And back as promised, we bring the Coordinating fans something special. It just makes Pokemon fans realize the just Gyms and Leagues are not enough, but Contests and Showcases bring a lot to the table. And we absolutely had no agenda while writing May to hold her dreams back. We wanted to give her something extravagant too. Both Ash and May should prosper in their careers is our main ambition.

Now the good news is that I and Blaze have shortlisted three Pokemon for May she caught in her journeys. Since we didn't see any of her Johto team, we have decided to give her a Flaffy, to make up for the electric type missing in her team. Altaria is another Pokemon we have given her since the episode True Blue Swablu meant something. We are still working on the plots of which other five Pokemon she will capture in their upcoming Journeys.

So, clearing that up, allow us the opportunity to brief you about this chapter. This chapter is largely about May. So making Ash sit on the stands just cheering was a new angle for us. May is making her comeback with participating in the Jubilife Contest. Now even though her main goal is to enter the PWCE – a world tournament for Coordinators, this Contest though official is only going to be a practice. Just like Ash takes on the Gyms so that his Pokemon could gain experience.

Jubilife Contest as shown in the anime, every Coordinator will simply use just one Pokemon. In last chapter, May had resumed her training after an hiatus with Blaziken. Gradually, we'll open her debut with Blaziken. He's her starter after all. So the appeals on the shoulders of just one Pokemon this time. Gradually as the story progresses, May will be using two or three Pokemon in Contests. We'll come to that at some point of time. And those who do want to see Sceptile and Blaziken battle together, the request has already been made under advisement. Some more of May's Pokemon will be constantly recurring for the training scenes between the series, to emphasize Ash training May.

So without further ado, let's start.

Storyline Date: 5th January, 2023.


"So what do you think about this one?'' she skittishly asked. Novelty a huge component of her day ahead.

Ash shifted to the side of the couch, making way for another designer dress discarded on the bed. May was browsing through her habiliments, hoping one of them would make her steal the show. But the only problem was there were too many she had brought along.

May stepped out, in a black balloon halter neck dress with a self tie strap, a draped balloon skirt below her waist, accompanied by black heels she tiptoed out on in front of the dresser.

"Let me just go kill a guy, and then we go at his funeral. You don't even have to change.''

"You really wanna be smug, right now? Or help your girlfriend make a choice?''

"What do you think I have been doing last one hour May?'' Ash retorted. ''Your bag is just crapping out a new dress! How many have you put in there?''

''Please! I can't live without my beautiful designer dresses! They are the pinnacle of my charm!''

"Am I audible above there with your dresses? I am calling you from the chasm of May's lowest priorities,'' Ash jeered. ''The witch wants her gear back!''

"Fine!'' May grouched, pulling the black frock over her head, and tossing it back into the luggage. Ash raised his brows at the disorder, wondering if he would have to tip the maid larger than usual. An Erica lemon yellow stretch rib dress replaced the dark black one, this time assuring Ash that May's back was zipped. May looked a total hun in the lush yellow, lighting up the entire room. Sleeveless, with the tie around the waist, detail with slits in the sides. Yellow heels glammed up the dress, a complete combinations.

"So?'' she posed, broadening her hips as she stationed a hand on them.

"Too early for summer, don't you think?''

"Pfff….not this one too? You are the worst fashion advisor ever.''

"You and me both know that but if I want something yellow walking besides me all the time, I have Pikachu for that, May…''

"You know, now your sarcasm is starting to tick me off!'' May rebuked.

"You said you liked the color of sarcasm on me!'' Ash argued, sentiments hurting.

"Just not when used against me!''May grumbled, marching back towards her bag, taking another costume out. Ash waited, patiently until May took her sweet time. He moaned under his breath, the lapsing of time reminding him how Serena would take an extensive amount of time trying on her dresses, perturbing him time for training. And why would of all people would someone ask him fashion advice. He openly admitted he sucked at it. His mother would still sew some of her clothes.

May emerged for the umpteenth time from the bedroom, this time showing her classy side, looking gorgeous esme red midi dress. It had one shoulder neckline frill detail, with a stretch scuba fabric. It had adjustable straps measured her perfect curves, with ruching down, adding loads of weight to her sex appeal. The dress was perfect knee length, and completed by May's black mules, and a sophisticated confident look on her face. Her hair was braided and brushed on one side, that layers of luscious brown side-swept curls cascaded down her left shoulder., making her achieve just the perfect celebrity look. This marked a symbol – a symbol of sanguine, that her bandana would always conceal.

"How's this?'' This time there was just as much seductiveness in her voice, even though the question was posed petulantly. Her eyes glittered, as she turned around, giving him some clarity on her backside. He didn't have a word. His jaw had dropped as if gravity had forgotten them. Even to stuttered he could muscle them back up. He was enamored, enamored by her beauty, by her sass, and stricken by her sexy flamboyance. He whined mentally, finally.

"I…think…we have a winner…'' he gulped, defeated.

She grinned victoriously, whipping around to look at herself in the mirror. She definitely loved her twin the mirror showed, graced by vision. "Oh yeah, this chick is definitely taking that Ribbon in the bag.''

"You also gonna put on some makeup?'' Ash quirked a brow, hoping to get the full picture.

"Oh dear no.'' May posed in all the angles she knew in front of the mirror, simultaneously answering him. ''My rule's go in natural.''

"So I guess you just have to rock that Contest now,'' Ash smiled, finally getting to see that side of May he always wanted to.

"You bet!'' May chirped, unclipping the flora on her dress. ''Just bear for a couple more minutes. I'll wrap this baby up and we'll get going.''

"Sure!'' Ash accepted to wait a few minutes more.

Skittishly May returned back to the bedroom, however even though women were terrible at keeping their word of deadlines, the Coordinator took an unusual time to rejoin him back in the living room. He glanced at the clock, disconcerted by the position of its hands, as May had left no more than fifty minutes to show herself at the Contest Hall.

"What could she be doing inside?'' A sense of dubiety took over him, as he lifted himself up from the couch, not bothering to grimace at the imprint his buttocks had left there. He creaked the door open, finding her sitting on the bed, her dress unkemptly rolled in her hands. She sat there, mumbling something, her teeth almost chattering. It was obvious she was having another stroke of anxiety. A great sense of adventure had woven into her nervousness, as if this is the the first sure-footing upon a great rock climb. The Contest Stage, simple minimalist vibe, had the feeling of a fresh new page.

"May? You okay?'' he startled, scurrying to her side, holding her. He winced, watching her hands tremble in that manner. "What's got you shaking?''

She checked with herself again and again to answer Ash, and there was no point masking her anxiety. She tuned into her emotions finding the best way forward. It seemed legitimately difficult.

"I am just feeling so axed. I should be hyped for this Contest.'' May bewildered. ''After all these years, I am gonna make my comeback. Why am I being anchored down?''

He stroked her back, trying to get her in motion. "It's just blues, May. They'll pass before you know it. You can't get your Pokemon get a wind of your anxiety. If that happens, everything you have worked for goes wrong.'' he softly swayed her.

"It's been six years since I was last standing on a Stage, Ash. Six years are enough to change the face of everything,'' she opined regrettably. A worm of self doubt still bothering her. ''Every time I picture that Ribbon Cup, all these years I wasted doing nothing comes to my mind. While I grew rusty, imagine the horde of Coordinators that must have outrun me.''

"Why do you even wanna go there?'' Ash coaxed. "You have this one chance to reclaim everything that you lost. Are you really gonna be wasting time worrying about these things while all your rivals might be training for their upcoming Contests? Is this what you're gonna be like when you'll be facing Dawn in Heartrome City Contest?''

"No but – "

"The forget about everything else in the world, May." Ash leered in her eyes. ''Think about that stage. Where you and your Pokemon stand. No one around. All lights on you. Millions who have paid to see you chanting your name. They eyes on you, and with them, millions of expectancy. Don't fret on what you'll do and how you'll do it. Just go out there and do what everybody wants. Have fun! Don't even think about the outcome.''

"Is this your mantra always?'' she moped.

"Yeah,'' he nodded, with a wide successful grin, sensing her mood shifting again. "Where do you think I would be if I care how I am gonna beat my Pokemon. I too was scared to make a comeback, but I did it anyways, and yours truly since. Once you get it, you get hooked to it. Trust me, it'll take a huge load off your chest. Accept those two loads are staying,'' Ash teased, pointing at her breasts, as she snarled playfully and smacked him on the head.

"You know,'' she cupped his face. ''You're right. I am not gonna say that often, but this time I think you truly deserve to be right. I just have to work harder with my Pokemon. Stick to the plan, right?''

"Now you get it,'' Ash chuckled, pulling her into him and glued their lips together for a while.

Separating themselves from constant intimacy, May gave him the sweetest curl of her smile, kissing his nose. ''Your pep talk threw all that stress outta me. I am feeling like going on a rumble.''

Ash chuckled, clapping her bottom as she lifted herself. "Break a leg, babe.''


It was a busier day than usual in the downtown area of Jubilife City, just as it was for several weeks now. Ever since the announcement of the PWCE, attendance rates for Pokémon Contests spiked significantly in regions all across the globe that hosted Pokémon Contests, due to the Pokémon Contest Committee's unprecedented promotional campaign. And with that inter-regional promotion campaign and the higher Contest attendance rates came higher tourism rates. As such, Jubilife City's streets were filled nearly to the brink with the latest arrivals, and the stores there enjoyed a greater amount of sales. Of the amount of people leaving Jubilife City, there was about a hundred times more for those who were arriving. The festivities had brought quite the turnout. This was expected from a Metropolis population. The block in question was bustling with activity as people went in and out of the stadium and the surrounding buildings nearby. A large screen mounted on the outside of Contest Hall displayed brilliant snapshots of Pokémon Contests while advertising the upcoming Jubilife Contest and a countdown clock.

May and Ash had already split at the entrance, as he bid her inside with a promise to cheer her on, making her imprint his needed support in her memory. She departed to the passage to the backstage, confidence boosted even so more. Soon enough, as the doors opened, Ash joined the crowds as they were being admitted into the halls "Man they sure seem hyped for the Contest on a Wednesday.'' He chattered, the mouse on his head agreeing without an argument. Spotting a seat in the preferable front row, Ash watched the people pouring in from both doors. He munched on his hotdog, when the lights suddenly dimmed and raucous applause echoed in the stadium.

"GOOD MORNING, JUBILIFE CITY!"

The auditorium was filled with a thunderous orchestra of cheering, which swept through the thousands upon thousands of spectators, residents and tourists alike, all of whom were seated in their allocated aisles. Their seats faced one singular direction, and it was towards the wide, rectangular Contest battlefield. A shaft of light in the center of the stadium revealed a a middle-aged woman with curly, shoulder-length, orange hair; she wore a flashy yellow dress with a rosy-pink undershirt, skirt, and leggings underneath.

Jillian, the twin of Marian and sportscaster for Sinnoh Contest Circuit waved to the crowd before once again speaking into the headset mic.

"To all Contest fans worldwide!" She howled, drawing once again a positive response from the crowd. "Welcome to the first Contest of the year 2023!"

Her opening was met with another roar of approval from the audience, and it thundered louder than last time. When the clamor died down and the spectators watched with building anticipation, the woman slowly turned to address every last corner of the auditorium through the microphone she was holding.

"I, Jillian Meridian, welcome you all here today as I kick off the newest Contest season of our lovely region, Sinnoh and we are doing it right here in the financial capital of Jubilife City! And now~''

The audience cries soared higher than ever, it couldn't have been more evident, for a third wave of cheering and applause shook the Contest Hall. The spotlight gracing her wasn't alone any longer, as a much larger portion of center stage was illuminated that caught the public eye. From where Ash sat, second row but dead center to the action, he grew anxious with eager anticipation.

A pair of panels rose up at one end of the stage, far away and secure from the hazards of appeals they were going to be judging today. A large accommodative oblong royal oak table rose atop a mechanical platform. Seated behind the table were the very three recurring pioneers of Contest Honors would be incomplete without. Their presences provoked another, smaller cheer from the audience, who excitedly applauded their timely arrivals.

"And now as the judges have graced their presences,'' Jillian announced, "allow me to introduce you to Head of the Judging Committee and Pokemon Contest Director, Mr. Contesta!''

Smiling brightly at the wide assortment of crowds, the authority greeted. "Thank you! I looked forward to some beautiful collaboration between Coordinator and Pokemon!''

"And next is the Head of the Pokemon Fan Club, Mr. Sukizo!''

