"speaking"
"Thinking"
On with the story
After leaving the Celestic Town, Ken was back in his journey to challenge the Sinnoh League before challenging Shirona in the Champion's league
He was riding on Golurk's back as the Automaton Pokemon flies towards the next city, Hearthome city
"nice breeze" Ken said as the wind blew around his face
Ken holds his cap in place as the wind nearly blew it away
After five minutes of flying in the air, Ken arrived to Hearthome city
"thanks, Golurk" Ken thanked as the Automaton Pokemon nodded before getting called back to its Pokeball
Ken started walking in the city as he headed straight for the gym, but as how luck is with him, the Gym was closed
"this is getting too old" Ken said as he sighs before walking away to the Pokemon center
Ken sat down on the couch in the Pokemon center as he takes off his cap before running his hand through his head
"haaaa, is luck against me these days?" Ken asked himself before seeing a group of trainers running out of the Pokemon center
"let's go! we're going to be late for the Mikuri Cup!" "I know I know!" "I wonder if we get to see Mikuri-san!"
"Mikuri Cup?" Ken muttered out before he heard the sound of the tv near him
He looks to the tv as it showed some tv news about a contest in Hearthome city
"what's this contest about?" Ken muttered out before he sees a poster nearby the tv
He went to the poster and looks at it
""enter the Mikuri Cup and unleash your true beautiful passion!", is this some sort of beauty contest or something?" Ken asked
"it's something like that" someone answered as Ken turns to see a young teenager with orange reddish hair and had a Glameow beside her
"you are?" Ken asked
"my name is Nozomi from Snowpoint city, and this is my partner Glameow" the young teenager introduced herself as her Glameow meowed "we're here to participate in the Mikuri Cup"
"Ken of Lavender Town" Ken introduced himself as he shakes hand with her "travelling trainer"
"I knew that I somehow recognized you." Nozomi said smiling "you're the Ken who battled Shirona-san to her fullest in the Indigo League, right?"
"yeah, if you put it that way" Ken replied a bit embarrassed
"your battle was so amazing that even Contest's Coordinator were amazed" Nozomi said
"Coordinator?" Ken asked confused
"it's the name of Pokemon Trainers who only participate in Pokemon Contests" Nozomi explained
"I see" Ken said with a nod "then this Mikuri Cup is the same as those Pokemon Contests?"
"it is but it's kinda different" Nozomi replied "the Mikuri Cup is held by the Houen League Champion, Mikuri-san as this acts as a festival for trainers and coordinators"
"oooh" Ken said before looking to the poster as he looks to the corner end and sees who are the judges and one of them happens to be Melissa, the Hearthome Gym Leader
"why is a Gym Leader in here?" Ken asked
"that's Melissa-san, she's a bit special Gym Leader" Nozomi said with a smile "she sometimes travels around and enter Pokemon Contests and became a Top Coordinator. But in doing so, she always leaves her Gym Closed"
"I guess she closed it this time because of this tournament" Ken said before Nozomi got an idea
"then how about you join in?" Nozomi proposed
"me?" Ken asked pointing to himself "no offense, but I have no idea on what to do in this type of things"
"it will be fine! My Friend Hikari once made a friend of hers named Satoshi join in on the Mikuri Cup, last year!" Nozomi said
"I know of Satoshi, I've heard a lot of him from many people" Ken said
"then this is going to be a snap for you!" Nozomi said as she started pushing Ken outside the Pokemon Center
"but I still don't know the rules of this tournament" Ken told Nozomi
"I'll explain it to you on the way!" Nozomi said as she pushed Ken to the Mikuri Cup tournament hall
Ken and Nozomi were now in the Mikuri Cup Registration booth as they were going to signed up for it
Ken writes his name on the form as he gave it towards the receptionist
"alright, your name has been identified and your Pokedex entry has been filled in" the receptionist said as she gave back Ken's Pokedex before giving him a tray that had a red Ribbon case, a rule book, and a glass ball "here is your Ribbon Case and your Ball Capsules with the addition of a rule book"
"thank you" Ken replied as he takes away the items before he went to a café with Nozomi
"so the first part of the contest is a performance contest between Coordinator and Pokemon, huh? And the last part is the battle" Ken said reading the rule book of how a Pokemon Contest work
"yeah, and you can also perform in the battle to decrease your Opponents point as well" Nozomi added in "it's basically performing your Pokemon ability to entertain the judges and the audiences"
"I see" Ken said before looking to his ball capsules and the stickers provided with it "what are these for?"
"It'd be better if I show it to you" Nozomi said as she had one Pokeball encased in the ball capsule and the encased Pokeball had a flower sticker on "come on out! Gallade!"
The Pokeball popped out as flowers flied around before Gallade appeared
Ken hummed in amusement as he looks to his ball case and the stickers provide with it
"so it's function is to make the Pokemon come out in a dramatic entrance, huh?" Ken asked as Nozomi nodded
"like they all say "first impression is the best impression"" Nozomi said as Ken chuckled a bit in response
"I guess so" Ken replied with a smile
Ken was at a rented inn as the Mikuri Cup was starting tomorrow
He was in the middle of a phone call with Shirona
"I see, the Mikuri Cup invites all Trainers and Coordinators alike after all" Shirona said as Ken had told her of what he had been doing today
"yeah, I'm surprised to see some trainers here" Ken said before sighing "if the Gym didn't close today, I wouldn't be here in the first place"
""always face a new challenge head strong like a Rhydon", right?" Shirona said with a smile "I'm sure you will like doing this type of Contests for a change"
"even if you say so" Ken said sighing a bit "the contest is tomorrow and the Pokemons I have are all for Gym Battles not one of them are suited for this type of thing"
"true, but you have your strong bond with them, I'm sure you'd be able to think of something by then" Shirona said in reply while smiling "I'd just know that you can, Ken"
"yeah" Ken said with a smile
"Shirona! When do you want your wedding day set?! Ask Ken while you're at it!" Karashina's voice was heard in the video call as Shirona instantly blushed
"Grandmother!" Shirona exclaimed while Ken laughed a bit awkward hearing her words
"I've got to go, Ken! Good luck!" Shirona told Ken as he nodded before he hangs up the call
Ken sighs as he sat down on a chair before taking off his cap and placing it on the table beside him
"my strong bond, huh?" Ken asked as he looks to the ceiling before he got an idea
He quickly dialed Fuji's number as he awaits the call to be picked up and it did after a few seconds
A video screen of Fuji appeared as the old man had a smile
"hello, Ken, long time no see" Fuji greeted Ken as Ken nodded back
"long time no see, Fuji-san" Ken replied "listen, I need some help"
The next day had come as the Mikuri Cup had begun
The crowd were cheering for the Coordinators that were entering the Mikuri Cup. "Welcome to the Mikuri Cup! Hosted by the Master himself, Mikuri-san!" Marian, the MC called to the crowd."I'm your announcer, Marian. It's a pleasure to be here with you today!"
"And this year's special event is taking place at the beloved Hearthome City!" Marian called. The crowd went wild, cheering for the Coordinators that were about to come up and the event that's about to happen.
Ken was at the waiting room as he was wearing a tuxedo and had a Darkrai masquerade on
"man, this thing is tight" Ken said tugging on his tie as the costume, he was wearing was borrowed
He looks to the screen as Marian introduced the five judges
"Now, I'd like to introduce to you our wonderful judges! First, for all you know, Mr. Contesta!" Marian declared.
"I bid you good morning, and I'm looking forward to a spirited performance to everyone!" Mr. Contesta greeted with a smile. "Next up is the President of the Pokémon Fan Club, Mr. Sukizo!" Marian continued.
"I like it" Mr. Sukizo commented. "And finally, Hearthome's city very own Pokémon Center nurse, Nurse Joy!" Marian continued. The nurse blushed as she made her greeting.
"My heart here is just beating a little faster being here with Mikuri, thank you!" Nurse Joy admitted.
"Hearthome City, Gym Leader and a Top Coordinator! Melissa-san!"
"good day to you all! I can't wait to see! Beautiful! Amazing! Unbelievable! Performance for you all!" Melissa announced with a smile
"and our grand Coordinator! Mikuri-san!" Marian announced as Mikuri stands up
"good morning! Sinnoh!" Mikuri announced out loud as the fans cheered and screamed for him "I welcome you all to the Mikuri Cup that is being held in the beautiful Hearthome city!"
