Chapter 25: Pokémon Contest! Minato's Debut! Pt. 1
Max (excited) - Hey! I guess that's Rustboro Hall!
At Max pointing it out, the group all turned to see some kind of competitive building up ahead, as the sign at the top said 'Pokémon Contest'. At the sight of the building, Ash grew excited as he realized on what this could mean.
Ash (excited) - Which means we must already be in Rustboro City! And I'm ready for my Gym battle!
Pikachu (determined) - Pika Pika!
Max (unsure) - Huh...? Uh, but we're still days walk from the Gym, Ash...
Ash (shocked) - HUH!?
Both he and Pikachu fell back in surprise to hear that they weren't close to the Rustboro Gym as Korra giggled while Minato just raised an eyebrow in amusement. At hearing Ash excited for his first Gym battle, the thought of him participating in one started to make Minato think otherwise.
Minato (thinking) - Gym battle, Gym battle... that's all we've been hearing Ash say when we were walking to the city except for the times when we were doing something else...
Then, remembering the two voices he heard yesterday, the former lonely boy folded his arms with a frown as he recalled on what they called him in that short vision he had saw.
Minato (thinking) - That vision before... It showed me two blurry images of two beings that called me... little brother. One red and one blue... What could that all mean? And... why did they call me little brother when I never had any siblings before in my life? Just... what's going on with me?
Torchic (worried) - Torchic Tor?
The former lonely boy blinked before he turned to see his Fire Type eyeing him wth both concern and confusion as Minato tried to reassure to the Fire Type that it was okay with a weak smile on his face.
Minato (reassuring) - Ha ha... Don't worry about it, Torchic. I'm fine. It's just... I have so many things in mind to think about... My future, my goals, and those other things.
The Chick Pokémon sweat dropped, seeing how Minato was rushing his words, which could mean that the former lonely boy isn't being true to his words perfectly as the Fire Type kept an eye onto his trainer.
Ash (from afar) - Minato!? What are you and Torchic standing there for!? Come on!
Pikachu (from afar) - Pikachu!
Both Minato and Torchic blinked together in surprise as they turned to see their friends way ahead of them again! The former lonely boy quickly ran over to his friends as Korra was the first to be concerned for him.
Korra (worried) - Are you feeling okay, Minato?
Minato (reassuring) - Huh? Um, yeah... Why do you ask?
Brock (concerned) - This isn't the first time that you've been daydreaming while we were way ahead! Is something on your mind?
Not wanting to concern his friends any more, the former lonely boy shook his head with a soft smile on his face.
Minato (apologetic) - I'm sorry if I'm worrying you guys, but no... There's nothing wrong. It's just... I'm thinking on how to deal with the future when we travel on.
May (surprised) - The... future?
Max (unsure) - Isn't a bit too early to be thinking something like that? I mean, we didn't even get to Rustboro City yet, and you're saying something like that right now!
Brock (unsure) - It's something else, isn't it. You can tell us, if you want.
The multiple questions were starting to get to the former lonely boy, as he started to feel uncomfortable until both Ash and Korra stopped the others from getting their questions too far.
Korra (insistent) - Come on, guys... Enough. Asking all these questions isn't going to make Minato feel better.
Ash (agreeing) - Y-Yeah... Let's let him talk when he feels like it, okay?
Brock (understanding) - R-Right... Sorry.
Max (apologetic) - Yeah... Me too...
May (unsure) - Mm...
The former lonely boy sighed in relief as he took the lead in walking again with Torchic on his shoulder. The Fire Type was once again reluctant to believe that his trainer was worried about the future as he looked to see Minato just walking casually, but in a silent way.
While the group were making their way towards the building, they've noticed a group of trainers grooming their Pokémon, playing together with them, and even making them do attacks look beautiful!
Ash (confused) - They don't look like they're training for a battle, but I wonder what they're doing...
Max (excited) - Check it out! I bet you they're all preparing for that Pokémon Contest!
Minato / May (surprised) - A Pokémon Contest?
The two looked up in interest until something bumped onto their faces! To May, a beautiful-looking butterfly sticked itself onto May's face while a cotton-looking bird got onto Minato's face at the same time!
May (startled) - Eek!
Minato (startled) - HUH!? What- Mmph!
Ash / Korra / Max / Brock (shocked) - AH!
