Pokémon: Ash's New Journey

"The way that Absolute Zero froze the cascading water, forming crystalline ice alongside Lapras's elegant white and blue colors… It truly brought out Lapras's full charm. This performance was absolutely stunning!"

Even "Jessilina"—the Rocket Trio's latest alias—was momentarily left speechless as she marveled at Solidad's breathtaking performance.

Standing beside her, James and Meowth, acting as impromptu cameramen, exchanged astonished glances.

"Meowth, did you know Jessie had a talent for commentary?" James whispered.

"No clue, Meowth. But look at the audience—they love her! Forget that, let's just milk this gig for all it's worth, Meowth!"

"You're right," James nodded, eyes twinkling with greed.

—

Back in the waiting room, May and Drew were equally stunned by Solidad's Lapras display.

"She's incredible…" May murmured, feeling an intense pressure settle over her.

Drew, as calm as ever, flicked his signature green hair.

"That's expected. I faced Solidad in my first Contest—her Lapras has been with her for years, reaching a level that ordinary Pokémon can't hope to match." He turned with a smirk. "Well, I'm up next."

May shot him a look. "Drew, don't tell me even you think you can't beat her?"

Drew scoffed. "I simply appreciate beauty when I see it. Don't lump me in with you."

With that, he strode confidently onto the stage.

—

"And now, after the dazzling performance by Miss Solidad, please welcome our next contestant—Drew from Larousse City!"

Drew stepped forward, tossing a Poké Ball into the air.

"Masquerain, take flight!"

The elegant Bug/Flying-type Pokémon soared gracefully into the arena.

"Now, Silver Wind—spin through it!"

As Masquerain twirled within the shimmering gusts of its own attack, the audience's attention was drawn to its radiant wings, a mesmerizing spectacle of beauty and precision.

—

One by one, Coordinators showcased their Pokémon's most dazzling abilities. Among them was none other than… Harley.

To everyone's relief, he had abandoned his disturbing plan to cosplay as May.

"Hey, Ash, what was that about earlier?" Misty and Anabel asked curiously.

Ash sighed. "I saw what Harley was wearing under his cloak—it was a May outfit, down to the hair. He was probably planning to make a scene, hoping to throw her off her game."

"Pika…" Pikachu shook its head in exasperation.

"Ugh, that's disgusting," Misty grimaced. "He really was trying to sabotage her like that?"

The very thought of Harley prancing around in an exaggerated May costume made them shudder.

—

At last, the first round of performances had concluded.

"And now, it's time for the judges to make their decision! Out of 270 participants, only 64 will advance to the next stage!"

The tension in the air was palpable.

For some, like Solidad, Drew, and Harley, there was no doubt. But for May, the nerves were unbearable—she always felt like she was playing catch-up.

Then, she remembered Ash's words before the Contest began:

"I believe in you, May. Just give it your best shot—the rest is up to the judges and the audience. They can see the truth."

A deep breath. I can do this.

The big screen flickered—then revealed the 64 names.

Solidad.

Drew.

Harley.

And May.

She made it!

—

With the first round over, the contestants had time to rest and recover before the next stage. Just like in the Pokémon League, the Indigo Plateau covered all expenses for participating Coordinators.

However, given the size of their group, Ash decided to treat everyone to the finest hotel nearby.

After a luxurious meal, their Pokémon were pampered with everything from saunas to massages.

—

The next morning, they returned to the Contest Hall bright and early.

"Good morning, everyone! Today marks the start of the real battles—where skill and showmanship must be perfectly balanced. Let's enjoy the spectacle of the Pokémon Contest Battles!"

The competition had narrowed to 64, and the performances would no longer be limited to just one move—this was where true creativity and strategy would shine.

May, Solidad, Drew, and Harley all made it through the second round effortlessly.

However, this Kanto Grand Festival wasn't just about them—there were plenty of other highly skilled Coordinators vying for the title.

Then came the announcement of the third round—Battle Stage matchups.

Beep!

The big screen displayed the 16 remaining competitors and their opponents.

May's first opponent was…

Harley.

Of course.

Fate had brought them to yet another showdown.

"Heh, looks like your luck just ran out, May," Harley sneered. "Get ready to cry, 'cause I'm gonna destroy you."

May clenched her fists. "We'll see about that!"

And so, the 'red bandana' and the 'green hat' would clash once more.

Who would triumph this time?

—

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