"let's show you what the winner of the Mikuri Cup will receive! Presenting the fabulous Violetta Ribbon!" Marian said as she showed everyone a purplish gold ribbon with purple ribbons as it shines "this Ribbon marks the winner of the Mikuri Cup and therefore this victory is just one giant sized step to the winding path to the Grand Festival"
The crowds cheered as they clapped their hands as loud as they can
"Alright then! Let's do it! Let's see what our Coordinators and their Pokémon have got! As we head onto the performance stage with our first entrance!" Marian announced as the first coordinator took the stage
Ken watched the screen as he learns how everyone performs their Pokemon's talent to the full potential in the performance stage
"I see now" Ken said looking at the tv as the first contestant use a Pichu and a Raichu together as the rules was that coordinators may use two Pokemons in the performance stage
The Pichu attracts the audience with its cuteness while the Raichu performs a great electric show for everyone
"using appeal and attack skills, that might help in getting high points, huh?" Ken said rubbing his chin
"not only that" someone spoke out as Ken turns around to see Nozomi walking towards him while wearing a Coordinator outfit "you look nice by the way"
"thanks, though this is the only male suit that they had left for me to borrow," Ken said with an embarrassed laugh before the two looks to the screen and sees the first Coordinator finished her performance well and she got high points
"a Pokemon's talent and a Coordinator's Bond with the Pokemon is what makes the performance stage very important, it will test how strong is your bond with your Pokemon, and that's why Coordinators train hard for this" Nozomi said looking to the screen as the next Coordinator was on the stage, performing
"yeah, I can see that" Ken said as he sees how the next coordinator's Pokemon performed gracefully on the stage "everyone here has a very strong bond with their Pokemon that it makes me feel a bit jealous for some reason"
"you being jealous?" Nozomi asked with a smile before hearing her name being called out
"well then, wish me luck" Nozomi said as Ken nodded and gives her a thumbs up
She then exited the waiting room as she prepared for her stage appeal
Ken sat down on the couch as he watched the tv
Nozomi appeared as she was next to perform
"Leafeon! Glameow! Ready Go!" Nozomi threw out two of her Pokeballs as Glameow and Leafeon appeared in a breezing wind
"Leafeon! Magical Leaf! Glameow jump in the wind!" Nozomi shouted as Leafeon let out a cry and a storm of glowing leaves flied out
Glameow curls up its tail before jumping up by using its tail as a spring
The feline Pokemon soars into the air as the magical lead surrounds Glameow and gives the Pokemon a shining coat of wind
"amazing! With Magical Leaf, Glameow is dancing in the air!" Marian exclaimed on the mic
"not done yet! Leafeon! Energy Ball! Glameow! Ice beam!" Nozomi shouted as Leafeon charged up a green energy ball before firing it into the air while Glameow fired its ice beam at the Energy ball
The ice Beam froze the Energy ball as it was encased in ice
"now Iron Tail!" Nozomi ordered out as Leafeon and Glameow jumped towards the frozen Energy ball before spinning their silver shining tail at the ice ball and shatters it, resulting in an explosion of green sparkles raining down the stage
"another spectacular performance by Top Coordinator Nozomi! Freezing the Energy Ball in ice before breaking it with Iron tail, the stage has been showered in beautiful sparkles!" Marian exclaimed
"I really love as their amazing way of artistic efforts built on itself!" Mr. Contesta commented.
"I like it!" Mr. Sukizo commented.
"I've never seen such an amazing performance!" Nurse Joy commented.
Mikuri then stood up, making his comment. "Indeed! A truly lovely sight! Today, we have been given a real gift!"
"amazing! And beautiful!" Melissa commented as she twirls around in joy
Ken watched how Nozomi performed as he smiled
"as expected from a pro, huh?" Ken said with a smile before he heard his name being called out "looks like it's time"
Ken takes out two encased Pokeballs as he looks to them before applying a wind theme sticker and a mist sticker to each one before heading out
After Nozomi's performance was over, everyone waited for the next Coordinator to perform
"now the next contestant! Ken!" Marian exclaimed before looking in surprise as she looks to the contestant list "I can't believe it folks! Our next contestant is the Ken! The Indigo League Champion and the world's only trainer to have ever won a draw against Sinnoh League's Champion, Shirona-san!"