Ash (surprised) - Oh no!
[Opening] Pokémon AG: Advance Adventure Opening (English Subbed)
(Minato, Ash and Pikachu all watch the sunrise together, as the two boys smiled)
Full of courage, full of energy
(Ash summons Treecko, Minato summons Mudkip)
So interesting, so triumphant
(The two boys with their two Pokémon were ready to fight, facing Vigoroth and Pelliper)
With the PokéNav, we're ready to go!
(The four Pokémon charges at each other, Treecko defeats Vigoroth, Mudkip defeats Pelliper)
Sure of win if I go first, unpreparedness is one's worst enemy
(Ash and Minato sends Pikachu and Torchic out, facing Mightyena and Houndoom)
(Pikachu and Torchic were bashed away by the two, before they used Thunderbolt and Flamethrower to defeat them)
Willingness, mutual understanding
(An explosion occurs as both Mightyena and Houndoom were defeated)
Far away, beyond the sea
(May smiles as she turns; Torchic and Beautifly runs along)
(Brock tastes his stew; Mudkip and Lotad splashes out of the lake)
(Korra grooms Poochyena, with Houndour at her side)
The setting sun in Lilycove City
(Max holds the PokéNav, as he, Ash, Minato, Korra, May, and Brock see Lilycove City in the sunset)
A Double Battle burns tomorrow
(The group runs from the collapsing bridge as lava flows into the ocean)
Advancing faster with Mach Bike!
(Shadows of Team Magma and Groudon appears)
(Shadows of Team Aqua and Kyogre appears)
I want to be excited
(Minato opens his eyes to see his five friends smiling at him above as he smiles back)
(The group rides on the raft, seeing Water Type Pokémon; The group witnesses forest Pokémon)
Our dreams won't sleep
(The group were walking in a dark cave)
In a new town, flourishing friends
We'll search for them
(In a battlefield, Ash faces Minato as the two sees Latios and Latias flying above them)
(An Absol leaps into the air, unleashing double Razor Wind attacks)
Full of courage, full of energy
So interesting, so triumphant!
(Ash, Minato, Korra, May, Brock, and Max stand together with Ash's Pikachu and Treecko, Minato's Torchic, May's Torchic, and Brock's Mudkip)
(The Japanese opening shows)
[Opening ends]
Both Minato and May were running around in circles, while attempting to get the two Pokémon off of their faces!
Minato (muffled) - Argh! Get off, whoever you are!
May (muffled) - Mmph! Get... off... of me!
By the time they finished speaking their words, the two Flying Types got off of their faces while causing the two trainers to trip and fall at the same time! Torchic ran over to his trainer in worry as Ash took out his Pokédex to scan the butterfly-looking Pokémon.
Ash (curious) - I wonder what they are...
Ash's Pokédex - Beautifly, the Butterfly Pokémon. Beautifly have long, thin noses which can extend to suck the pollen out of flowers.
Minato slowly took out his Pokédex to scan the cotton bird Pokémon that seemed to be taking an interest at him as it sat on his black-haired head as he raised an eyebrow with both slight annoyance and confusion.
Minato (annoyed) - And who might you be?
Minato's Pokédex - Swablu, the Cotton Bird Pokémon. Swablu loves cleanliness and is quick to wipe off any unclean surface with its cotton-like wings.
Blinking in realization, the former lonely boy touched his golden tear stains as he looked up at the Cotton Bird Pokémon, as Torchic looked at her with curiosity.
Minato (curious) - So, was it because of my face that got you to go bumping into me? Because you thought my face was dirty?
Swablu (happy) - Swablu! Swablu blu blu!
Thr Cotton Bird Pokémon perched herself on Minato's head, making herself comfortable before she used her cotton-like wings to rub the former lonely boy's face, believing she would be able to clean it up, causing both Minato and Torchic to feel awkward in this as Korra sheepishly smiled.
Korra (sheepish) - Excuse me, Swablu... But those tear stains are permanent to Minato now... It's like a part of him now since he cried for many years.
This caused the Swablu to stop in surprise before she cocked her head until she understood. However, this didn't stop her from enjoying her fun as she kept rubbing her cotton-like wings on Minato's cheeks, causing him to sweat drop on this.
Minato (awkward) - Come on... Please, stop... Please...?
