@TinyPoisonFlower

I have long term plans for the Red Bagon, he just isn't good at knowing what he's doing, things like battling, or waking up in time right now.

Today was the day everyone had been waiting for. It was the day of the appeal rounds for the Wallace Cup. One by one, coordinators and trainers alike went on stage. Ash watched as Anthony took the stage.

"Barbacle you're on!" Anthony said, tossing up a Love Ball. The two performed a unique style by sculpting using dual Razor Shells. The ice eventually turned to form the three Kanto starters, scoring them a 27 even. "That's going to be hard to beat." Lillie said, holding Snowy close. "The strange girl from yesterday whose name they learned was Jessica was next. Her Frillish used the surrounding water combined with Psychic to create a large amount of other Frillish. Giving them a 22.1 score.

"Alright wish us luck." Chloe said holding a Lure Ball.

"Our next contestant is from here in Vermillion City, Chloe!" The contest host announced as Chloe took the stage. She looked around, so many people. She knew this was a big event but not this big. Her hand shook while holding her pokeball.

"Oh no." Professor Cerise said, realizing what was happening.

"Now's the time to send out your Pokémon." The announcer said comfortingly. Before anyone could do anything, Chloe ran off stage quickly. Ash managed to find her hyperventilating in a side hallway. "Chloe is everything okay?" Ash said, approaching cautiously. "I, I panicked. I don't know why, but I just did. I didn't realize there would be that many people watching me!" Chloe said between tears. "Hey, it's okay. Most of us are doing this just for fun, besides no one will look down on you for a little stage fright." Ash said kneeling down beside her. "We worked so hard, and I just wanted to be a part of it." Chloe said sadly. "Chloe, do you know how many contests I've been to. This will be my 31st. And this is the third time I've competed." Ash said. "Being on a journey isn't about doing exactly what everyone else is doing. It's about having fun with you friends, and finding what you want to do." Ash said holding her close. "Now come on. I'll lead you back to the waiting room for now." Ash said helping her up.

On stage was Goh and his large Magikarp. "Now Magikarp use Splash!" Goh commanded. He didn't know much about contests, but hopefully the power of his Pokémon's leap would be impressive. Magikarp flew up, and up, and up. What came back down however was not a Magikarp. As Goh's newly evolved Gyarados landed, it spun barely creating a splash in the water, before coming back out with a smile. Goh watched as he got a 25.7 for his score. "Way to go Gyarados!" Goh shouted leaping onto his Pokémon.

"Next up is May from Petalburg City!" The announcer said. "Skitty you're up!" May said sending out her Pokémon. "Now Skitty use Assist!" May commanded. Ash watched with bated breath, she had tried this once before, and it didn't go the best back then. Skitty launched into an attack that had to be Venasuar's Petal Dance. "Now Skitty use Blizzard!" All of the petals were frozen and began to fall. "Quick use Tail Slap!" May commanded. Each frozen petal exploding into a shimmer surrounding Skitty. May's score came to be a 28.4.

Mia was up next, but chose to put the focus on her instead of her pokemon. Earning her a score of 0.3. "I didn't even know scores went that low." May said flabbergasted. "I'm more concerned about the amount of pyrotechnics she had on stage." Misty said. "That's what you two are shocked about, not the three costume changes." Chloe said embarrassed from the sight. "Where'd she even keep that baton?" Lillie puzzled.

"Looks like I'm up." Lillie said nervously. Stepping onto the stage she saw her brother there front and center giving her a thumbs up. "Alright Snowy. Let's do this." Lillie said determined. "First use Hail!" As snow and ice surrounded them Lillie prepped herself for part two. "Now use Aurora Veil!" An aurora of rainbow like colors filled the stage. Lillie looked at the judges table with high hopes. Only scoring a 12.5. "It's okay Snowy, we had fun right?" Lillie asked. "Vull." Snowy replied happily.

"Next up is Cerulean City's gym leader Misty!" The announcer said. "Caserin, take the field." Misty said sending out a Luvdisc. "Now start with Aqua Jet!" Luvdisc began rocketing around the pool, eventually gaining enough momentum to lift itself out of the water. "Now use Water Pulse and Attract!" Misty called out. Instead of the normal circular pulses, these came out in heart shapes pulsing in front of Caserin. Misty watched as she got a perfect 30. She wasn't known as the tomboy mermaid for nothing.

Ash was ready. He was the last of his friends to do their appeal. Readying his Pokeball, he walked on stage. "Totodile you're up!" Totodile popped out of the ball, and immediately began dancing. "Let's spice it up with Dragon Dance!" Ash called out. For a moment Totodile's movements became erratic before fully shifting to a more powerful yet graceful dance. "Keep it going with a Waterfall!" Totodile began leaping up from the water with a surprising amount of grace and dexterity. As a ring of water sprouts surrounded Ash, Totodile danced from one to the next with ease. As the water fell, Ash saw his score 20.1. It wasn't as high as he'd have liked it to be, but hopefully it was enough.

As everyone watched the round two entrants come on screen, they saw Misty, May, Anthony, Jessica, Goh, what looked to be Drew but Ash wasn't sure, a cloaked trainer, and Ash. Lillie and Chloe were happy for their friends, despite not having made it themselves.

"To all of you who made it to round two." Professor Cerise said holding up a glass of juice. Ash went inside, May wasn't out there with them, she of all of them would want to be out there. "It's good to hear from you Max." May said holding back tears. "No, no I'm happy you're doing things your way, just be careful please." May said wiping a tear from her eye. "Okay, I should get going to. Call me when you get your first badge, I'll be waiting to hear about it." May said hanging up her phone. "How's he doing?" Ash asked. "He's good, just made it into Viridian Forest." May said with a smile. "We're all rooting for him." Ash said comforting his friend. "I know, it's just so different than how I've always journeyed." May said embracing Ash. "That might be why. He's been through most of Kanto and Hoenn with us. I think he really wants to experience this on his own, and find his own way around." Ash said. "Yeah, I know. Still doesn't mean I won't worry though." May said starting to smile. "Come on, theres a party going on, and four of us made it to the next round. Things should be happy right now." Ash said with a smile. "You're right, come on let's go there before they take all the food." May said heading off.

In the distance a dark presence loomed, watching its prey closely.

Authors note:

So who knew Misty had a Luvdisc. It's an odd Pokémon that only appeared for an episode, but I felt it would be good for a contest.