The crowds wowed as they cheered out for Ken
Ken was behind the curtains as he sighs when his reputation was shouted out so loud
"I should've signed in with a different name" Ken said before the curtain slowly lifts up "here goes nothing"
"presenting! Ken!" Marian shouted on the mic as the crowds cheered
Ken takes a deep breath before exhaling out as the Trainer instantly ran towards the stage before calling out his Two Pokemons to the field "come on out! Poliwrath! Alakazam!"
His two encased Pokeballs pops out as Poliwrath appeared with water splashing out, while Alakazam appeared with mist covering its body before it blew out
"Poliwrath! Hydro Pump! Alakazam! Psychic!" Ken ordered out as Poliwrath fired a powerful stream of water to the air while Alakazam moves its spoons around before its eyes glowed light blue
The Hydro Pump bends around due to the psychic as Alakazam moves around its spoon in controlling it
"Poliwrath! Ice Beam!" Ken shouted as Poliwrath fired its ice beam at the Hydro Pump as it froze into ice "keep it up!"
"what are we seeing here folks!?" Marian exclaimed as Alakazam controlled the Water as it forms a giant aquatic ribbon before Poliwrath froze it with the ice beam "it's a giant ice ribbon!"
"now! Psybeam!" Ken shouted as Poliwrath crosses its spoon and fired a rainbow-colored beam at the giant ice sculpture, instantly making it shine in a rainbow color
"Poliwrath! Finish it up with a Focus Punch!" Ken shouted as Poliwrath jumps towards the giant ice sculpture before punching its right fist that was covered in energy, at the sculpture
The ice sculpture cracks before it shatters into pieces, and snow dusts started to rain down
Poliwrath jumps down beside Ken as Alakazam stood beside Ken
They then bowed as the crowds applaud them
"amazing! Ken had first made a giant sculpture of an ice ribbon and then shine in a beautiful rainbow color!" Marian commented as the judges wowed to the falling snow dust above and so did the crowds "and now we have beautiful glowing snow dust falling from above!"
"such amazing and beautiful performance!" Mr. Contestar commented
"I love it!" Mr. Sukizo commented
"what beauty!" Nurse Joy said as she looks in amazement to the falling snow
"elegant! Excellent!" Melissa exclaimed as she stands up in amazement to see the beautiful snow
"pure harmony! Pure majestic! This is by far the most beautiful performance between Coordinator and Pokemon, that I'd have ever seen in my whole life!" Mikuri said in high praise as he claps his hands for Ken, and soon the rest of the audience and the judges followed "as expected of the Indigo League champion!"
Ken and his Pokemon bowed to everyone as they smiled to each other
After performing, Ken went back to the waiting room where he was crowded by other Coordinators who wanted his autographs and a handshake with him
"Ken-san! I'm a huge fan!" "can I ask for an autograph!?" "a handshake, please!" "please take a picture with me!"
Everyone crowded Ken as he was cornered to the wall
"uh…can you guys back up a bit?" Ken asked as he was bit uncomfortable being crowded too much
"alright you guys, break it off" Nozomi came in to the rescue as she clapped her hands "give the guy some space"
Everyone soon backs away as Ken sighed in relief
"thanks for the save" Ken said as he adjusted his mask before deciding to take it off "man, performing on stage gives me shivers"
"yeah, all first-timers get that" Nozomi said "but you performed amazing! I've never seen such performance in my whole life, well other than Hikari's Fire Ice performance"
"thanks, but I couldn't have done it without Poliwrath, and Alakazam" Ken said as he looks to his two Pokemon and smiled "they deserve the applause, not me"
"you're too modest!" Nozomi said as she slapped his back "it was your bond with your pokemon that made it possible! Stop being too modest!"
"hahaha" Ken laughed a bit as he rubs the back of his head in embarrassment while Poliwrath and Alakazam smiled to their trainer
That's a wrap!
Bye bye
