Continuing on the road to Ecruteak City Turquoise and Fluttershy decided to stop for lunch in a nearby city. Turquoise was lost in thought still thinking about what her mom told her.
“If you don’t improve soon you will not make it to the battle round in the next contest,” Turquoise’s mom said in the flashback.
“Hey, Turquoise how much longer before we reach Ecruteak City?” Fluttershy asked before noticing Turquoise was lost in thought. She snapped her fingers which got Turquosie’s attention.
“What?” Turquoise asked.
“I said how much longer until we reach Ecruteak City?” Fluttershy asked.
“Give me a sec,” Turquoise said before using the Pokegear to check. After checking the map Turquoise gave her answer. “ Not long it's the next city over so it should only take about a couple more hours on foot.
“That's good to hear,” Fluttershy said before bringing something else up. “By the way, I noticed you have been spacing out a lot today, what’s on your mind?
“It's about what my mom told me,” Turquoise said before continuing. “She has been watching my contests on tv and how my performances were nothing like back in Kanto.
“I noticed that too,” Fluttershy said.
“She also warned me that if I don’t improve soon I won’t even make it to the battle stage of the contests,” Turquoise said.
“Well, why don’t you just use your other pokemon?” Fluttershy asked.
“Because it would be too easy and I would never grow as a trainer by taking the easy way,” Turquoise said.
“Is that the only reason or is there more to it than that?” Fluttershy asked.
“That's it I swear,” Turquoise said only for Fluttershy to not buy it.
“Don’t lie to me I can tell you are hiding something,” Fluttershy said while using the stare on Turquoise which caused her to cave in.
“Fine, you want to know the truth?” Turquoise asked before spilling her guts. “I reason why I’m leaving them back in Kanto is so I don’t lose anyone on this journey.
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.
“I heard that some trainers while on their journeys are forced to release or part ways with their pokemon, I don’t want to say goodbye to anyone,” Turquoise said before breaking down.
“I understand, You share a bond with all of your pokemon, and breaking that bond is something most trainers don’t want to do,” Fluttershy said before continuing. “But the greater good is more important than the bond a trainer and their pokemon share.
“Please don’t make me do it,” Turquoise pleaded.
“Relax I won’t force you to do it that choice is up to you,” Fluttershy said.
“Thank you,” Turquoise said. As soon as they finished eating they decided to explore the city and see if anything of interest is going on. As they were walking they saw a flyer posted on a corkboard outside a shop.
“ Need help winning contests? Then you are in luck. For one day only join Dawn’s coordinator class where you will learn about combinations, poise, and everything else you will need to be successful as a Coordinator,” The flyer said.
“Maybe that's what you need to improve your skill in contests,” Fluttershy said.
“Your right but will I be allowed to join? What if I get turned away since I won the Kanto grand festival,” Turquoise asked while panicking a little.
“Even the greats need a refresher course, every once in a while so just relax,” Fluttershy said. Turquoise and Fluttershy went to the place where Dawn was holding her class and sat in with the crowd. A bit later Dawn and her Piplup walked in wearing her signature pink contest dress that was tailored for her adult body.
“Welcome everyone to my one-day class,” Dawn said joyfully. “I see we have a familiar face why don’t you come on up Turquoise. Turquoise came upfront before Dawn continued. “Tell us Turquoise what brings the winner of the Kanto grand festival to my class?
“Well, lately I feel like my skills have greatly diminished,” Turquoise said.
“Why would you say that?” Dawn asked.
“Because in the two contests, I entered here in Johto so far I barely squeezed by to the second round in both of them because I left my other pokemon back home,” Turquoise said.
“Did you lose?” Dawn asked.
“No I won them both but only by knockout and a few lucky breaks,” Turquoise said.
“So your saying your victories feel hollow is that right?” Dawn said.
“That’s right,” Turquoise said.
“Well show us what your current team is,” Dawn said. Turquoise called out her pokemon and Dawn got a good look at them. “Not a bad line up especially your Espeon.
“Espeon and I have been friends for years,” Turquoise said.
“I can tell by the quality of her coat that you take great care of her, Takes notes Everyone because caring for your pokemon is one of the most important parts of being a good coordinator because the pokemon are the stars,” Dawn said before everyone began jotting it down. “Now as for the rest of your pokemon’ I can see much potential in them you just need to figure out to tap into it. For example what moves does your Meganium have?
“She knows Petal Dance, Magical Leaf, Vine Whip, and Poison Powder,” Turquoise said.
“Try combining Pedal Dance with Magical Leaf,” Dawn suggested.
“Meganium let's try it. Meganium nodded before doing what dawn suggested and the result was a flurry of pink petals and green leaves which looked very pretty to look at. The crowd watching also loved it.
“This brings us to our next lesson, combinations,” Dawn said before continuing. “You see Combinations are the main focus of a contest. The point is to combine moves in a very dazzling and exciting way for both the crowd and the judges. Many coordinators have a unique style they theme their performances on. For example, this one coordinator from my contest days in Sinnoh Jessalina her style involved sharing the spotlight with her pokemon by performing alongside them. The others took notes before Dawn continued. The entire class went by smoothly until the time was up. Dawn told Turquoise and Fluttershy to remain behind. “Tell me Turquoise why would you not want to use your other Pokemon don’t you love them anymore?
“I do love them with all my heart I just don’t want to lose any of them on this journey,” Turquoise said.
“I get what you mean, saying goodbye is never easy and something no trainer ever wants to do but sometimes it has to be done,” Dawn said. “Even Ash had to let some of his pokemon go.
“Did he at least visit them?” Turquoise asked.
“He never had any time to do so, unfortunately,” Dawn said.
“Does this mean any pokemon I part ways with I will never see again?” Turquoise asked in shock.
“Calm down Turquoise your not going to lose anyone I promise you, all your friends will make it back to Pallet Town safely,” Fluttershy said assuringly.
“Can you make that promise?” Turquoise asked.
“I will try but there is no telling what will happen on this journey,” Fluttershy said. Turquoise gave it some thought and decided.
“OK, I will use my other Pokemon, but it's back to the lab after they finish,” Turquoise said.
“I suppose that's fair,” Fluttershy said.
“Now that we have that covered Turquoise let's see what the rest of your pokemon can do,” Dawn said. Sometime later The girls were now on the battlefield outside the Pokemon center. Turquoise showed off what the rest of her team could do.
“What do you think?” Turquoise asked. Dawn gave it a moment before giving her critique.
“Your Hunchkrow is not suited for contests yet and your Vespiquen needs work on her moves since there is so much one can do with Pin Missile alone, As for your Eevee he seems very timid and shy as indicated by how weak his moves are.
“I saved Eevee from an abusive monster who treated his pokemon like weapons and even broke the rules sanctioned by the Pokemon League,” Turquoise said.
“He equipped his pokemon with illegal technology that amped their power to high levels while also leaving wear and tear on their muscles,” Fluttershy pointed out before continuing. “He was also denied gym battles because of it so he forged the badges he earned. As for how all this relates to Eevee he was too lazy to raise his pokemon so because of how weak Eevee is now he abandoned him and left some emotional scars on his heart.
“Whoever this guy was he should be locked up in prison,” Dawn said.
“Funny you should mention that because he is locked up in prison now,” Turquoise said. “But back to Eevee I do want him to become strong but only when he feels ready since the scars on someone's heart can’t be healed easily.
“No need to worry because something tells me that time will come sooner than you think,” Dawn said. “Now let's get back to my Evaluation your Espeon is strong and her Magic Bounce ability is handy but you have yet to try anything new with her.
“What can I do? there isn't anything more I can do with Espeon’s moves,” Turquoise asked.
“Then try doing something new with what she knows,” Dawn suggested. She had her Piplup demonstrate by using bubble beam while spinning. The bubbles began spinning in a spiral.
“I get it I need to change the way a move is used,” Turquoise said.
“Exactly,” Dawn said. Turquoise then had an idea. She had Espeon use Psybeam while spinning which resulted in a spiral effect. “That’s a good start, try combining it with something and you got yourself a good combo for a double battle. Turquoise suddenly had an idea and had Eevee stand next to Espeon. Espeon repeated the same move and Eevee was next.
“Eevee use Shadow Ball. Eevee fired his Shadow ball unfortunately it was still too weak and ended up fizzling out from inside the spiraling Psybeam.
“Don’t give up it would have made a great combination Eevee just needs to put a little more juice into his attacks,” Dawn said. Eevee looked sad about failing. Dawn approached Eevee and spoke to him. “Try to build your energy up more before unleashing Shadow ball and you should be able to maintain it. Eevee gave it a try and managed to put some more energy into it but instead of firing it exploded. “Try dialing it back a bit. Eevee dialed the power back and managed to unleash Shadow ball. This time the shadow Ball was able to maintain its power and form before dissipating in the air. “Nicely done just remember to do it like that and you should have that move mastered. Before they could continue Dawn noticed how late it was getting and bid Turquoise and Fluttershy farewell. Sometime later Dawn met up with her friends Kenny and Zoe.
“What took you so long DeeDee?” Kenny asked.
“I had to help a friend with her struggles,” Dawn said.
“By any chance, this friend your talking about isn't a certain redhead is it?” Zoey asked.
“How did you know?” Dawn asked.
“I overheard her talking with her friend this afternoon,” Zoey said. “And I think it's about time I challenged her to see what she is made of.
Back at the Pokemon Center Turquoise was mentally thinking of new combinations now that she got her drive back. As Turquoise was thinking Zoe comes in.
“Is Turquoise still here?” Zoey asked.
“I am,” Turquoise said.
“I challenge you to a battle,” Zoey said.
“Any reason why?” Turquoise asked.
“I want to see what you are made of,” Zoey said.
“Very well,” Turquoise said before she, Zoey, and Fluttershy left for the battlefield. Fluttershy agreed to be the ref as always.
“This battle will be a double battle and it will be over when both of one side's pokemon is unable to continue,” Fluttershy stated.
“Espeon and Eevee let's go,” Turquoise said as Espeon stood in front of Turquoise with Eevee hiding behind her. “Just do your best Eevee and I will be proud.
“Interesting choices now let me show you mine,” Zoey said before pulling out two pokeballs. “Glameow and Gallade curtain. Zoey called out her two pokemon.
“Battle start,” Fluttershy said.
“Espeon use Psybeam while Spinning and Eevee use Shadow Ball. Espeon and Eevee did the combination they were practicing before but this time it looked like it was working.
“Nice combo now let me show you one of mine, Gallade use Psybeam on Glameoew and Glameow spin your tail. Gallade unleashed Psybeam on Glameow as she spun her tail which created a cyclone that consumed Turquoise’s combination like it was nothing and damaged both Espeon and Eevee.
“Hang in there,” Turquoise said before they both got back up.
“I’m impressed your Espeon and Eevee are still standing after that but you won’t beat us with unfinished moves like those,” Zoey said.
“Then let’s try something familier. Eevee use Swift and Espeon use Psychic. Eevee unleashed his swift while Espeon used Psychic to control it which sent the stars flying towards Glameow.
“Glameow use Fury Swipes on the stars. Glameow unleashed her Fury Swipes which caused the stars to break and cover Glameow in sparkles. “Nice try but amateur hour is over. Gallade use Psycho Cut on Eevee. Gallade sent blades of pink energy flying at Eevee.
“Eevee use Copycat. Eevee leaped into the air and unleashed his own Psycho Cut which pushed against Gallade’s. “Now Glameow use Iron tail while Eevee is still airborne. Glameow straightened her tail before causing it to glow white and slam Eevee onto the ground and to faint.
“Eevee is unable to battle Glameow is the winner,” Fluttershy said while pointing her left arm at Zoey.
“Eevee return,” Turquoise said as she recalled Eevee. “Rest up little one you did your best for the day. Before the battle could continue Turquoise decided to surrender. “I surrender My Espeon alone is no match for either of your pokemon.
“Wise choice,” Zoey said. “You have some skill and I can tell you trained your pokemon well.
“I cherish all of my pokemon,” Turquoise said.
“As you should but you need to train them more because at this level they won’t be a match for anyone,” Zoey said. Zoey took her leave while Eevee was being healed. As soon as he was the girls called it a night.
To Be continued