The former lonely boy was starting to admit that all the soft rubbing was making him feel ticklish a little as May was in a similar situation too, only that Beautifly found her head to be quite comfortable, much to May's annoyance.
May (desperate) - Get off!
This only made the Beautifly want to stay even more, causing May to slump down as Minato and Korra walked over with the Cotton Bird Pokémon remaining on the former lonely boy's head as Torchic stood besides him.
Noticing this, the Kanto trainer sheepishly smiled for his two friends as he tried to reassure to them that they mean no harm at all.
Ash (nervous) - Looks like the two of you made some new friends!
May (frantic) - It's not funny!
May whipped her head back to back to try and get Beauitfly off of her, only to realize that Beautifly's hold on her was strong as she kept whipping back until two people called to them!
Girl (apologetic) - I'm so sorry!
Boy (worried) - Are you okay!?
Eveyeone turned to see a teen with a Venomoth running with a teenage girl, who seemed to be the owner of both Beautifly and Swablu. But right after he took sight of the girl, Brock went into lovey dovey mode, feeling charmed of seeing the new girl.
Brock (ecstatic) - HELLO! Is your mother a great artist? 'Cause you're a work of art! Pretty as a pic- Gah!
Before Brock could even finish his words, Beautifly quickly got off of May's head to drop herself onto Brock's head to stop him from making any more advances to her trainer, much to the girl's surprise.
Girl (shocked) - AH! Beautifly, stop that! And Swablu, can you please get off of that boy's face?
Beautifly (confused) - Beau?
Swablu (surprised) - Blu?
The others walked over to check up on Brock as Max asked the girl a question about herself and Beautifly.
Max (curious) - So, I was wondering... Were you training both your Beautifly and Swablu for that Pokémon Contest?
Girl (nervous) - Well, as a matter of fact, I was... But, unfortunately, some of the attacks went a little bit wrong. And for Swablu, she was attracted by something, causing her to fly off. I believe it was because of the... um, tear stains on your face.
Minato (unimpressed) - I figured that out already...
Torchic (agreeing) - Torchic Tor...
Boy (nervous) - For the attacks going wrong, that's probably my fault... Venomoth's Whirlwind attacks was far too strong. It was a hopeless failure.
Girl - My name's Janet, by the way!
Boy - And my name's Chaz! How's it going?
Ash - Fine. I'm Ash!
May - And my name is May!
Max - And I'm Max!
Brock (ecstatic) - And I'm Brock, your future boyfriend!
Korra (unimpressed) - Oh, for crying out loud... My name is Korra.
Minato - And my name is Minato.
Ash (confused) - There's something I don't get, Chaz. How can a powerful attack be a failure?
Shaking his head with asigh, Max wagged his fingers to point out Ash's cluelessness of the beauty of the attacks, as all of them can't be too powerful.
Max (unimpressed) - The problem is this... Ash doesn't understand the Pokémon Contest!
Ash (sheepish) - Heh heh... Uh, thanks, Max...
Chaz (patient) - I guess the thing's to know is that Contest battling is not like a normal Pokémon battle.
Janet - It's about the beauty of the attack. It's not about raw power.
Ash (confused) - The beauty of attacks?
Janet (agreeing) - Yes! We're Coordinators and we train Pokémon to be graceful!
Ash (confused) - Coordi... Coordina... What?
Minato blinked, as he remembered the time when his mother used to be a Top Coordinator in Pokémon Contests as he frowned at the thought of remembering his mother's title as a Top Coordinator.
Minato (serious) - Do you mean... Pokémon Contests are events to show how strong the bond is between trainers and Pokémon, right? And the winner of those events earn some kind of a... ribbon, correct?
Janet (impressed) - That's exactly right! And they look just like these!
She took out her Ribbon Case to show how many Ribbons she had, much to May's amazement and Minato's interest.
May (impressed) - No way! You've already got two of them!?
Chaz - May, you want to take a look at the Ribbon that I won?
He took out his own Ribbon Case to show his proof of winning the Contest he'd won before.
May (ecstatic) - That's so cool! I'm gonna win one, too!
Korra looked at Minato, who had folded his arms while his face showed that he seemed to be interested in entering the competition as she walked over to her while the others were discussing about the Contest.
