Chapter 67: The Wisteria Pokémon Contest!

"The Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest is here! Excellent! This time, I'll win my third ribbon badge!" May declared with bright enthusiasm. Her determination shone like a beacon, her heart set on securing another victory to edge closer to her dream of competing in the Grand Festival. After disembarking from the luxury liner, the group—Ash, May and Misty—set their sights on the contest hall, known as the Wisteria Pavilion. The walk was pleasant, with the town bustling in preparation for the contest. May couldn't help but admire the banners, stalls, and trainers chatting eagerly about their Pokémon's skills. Upon arriving at the contest hall, May quickly registered her name. The receptionist handed her a card confirming her participation. She clutched it tightly, her resolve growing with each step. That evening, the group rested at a nearby Pokémon Center, ensuring May and her Pokémon were well-prepared for the big day. Early the next morning, Ash noticed May's nerves as she polished her Poké Balls. Taking the opportunity to bolster her confidence, he offered some strategic advice. "May, remember to use Munchlax's Stockpile. Belly Drum is a great move to boost attack power, but timing is key. If you train Munchlax right, it can be your ace in any battle." Ash's insight came not just from his experience as a trainer but also from his knowledge of Harley's tricks. He had a strong suspicion that Harley, the green-hatted flamboyant rival, would show up to challenge May again. Determined to ensure May outshone him, Ash shared all he knew about maximizing Munchlax's potential. When the contest began, the atmosphere was electrifying. Trainers and coordinators filled the hall, each eager to showcase their Pokémon's unique talents. The contest announcer, Lillian, grinned broadly as she introduced the event. "Welcome to the Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest! Let's cheer for our talented trainers and their amazing Pokémon!" she declared, eliciting roaring applause from the audience. The judges took their seats, and among them were two familiar faces: the President of the Pokemon Fan Club, Mr Sukizo, known for his signature line, "Remarkable!", and Chief of the Pokémon Activities Committee, Raoul Contesta. The third judge was Nurse Joy of Wisteria Town, adding her expertise to the panel. As May awaited her turn, a familiar, dramatic voice interrupted her thoughts. "Oh, isn't this the beautiful and adorable May? I'm thrilled to see you here!" May's heart sank as Harley strutted over, his green hat tilted at an angle, his midriff exposed as always. His exaggerated mannerisms and saccharine tone grated on her nerves. "You again?" May asked, crossing her arms. "Why, yes! You didn't think I'd miss an opportunity to shine, did you?" Harley smirked. "And let's be honest, May. You've only got two ribbon badges, while I already have three. This is my chance to crush you!" May wasn't fazed. "That ribbon is mine, Harley!" As Harley waltzed away, Ash stepped closer to May, his expression stern. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, radiating a quiet intensity that made even Harley pause mid-strut. Harley glanced back nervously but quickly resumed his flamboyant gait. "Ignore him, May. Focus on what you came here to do," Ash said. His calm yet firm encouragement reassured her. When May's name was called, the crowd cheered. She stepped onto the stage with a confident smile, her nerves now replaced by excitement. "Squirtle, take the stage and use Rapid Spin!" she called as she threw her Poké Ball. Squirtle emerged spinning at high speed, creating a gust of wind that rustled the audience's hair. "Now, Squirtle, use Bubble Beam while spinning!" Bubbles streamed from Squirtle's shell, sparkling under the stage lights. The swirling bubbles formed a dazzling display, mesmerizing the audience. "Wow! May's Squirtle is combining speed and beauty in an incredible way!" Lillian exclaimed. "Such a creative use of Rapid Spin," Raoul Contesta noted. "Absolutely remarkable!" added Mr. Sukizo. "Squirtle looks well-trained and confident. It's a delightful performance," Nurse Joy praised. Encouraged by the audience's cheers, May pressed on. "Squirtle, use Ice Beam on the bubbles!" The bubbles froze mid-air, shattering into glittering shards that sparkled like diamonds. The audience gasped in awe. "Finish it with Water Gun, then freeze it with Ice Beam to create an ice pillar!" May commanded. Squirtle launched a jet of water upward, then immediately froze it with Ice Beam. The resulting ice pillar gleamed like a sculpture, earning thunderous applause. As May exited the stage, her heart swelled with pride. She had given it her all, and the audience's reaction was proof of her growing skills as a coordinator. Next up was Harley, who strutted onto the stage with exaggerated flair. "Now, darlings, prepare to be dazzled!" he declared dramatically. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals