Chapter 101: A New Alliance – Harley and Team Rocket!

Harley was on the verge of losing it. He paced back and forth in his hotel room, his frustration bubbling over with every passing second. Why? Why had Ash Ketchum changed so drastically? Ever since that fateful day, Ash seemed like a completely different person. He was sharper, more focused, and, worst of all, utterly unpredictable. The schemes Harley had meticulously crafted to embarrass May or throw her off her game had all failed miserably, unraveling as if Ash had seen right through them. Frustrated beyond measure, Harley's gaze fell upon the immovable sofa in his room. His growing irritation culminated in a swift kick to one of its iron legs. The action didn't alleviate his frustration, but it did leave his foot throbbing painfully, making him curse under his breath. Meanwhile, outside, Ash, May, and Misty were strolling toward the Contest Hall of Mulberry City. The atmosphere was electric, as the final ribbon contest before the Grand Festival had drawn an impressive crowd of coordinators and spectators. The city itself was alive with energy, its central plaza adorned with banners and posters celebrating the contest. After completing May's registration, the group found a quiet corner to strategize and prepare for her performance. May was visibly nervous, clutching her Poké Balls tightly. "You've got this, May," Ash said reassuringly. "Just focus on your strengths. You've worked hard for this." "He's right," Misty added. "You've grown so much as a coordinator. Trust in yourself and your Pokémon." May managed a small smile, their encouragement helping to ease her nerves. She took a deep breath, mentally reviewing her routine. Unbeknownst to them, they weren't the only ones in Mulberry City with plans. Team Rocket—Jessie, James, and Meowth—had also arrived, ready to cause their usual brand of mischief. This time, however, Jessie had a personal goal in mind: earning her fifth ribbon to qualify for the Grand Festival. "Listen up, you two!" Jessie declared dramatically, her sequined "Jessica" persona on full display. Her outfit sparkled under the sunlight, dazzling enough to make anyone squint. "Today is the day! The fabulous Jessica will dazzle the stage, and the audience will fall at my feet!" James, holding a bag filled with their remaining supplies, exchanged a weary glance with Meowth. "Jessie, your 'fabulous' outfit just drained my entire collection fund," James groaned, clutching his prized bottle caps protectively. "That's right, nya!" Meowth chimed in, crossing his arms. "All this sparkle cost us a fortune! We're broke!" Jessie waved dismissively. "Oh, don't be such drama queens. What's a little sacrifice in the name of glory? Now, let's get to work!" At that moment, Harley, still fuming from his earlier debacle at the Pokémon Center, stumbled across the trio. His eyes narrowed as a sly grin crept across his face. This was the opportunity he'd been waiting for. "Well, well, if it isn't Jessica!" Harley crooned, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. "My, my, the world-famous coordinator graces us with her presence." Jessie, instantly flattered, straightened her posture and flipped her hair. "Of course, darling. The crowd always expects the best from me," she said, basking in the unexpected adoration. "Exactly why I must ask a favor," Harley continued, clasping Jessie's hands dramatically. "That little twerp, May—she's competing in this contest, isn't she?" Jessie's expression soured at the mention of May. "Ugh, that brat! Don't remind me." "Perfect," Harley purred, producing two Poké Balls from his bag. "Here are my Pokémon: Banette and Cacturne. Use them. Teach her a lesson she'll never forget." James and Meowth exchanged nervous glances, sensing trouble brewing, while Jessie's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "And what's in it for me?" Jessie asked, her tone calculating. "Victory, my dear," Harley replied with a wicked grin. "And the satisfaction of seeing her lose." Jessie's vanity got the better of her. She shook Harley's hand with gusto. "Deal!" The Contest Begins The next day, the Mulberry City Contest Hall was packed to capacity. The air buzzed with excitement as coordinators and spectators alike filled the seats, eagerly awaiting the performances. "Ladies and gentlemen!" the charismatic MC Lilian called out, her voice amplified by the stadium's sound system. "Welcome to the final ribbon contest before the Grand Festival! Are you ready for some dazzling performances?" The crowd erupted in cheers. Lilian introduced the panel of judges, including Mr. Contesta, Mr. Sukizo, and Nurse Joy, and the contest officially began. The first few participants showcased their Pokémon's unique skills. A Feraligatr's Hydro Pump created an impressive water vortex, a Pikachu wowed the crowd with its agility and charm, and an Altaria's Dragon Dance painted streaks of light across the stage, earning thunderous applause. "Wonderful performances from all our contestants so far!" Lilian announced. "And now, let's welcome our next competitor: Jessica!" Jessie strutted onto the stage with Harley's Banette by her side, her confidence radiating as she basked in the spotlight. She held her head high, every movement deliberate and dramatic. "Banette, use Shadow Sneak to create a swirling veil of darkness!" Jessie commanded. Banette's shadow extended and danced across the stage, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing effect. The audience gasped, their attention fully captured. "Now, add in Will-O-Wisp for a dazzling ghostly light show!" Jessie continued. The ghostly flames floated through the darkness, their ethereal glow eliciting awed murmurs from the crowd. Jessie wasn't done yet. "Finish with Psychic to control the flames and make them explode like fireworks!" she declared with a flourish. Banette's psychic energy detonated the flames into bursts of blue light, showering the stage in an otherworldly glow. The audience erupted into cheers and applause, thoroughly impressed by the performance. Backstage, May watched the spectacle unfold, her fists clenched. The display was undeniably impressive, but she knew she couldn't let it rattle her. "Don't let it get to you, May," Ash said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay focused. Your performance will shine in its own way." May nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She glanced at her Poké Balls, reminding herself of the bond she shared with her team. "And now," Lilian's voice boomed, "our next contestant: May!" -------------- T/N: Access 40 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals