou Rei Neu Riou Ze."Sora began to glow.She looked like an angel whenever she sings one of the Songs.What song is that?I never heard that.The Hoppip hopped on her shoulder and smiled,causing her to smile.She's so cute with that smile of hers.I wish I could see her smile forever,but in order to achieve that,I must protect her from danger.

"You learned another song?"I asked.Her smile turned into a frown,then she smiled again.The smile that made my heart drop.

"Yep!Celebi helped me learn about the Second Song."She explained.

I already admitted a while ago that I liked her,no,I think its love.But I think she hates me a bit,because I was always cocky.Guess she likes either Soren,Takeo or Chase.I'll never have a chance.

"I think we should go now."Sora's sweet voice interrupted me from my thoughts.I raised an eyebrow.

"Why?Scared that a Rocket grunt will jump out at any moment?"I asked.Now that...just escaped out of my mouth.I saw her grit her teeth.I just made a mistake.

"No.I want to explore more of the forest."She answered,trying to stay calm.I have to be careful if I don't want to cross the line and make it too far.

"Alright.After that,we're going home."I said.She nodded at me and walked ahead,with the Hoppip floating beside her.I followed her.

A light breeze blew my short hair.Sora's long ponytail swayed as the breeze grew stronger.The Hoppip sat on her head.Sora was humming a tune as we went farther inside the forests.A few Volbeat and Illumise danced around us with their glowing lights.We watched as they danced around us.The Hoppip soon joined them.Sora laughed as the Pokémon danced and twirled around.I ignored the Pokémon,I just watched Sora laugh and smile.I never saw something so perfect.

The Volbeat danced in a circle around us,and began to close in on us,causing me to bump into Sora.I felt Sora grab my hand,causing the blood to rush up my cheeks.The dance ended,and soon,all the Volbeat and Illumise were gone.

All was left was silence."We should go home now."I broke the silence.Sora nodded,still unaware that she is holding my hand,and turned toward the Hoppip with a smile.I felt her hand slip off mine,to my disappointment.

"Bye,little buddy!"She waved as it flew away.Sora turned toward me."Let's go!"She exclaimed.We walked side by side.

The night was quiet,only the wind howling,the sound of our footsteps,and Sora's sweet voice humming a beautiful tune was heard.I closed my eyes,sinking into deep thoughts,as I listened to Sora's voice.The wind seems to play a tune for her.I glanced at her and watched as the wind gently blew her bangs.

Suddenly,everything stopped.Sora stopped humming and froze in her spot,looking around cautiously.Her right hand clutched Lucario's Pokéball,getting ready to send him out just in case someone jumps in and attack us.I was about to speak,but she placed a finger to my lips,telling me to stay quiet.We heard a screech and a loud bang.Many flying type Pokémon flew up and screeched frantically.

Sora instantly ran off to the direction of the screech.I followed her,trying to avoid tree branches blocking our paths.Sora was hit by a few branches,but she ignored them and ran faster.We saw a bright light ahead of us flickering.It looks like....fire!The smell of smoke lingered in the air and screams made our eardrums pound.

Sora screamed and backed away just in time to avoid a burning tree that fell down in front of us.I stood protectively in front of her.A few burning chips of wood flew toward us,but I managed to block it before Sora gets hurt.I winced a bit,but I only got a few burns.

"Vaporeon,I need your help!Hydro Pump!"Sora sent out her Vaporeon.The water type extinguished he fire with her Hydro Pump.The three of us jumped over the tree and ran deeper into the forest.The fire grew.We tried to extinguish the fire,and was succesful.After that,Sora retrieved her Vaporeon.

Another screech was heard.We reached the source of the screech and found a lot of Pokémon caged and locked.They all looked scared and tried desperately to free themselves.I clenched my fists.If I found out who did this,I'm going to rip them to shreds!It seems like Sora is thinking the same thing,because she looks as if she was about to explode.

She rushed toward the cages and opened them one by one.I did the same and freed a group of Altaria and Swablu.As soon as they were all freed,we checked the forest.The remains of the burnt trees were left on the ground while the Pokémon who lived in it looked at each other sadly.Their home,it's destroyed...

"Well,well.Look who decided to show up."A deep,male's voice caught our attention.We turned around and gasped.A young man our age stood before us.He had a blue cape on his shoulders and wore a black mask that covered half of his face,only revealing his lips.His voice sounds robotic,as if he was using a sort of device to avoid anyone from recognizing him.A device was tied around his neck,it must be the device that changes his voice.

"Who are you?"Sora asked,gritting her teeth.

"Who am I,you ask?"The masked stranger asked with a mocking tone.Arceus,he's getting on my nerves."I'm the Masked Thief,my darling."He approached Sora,I was about to charge after him.I'm not letting him lay even a finger on her.But I was stopped by a strong force:Psychic.

"Let me go!"I screamed,trying to break free from Psychic.He laughed as an evil looking Gallade emerged out of the shadows,giving me a menacing look.

The 'Masked Thief' smirked."No."He turned his back on me and smirked at Sora."Now,where are we?Oh,right."He took slow steps toward Sora.She glared at him and stepped back,but was stopped by a tree.Damn it!She's trapped!

"Stay away!"She screamed.The Masked Thief chuckled.

"You look adorable when you're both scared and angry."He kissed her left cheek.I felt my blood boil and tried to free myself.

"Don't you dare touch her!"I screamed.Sora lay there,paralyzed,causing the Masked Thief to smirk.

"There,there darling.I'm not going to eat you up.No need to be afraid."I tried desperately to free myself again,but its no use.I wanted badly to protect her,to stay by her side.I'm getting weak from fighting,but I have to free myself.I screamed,trying to get Sora back to her senses.

Sora woke up from her trance.Then she kicked him,hard,on the spot.He groaned in pain and fell down the ground,but Sora grabbed him by the collar.She swung him and slammed him on a tree.I smirked.That's my girl.

"Never do something like that to me again!"She screamed at his face.The Masked Thief smiled.

"What are you going to do about it?"He asked.

Sora grew angry.She raised her free hand up in the air and slapped him,hard,on his left cheek.The Masked Thief looked taken aback.He placed a hand on his cheek where she slapped him,he deserve that.The Gallade let go of me and ran toward his master to check if he was fine.I fell down the ground,weak from trying to fight.

"Rafe!"Sora ran toward me.She fell on her knees and checked for any injuries.

"I'm...I'm fine."I assured her as she helped me get up.The Masked Thief looked hurt,but why?Who is he?Why is he here?Before we can question him,a screech interrupted us.

We looked up and saw a pair of fiery wings.The Masked Thief was hit by a powerful Flamethrower on the shoulder.He was sent flying and he crashed to a tree trunk.His Gallade jumped to his master's aid,but the Masked Thief stopped him.

"No...We-we can't fight a Moltres."He told him softly.The Gallade nodded.Before we knew it,they Teleported away.Finally,he's gone.We looked up and saw Moltres flying above us.It screeched and landed in front of Sora.

"Moltres?"Sora asked and tried to approach it.Moltres nodded and lightly touched her forehead with its beak.Sora froze,her eyes widened.She began to sing.

"Va Neu Va Rei Va Neu Va Zue Rei."She became surrounded in a red aura,red wings appeared on her back,but soon disappeared after the Song ended.The Fifth Song,Fire...

Sora opened her eyes and gazed at Moltres.It nodded and flew away.Sora smiled and waved at Moltres."Thank you,Moltres!"She shouted.

As soon as the Moltres disappeared,Sora sighed.She turned toward me."Are you okay?That fighting must have weakened you."She asked,concern was clear in her eyes.I smiled softly,not a smirk like usual,but a genuine smile.She's one of the few people that makes me smile a real smile.

I was about to speak,but we were interrupted by a familiar shout."Sora!Rafe!"Soren's voice sounded faint.He sounds frantic,as if he were in trouble.

Sora's eyes widened."Soren!"She also sensed it.She sensed danger.We ran toward the direction of his shouts.My heart was pounding,even though I don't like Soren that much,I'm still scared of what's wrong.

We saw him leaning against a tree,clutching his shoulder.Blood trickled down his arm and forehead."Oh my gosh!Soren,are you alright?"Sora grabbed him just in time to support him before he collapse to the ground."Hold on!We'll get you to the hospital!"She exclaimed,sending out her Rayquaza,Latios and Latias.

Soren smiled."I'm glad I found you guys.I heard a scream and went to find you,only to get trapped by fire.It's a good thing I brought Miranda with me...."He murmurred before losing consciousness.Sora was on the verge of bursting into tears.I pulled her into a comforting hug,trying to tell her its fine.

He'll be fine.I know it.My thoughts wandered back to the Masked Thief.Who is he?What does he want?Will he return?Most imporantly,why does he want Sora?