Korra (knowing) - With the look on your face, I'm guessing that you want to try and compete in one?
Minato (agreeing) - I guess so... If this event means to help me strengthen the bond between me and my Pokémon, then I'd like to give it a try and see how strong my bond with them are.
Korra (amazed) - I see... That's a good reason to participate, then... Why don't you go and register right now?
Minato (surprised) - Huh? Wait, what about the others...?
Korra (mischievous) - Don't worry about them! I'm sure they'll be able to enter once they catch up to us!
With those words, she began to drag the stunned Minato, with Torchic running besides him, along with Swablu remaining on his head, as the Cotton Bird Pokémon seemed delighted to be able to enter a Pokémon Contest with a human that she took interest in!
When the two arrived at the Contest Hall lobby, Korra dragged the former lonely boy to the receptionist, who seemed to be waiting for anymore contestants to pop by as she noticed the two running to her.
Receptionist - Hello there! Welcome to Rustboro Hall! Do one of you want to enter the Pokémon Contest that's happening today?
This question confused both Minato and Korra as the former lonely boy frowned at her words just now.
Minato (confused) - One of us? Sorry, but what do you mean by that?
Receptionist (apologetic) - I mean to say that unfortunately, there is only one spot left in today's Pokémon Contest. So, only one of you here right now can enter.
Both Minato and Korra blinked together in surprise as they looked at each other for a moment, while Torchic and Swablu were worried of their losing their chance to enter until Korra made the answer for the both of them.
Korra (confident) - In that case... this guy here would like to take that spot!
Minato (shocked) - Wait... WHAT!?
Torchic / Swablu (shocked) - Tor!? / Swa!?
Korra (reassuring) - Don't worry! In exchange of me letting you enter, I want you and your Pokémon to give the crowd the best show you're going to give.
Minato (startled) - H-Hold on! But I don't even know on how to perform on a Pokémon Contest! I mean sure, I've saw my Mom and her Swampert competing in a few Contests on TV, but this is real life and my first time!
Seeing how nervous and frantic the former lonely boy looked, Korra giggled as she had never seen Minato this frantic before as she reassured to the former lonely boy that he will be fine.
Korra (reassuring) - Even if this is your first time, you wanted to enter because you wanted to strengthen the bond between you and your Pokémon, right? Then, this is the perfect chance to do so! And don't worry of losing... because this is your first time as a Coordinator, right?
At Korra's reassuring words, the former lonely boy frowned a little bit before he slightly nodded in both understanding and agreement.
Minato (hesitant) - Alright... I'll do it.
Both Torchic and Swablu were ecstatic to hear this as they cheered for being able to perform as the receptionist nodded before she handed the former lonely boy a card that seemed to be needed for the entry.
Receptionist - Alright then... Here you are! You'll need this Contest Pass in order to enter all Pokémon Contests in the Hoenn region. And you'll need this Ribbon Case in order to keep your Ribbons in them. You're quite lucky to be the last contestant to enter in this Contest, however. The Contest will start in two hours, so make sure you arrive on time, alright?
Minato (reluctant) - Alright... Thank you.
As he said so, he took the Pass and his Case and looked at it before he smiled. He was starting his time as a Pokémon Coordinator, with Torchic starting up the performance in his debut!
Korra - Alright... How about we start training for your debut?
Minato (hesitant) - Alright. Let's do this. Torchic, you ready?
Torchic (excited) - Torchic Tor!
Just then, Swablu got off and flew right in front of Minato with an excited look on her face!
Swablu (excited) - Swablu! Swablu Swablu!
Minato (surprised) - Swablu? I forgot that you were on my head this whole time... Are you saying that you want to compete in the Contest?
Swablu (happy) - Swablu!
She flapped her wings happily as the former lonely boy smiled sadly as he spoke apologetically to the Cotton Bird Pokémon.
Minato (apologetic) - I'm sorry, Swablu. But since I'm not your Trainer, I don't know if I can compete with you in the Contest. And besides, I've already decided to participate with Yorchic. So again... Sorry to disappoint you.
At hearing this, Swablu gave a sad look, as she knew Minato was right. Since Janet was her real trainer, Swablu knew she had no chance of entering as Korra noticed the others arriving in the Hall.
Korra - The others are here! They're late, though...
The former lonely boy turned to see his four other friends coming by with Janet and Chaz as Ash, May, and Brock were hoping to enter the Pokémon Contest as well, as they seemed to have received the bad news, however.
May (shocked) - Huh!? No spots left at all!?
Receptionist (apologetic) - The very last participant in the Pokémon Contest signed up just before you got here!
May (disappointed) - Why didn't we get here sooner...?
Minato (unimpressed) - That's because you guys came too late while we came in time.
At hearing his voice, everyone turned to the former lonely boy and Korra in surprise as Max widened his eyes at the card Minato was holding.
Max (surprised) - Hey... Isn't that the pass needed to enter the Contest!?
The others turned in surprise as the former lonely boy nodded in response.
Minato (unfazed) - Yeah... Korra here helped me register when we learned that only one was able to participate now out of the two of us...
May (disappointed) - No fair... Why you and not one of us...?
Korra (teasing) - You win some, you lose some, May... That's how the world goes...
Smiling sheepishly as she felt bad for the others, Janet turned to the receptionist to see if the group could watch the Contest instead of participating for today.
Janet - Perhaps you could at least issue them with passes to watch the Contest?
Receptionist - Mm hm! Of course I can!
With that said, the receptionist typed up some information to give Ash, May, Max, Korra, and Brock the passes to watch from the stands as Janet gave a reminder to the others of what they needed the passes for.
Janet - Now, you'll need those passes to enter the arena, so make sure you don't lose them.
Brock - Too bad we couldn't enter it while Minato could, but at least we get to observe.
May (disappointed) - Big bummer... Why does the cold guy get to participate and we don't?
Minato (unfazed) - Like I said... Should one of you have gotten here before Korra and I did, maybe one of you would've been able to enter.
May (annoyed) - No one asked you, Mr. Know-it-All! Ugh... Again, a big bummer...
As she said that, Beautifly landed on top of her head again! This only pissed May off as she glared at the Butterfly Pokémon for the personal space invasion.
May (annoyed) - Huh!? Hey, pal! Find somewhere else to sit!
While she glared at Beautifly, Max made a suggestion to his sister to cheer her up.
Max - May, I have an idea! Maybe you could be Janet or Chaz's assistant!
Pikachu (agreeing) - Pika Pika!
Torchic (agreeing) - Tor!
May (unsure) - That's silly... There's no way...
To her belief, it was silly... but to Janet, it seemed otherwise as she smiled at the idea that the little brother gave off.
Janet (agreeing) - I think Max has a great idea! I'd love for you to be my Pokémon assistant, May!
At the agreement, the older sister widened her eyes in surprise and turned to Janet with a surprised and hopeful look on her face.
May (hopeful) - Huh!? You mean it!?
Chaz (agreeing) - I'm sure that Beautifly think it's a good idea, too.
As he said that, he began to feed Venomoth some small colorful cubes that seemed to be sweets for Venomoth to enjoy as Brock seemed interested, causing him to walk over and see.
Brock (interested) - That's PokéBlock, right?
Chaz (agreeing) - Yeah... I always use it as a snack along with their main diet of Pokémon food! Wanna try some for yourself? Hold out your hands.
As Chaz said so, the Kanto breeder held out his hands to let Chaz give him some PokéBlocks, with each having different colors!
Chaz - It's chock full of nutritions!
Brock (curious) - You mix berries while making them, right? And the different type of PokéBlock depends on the types of Berries you mix into it!
He chewed onto one of blocks as Chaz agreed with Brock's words completely.
Chaz (agreeing) - Right! Everyone kind of makes their own recipe!
Janet - I've created my recipe for making the best Beautifly PokéBlock!
Max (amazed) - Wow! That explains it! That's probably why its wings are so beautiful!
At the compliment, Beautifly was happy to hear it as she flew around Max in thanks, to Max's confusion as he believed it to show that the Bug-Flying Type was mad at him.
Max (worried) - Huh!? Oh... Do you think it's mad at me?
Janet (reassuring) - No... It's just thanking you for the compliment! And I should be saying thank you, too!
Max (confused) - Thanks for what?
May (confused) - Yeah... What did he do?
Janet - It's so nice to hear someone praise the Pokémon I've trained!
Ash (agreeing) - Yeah! I now what you mean, Janet!
Brock (agreeing) - Yeah... That does feel good.
Chaz - It really makes you feel proud of all the hard work and energy you've put into the training!
Minato listened as he frowned on what the others were saying in their conversation. Never did he realize that Pokémon bonding would be so complicated by raising them or treating them as partners or friends.
He didn't want to admit it, but there were a lot of things about Pokémon that he didn't understand as he watched May starting to understand on what it feels like to be complimented by someone that tells them that they've raised their Pokémon well.
His thoughts were interrupted as Chaz popped up a question for Ash, May, and Minato.
Chaz (curious) - Hey! Are you guys gonna be heading for Rustboro City for a Gym battle?
Ash - Yeah! That's our next stop!
May (unsure) - I'm gonna battle, too.
Janet (curious) - What about you, Minato? Are you planning to challenge the Gym Leader there, too?
The sudden question once again caused the former lonely boy to think and stammer for a while as he still was unsure about his decision to compete in Gym battles and enter the Pokémon League for the first time.
Minato (unsure) - I'm... still not sure about that. I have other things to mull over about, so I thought entering this Contest would tell me the answer of the true reason for the bond between people and Pokémon as companions or friends.
Janet - I see... That is a complicated, but a good reason...
Ash - Yeah... Anyways, Pikachu and I are ready to go!
Pikachu (agreeing) - Pika Pika!
At the response, both Janet and Chaz were surprised as Chaz was the first to question Ash of his choice of using the Electric Type Pokémon in his first Gym battle in Hoenn.
Chaz (surprised) - You're planning on battling with Pikachu?
Janet (understanding) - That might be difficult...
Ash (confused) - Pikachu's the best I've got!
Chaz (unsure) - But Ash... The Rustboro Gym is a Rock Type Pokémon Gym!
This surprised Ash as Brock frowned with the Type the Gym Leader would use at the Gym battle.
Ash (disbelief) - A Rock Type Gym!?
Brock (unsure) - That'll sure make things tough for an Electric Type Pokémon like Pikachu!
Max widened his eyes as he realized that this would also be trouble for May as she only had Torchic in her team.
Max (worried) - That's gonna be a problem for you too, May! A Fire Type Pokémon like your Torchic won't have any effect at all on those Rock Type Pokémon!
Minato frowned as he remembered the Pokémon he had at the moment.
Minato (thinking) - Even if I were to enter in a Gym battle, I would also be in a disadvantage with Types as well. Torchic and Poochyena won't deal so much damage to Rock Types... So, Zigzagoon's Iron Tail and Treecko's Dig and Absorb would only... Wait... What am I thinking!? It's not like I'm going to participate in a Gym battle!
At seeing Ash in a dire situation, Chaz stood up, offering to teach Ash something if he didn't have something that Chaz had!
Chaz - Hey, Ash... Does your Pikachu know any attacks that would work on a battle against Rock Types?
Ash (unsure) - Uh... No.
Chaz (patient) - Well then, if I told you there was a way to learn that attack, do you think you'd be interested?
Ash (amazed) - Uh... Oh, yeah! I'd love to know it!
Pikachu (agreeing) - Pika Pika!
Watching Ash agreeing to learn the new move, he felt Korra tapping him on the shoulder as Minato turned to see Korra holding his arm with a sweet smile on her face that seemed to look dangerous.
Korra (sweetly) - Minato... We, on the other hand, need to train for your debut in the Contest, right? Let's go! We have no time to lose, right?
Minato (nervous) - Huh? Oh yeah... We do.
At his response, Korra began to drag the former lonely boy away, while she called to the others to let them know that they'll be gone for a while.
Korra - We'll see you all back at the Contest if it starts!
May (startled) - Huh!? Oh, sure!
At the agreement, Korra dragged Minato to a spot where the former lonely boy could train for the upcomimg Rustboro Contest that would start in an hour!
Later...
With the hour passed, the Rustboro Contest was about to begin, starting with the opening ceremony! The MC for the Contest began to announce the start of the event as he began to introduce himself and the three judges that's judging for the competition.
MC - The wait is over! The Rustboro Pokémon Contest is about to get underway! On the panel of judges this year, Contesta, the Director of the Contest Committee, Sukizo from the Pokémon Enthusiasts Club, and Nurse Joy from Rustboro City!
Holding out a small, beautiful Ribbon, the MC announced on how the Ribbon will be won for today.
MC - And like every year, the winner will receive this Rustboro Ribbon! Now, listen up! Anyone winning the five ribbons from the various regional Pokémon Contest will be given free automatic entry in the Pokémon Grand Festival!
May (excited) - Wow! Awesome!
Janet - The most important part is the Pokémon's entry! First impressions really do matter! The judges will form opinions from the first attack! And they take into account of the degree of the Pokémon's development and its level of cooperation with its trainer! The final decision is made, based by points given by the judges! It's very exciting!
May (excited) - Awesome... Awesome!
Max (unimpressed) - Perhaps you could expand your vocabulary a bit...
May (excited) - I know... but it's so awesome! Pokémon are incredible! I never realized!
Brock (worried) - I wonder where Ash, Minato, and Korra are...
Max - Ash should be training with Pikachu to practice the new Iron Tail attack Chaz had taught him! And Korra right now, should be helping Minato train for his debut as a Pokémon Coordinator for this Contest...
May (worried) - But, the Contest is starting right now! Should they all be here right now? If even Minato comes late, then he won't be able to participate at all if he doesn't show!
Meanwhile...
Minato (determined) - Alright, Torchic... Spin with Ember while shooting up with Quick Attack!
At the call, Torchic jumped up as high as he could into the air, while using Quick Attack to boost his speed and jumping abilities! By spinning in the air while using Ember, the Chick Pokémon made himself look like a fiery shooting star that's shooting across the air!
Korra, Houndour, and Poochyena were all in awe as they watched the combination attack going into perfection.
Korra (amazed) - That's so beautiful... It feels like I'm watching a giant shooting star shoot itself across the sky...
Houndour (amazed) - Dour...
Poochyena (amazed) - Chy...
Swablu (beaming) - Swablu! Swablu Swablu Swablu!
The former lonely boy watched as Torchic gracefully landed on the ground, feeling proud of himself as he smiled at his confident little Fire Type.
Minato (satisfied) - We only spent an hour on this, and it's been going great...
Swablu flew over and perched on her new trainer's head happily as she made herself comfortable.
Swablu (happy) - Swablu Swablu!
Minato (chuckling) - Ha ha ha... I know, Swablu. You're excited to be performing in the Contest too, right? So am I... And so is Torchic, too!
Torchic (happy) - Torchic!
Korra walked over with her two canine Pokémon, remembering on how Swablu came Minato's fifth Pokémon just a few minutes ago before the Contest had begun to start.
Korra (smiling) - It was really nice of Janet for her to give you Swablu, huh, Minato? She knows on how Swablu loves Pokémon Contest, which is why she believed giving Swablu to you would be nice for her.
Minato (agreeing) - Yeah... It was kind of surprising, at first...
He caressed Swablu's blue face, as the Cotton Bird Pokémon happily rubbed her head on Minato's hand as she also remembered on how this all happened, which happened around fifteen minutes when Minato and Korra had started training together for Minato's debut in the Pokémon Contest.
Flashback
Korra (serious) - Now, Houndour! Show those two what a real Ember looks like in a performance with Howl!
At the order, Houndour shot out some fireballs before powering them up with Howl, making Ember look like fire rings to knock the opponent away with the blazing heat! However, as a Fire Type, Torchic knew on how to counter the combination attack, and so did Minato.
Minato (serious) - That's hot... Torchic, jump through them with Quick Attack!
Knowing what his trainer was going to say, the Chick Pokémon jumped and spun through the fire rings! It made his body glow a little with heat, making his attacks even more powerful as the former lonely boy countered back.
Minato (serious) - You use an Ember this time as well, along with a Peck attack!
Running while having his beak glow, Torchic dove towards Houndour while using Ember to boost his beak's power and temperature! Both Korra and Houndour widened in surprise as the attack made the hit, causing Houndour to skid back and growl at Torchic, who got ready to fight back.
Both trainers made a good eye towards each other until Janet called to them!
Janet - I see that the two of you are both in perfect sync with each other, along with your Pokémon together!
Korra (surprised) - Janet? What are you doing here? I thought you would be with the others in the Contest!
Janet - I should be saying that to the two of you, too... Anyways, Minato... There's someone I'd like you to take with you on your journey if it's okay with you...
Minato (confused) - Who?
As he asked, Swablu flew over, chirping happily as she perched herself on top of the former lonely boy's head, catching the two humans and their three Pokémon by surprise as Minato was the most surprised with the Cotton Bird Pokémon as he turned to Janet.
Minato (surprised) - Swablu...? But, isn't she...?
Janet walked over to the former lonely boy and handed him the Cotton Bird Pokémon's Pokéball.
Janet (reassuring) - You see... Swablu was looming forward to enter the Rustboro Pokémon Contest. But... since I'm using Beautifly in both rounds of the Contest, I was hoping if you would use your in the first round of the Contest.
Korra (confused) - Both rounds? You mean there are two rounds in the Contest, right? The first is the Appeals Round, with the second being the Battle Round?
Janet - That's right... since Swablu was really looking forward to participate in the Contest, I was hoping if you would use her in this one for today, if it's okay with you.
At the explanation, the former lonely boy gave a glance at Torchic, who seemed to agree with the idea as he then turned to Korra, who seemed to believe that the idea is great as well.
Turning to Janet, the former lonely boy took the Pokéball from her and accepted the excfied Cotton Bird Pokémon into his team.
Minato - Alright... I'll take Swablu under my wing for this Contest, Janet.
Janet (grateful) - Great! Thanks! Swablu will be looking forward to participate with you in the Contest!
Swablu (happy) - Swablu! Swablu Swablu Swablu!
Korra (amused) - Ha ha! Swablu looks and excited and happy to participate with you, Minato...
The former lonely boy watched as Swablu once again began to rub his cheeks with her cotton-like wings as he smiled at how much affection the Cotton Bird Pokémon was showing.
Minato (amused) - Yeah... She sure does, huh...
Flashback End
MC (from afar) - Our next contestant is entry number 17! Let's hear it for Janet!
Both trainers and their four Pokémon all turned to see the screen at the top, which showed Janet standing at the center of the Contest stage with both Max and May as her assistants! They seemed to be holding plates, which seemed to be needed for Janet's new performance.
At seeing Janet preparing to make her performance, Korra widened her eyes as she turned back to the former lonely boy.
Korra (surprised) - Janet is up next with Max and May... That must mean that the first round is halfway through! You're the last contestant to perform... Let's get back inside and join up with the others so you can get ready, too!
Minato (agreeing) - Yeah... I don't want all our training done to be all for nothing. Ready, Torchic? Swablu?
Torchic (determined) - Torchic Tor!
Swablu (excited) - Swablu!
With the agreement settled, the former lonely boy prepared to make his debut as a Pokémon Coordinator with his Pokémon and a Korra at his side.
To be continued...
Minato's Team:
Torchic: (M): (Ember, Peck, Focus Energy, Quick Attack)
Poochyena: (M): (Bite, Tackle, Howl, Dig)
Zigzagoon: (M): (Iron Tail, Hidden Power, Sand-Attack, Headbutt)
Treecko: (M): (Dig, Quick Attack, Absorb, Pound)
Swablu: (F): (Peck, Sing, Safeguard, Fury Attack)
Next Chapters:
Chapter 26: Pokémon Contest! Minato's Debut! Pt. 2
Chapter 27: Catch Wurmple! A New Double Battle!
Chapter 28: The Lonely Bird, Tsubasa Tendo!
Chapter 29: Class Starts at Roxanne's Time!
Chapter 30: The Brawn Kid VS The Smart Kid!
Next chapter preview:
Ash: Oh man... We've been so busy mastering Iron Tail, we ended up missing Chaz's performance...
Janet: Alright, Beautifly! It's time to take the stage and show the crowd your beauty and style!
May: Awesome! It's just... awesome! I don't know how else I would describe something like this!
Minato: Deep breaths... You can do this... Focus on strengthening your bond with your Pokémon...
MC: And now, with the first stage done, the second stage for battling has been shown!
Minato: A battle, huh... Why do I get the feeling that this battle is about to feel different?
Events that occurred:
- The group arrives at Rustboro Hall
- The group meets Coordinators Janet and Chaz and learn about Pokémon Contests
- Ash trains to master Pikachu's Iron Tail
- Minato competes in the Rustboro Contest as his debut in performing
- Janet gives Swablu to Minato, who takes a liking to the former lonely boy