"This Contest is just remarkable!'' The leader smiled, using his favorite word from his vocabulary. The squinted man chimed, doing nothing to dull the brightness of his wide smile. However, his catchphrase would always rile the crowds up.

"And finally, Jubilife City's very own, Nurse Joy!''

The applause was the loudest yet for Nurse Joy's introduction. The pink-haired woman smiled and waved kindly towards all of the spectators.

"I am so delighted to be here, everyone," the nurse said. "I hope we all have a wonderful and safe Pokémon Contest that everyone can enjoy!"

"Spoke the word right out of everyone's mouth, hasn't she?'' Jillian hollered. '' "Now, let's give one last round of applause for our three judges!"

The applause was so loud and mighty that the seats slightly shook from the crowd's overbearing enthusiasm. People in the seats were so jubilant and caught in the throes of their pro-Contest zeal that their cheering was like a tidal wave.

"Now let me get over with the rules quickly! Sixteen Coordinators are gathered here to dazzle us with their performance! Only four Coordinators will make it to the Battle round based on the highest scores by our esteemed judges! These four Coordinator will battle each other in two rounds until only one remains who will possess the beauteous Jubilife Ribbon!'' she raised the sky blue ribbon high – sapphire with white outlines with a rhombus gold in the center.

Like the prosperous treasure as a trademark of Jubilife City, the citizens marveled at the sight of the twinkling ribbon.

"And now, without further ado, one by one all our talented Coordinators will take their the positions on the stage, and make their Pokemon shine showing off power and beauty!"


Backstage, all the Coordinators stood by the TVs propped on the corners of the ceiling, their eyes glued to the wide, high-definition screens. Though it was mostly silent in the room, the Coordinators' collective enthusiasm was just as real and palpable as the audience's. Some walked in with souls that of a Teddiursa, who kept repeating themselves to be more like an Ursaring.

While May had managed to keep herself relatively calm in this exciting new atmosphere, thanks to her experience, a lot of the other coordinators were milling around, looking nervous. She felt as if she'd practiced plenty - between the training with Ash, her own concentrated efforts with Blaziken, and her own experience, she felt that this contest, this go around, would go off without a hitch. Doubtless she'd been waiting a while to step out as her own person, to be the boss of herself.

She with a stern determination that she wasn't allowing to drop, glued her eyes to the TV, watching as the first Coordinator walked out on the stage. The event began with its typical pizzazz. Ash's half-hearted clapping was completely drowned out by the cheering of the raucous Contest fans as the first appeal flew by. Truth be told, he really didn't care about any Coordinator out there today other than May, whom he was here to support and root for fervent commitment. In some way he still felt guilty not being here for May's Contest enough as much as he was dedicated to Dawn, which was probably the root cause that drove May towards Drew for advice.

The second appeal followed not too soon, with quite an inexperience Coordinator stepping into the stage. He rolled out his Voltorb on the stage with a background of furious bolts thanks to the effect of the bolt seal. With a perfect combination of Light Screen and Eerie Impulse, sparks crackled out from the Ball Pokemon as it added Gyro Ball to the effect. The currents cracked all of the artificial screens, forming pink and yellow dust all over the floor, allowing Voltorb to stop gyrating.

Right after the boy, a blonde lady in Dutch attire made her way into the fray. A ball launched by her popped open, embers swirling out like a cone. They burst into steady flames, dying down to reveal a Flareon. Obeying to the command of a Flame Charge, the fox's body became engulfed by powerful flames, her beady black eyes glimmering through the haze. Adding Quick Attack to it, the fire type charged forward, flames fanning out behind her and forming a fiery likeness of herself, mane and all. The audience made croons of fascination, obviously enamored. Stopping short, the fiery shadow of Flareon disappeared, floating up towards the ceiling, and sending the flames Flareon was engulfed in higher. Lifting her head, she exhaled an inferno of flamethrower, flames surrounding her began to pick up with the fire spin, making the cyclone wider. Soon the swirling vortex fell back on her, and thanks to her ability Flash Fire, they swirled around her like a ribbon. As the flames hit the stage, they evaporated into nothing more than amber sparkles, reflecting off Flareon's paws. May was impressed with the lady's displays, gladly noting that she had practiced enough.

With the courteous lady exiting the stage, she was replaced by a young teenager who confidently released out his Cradily. A fossil Pokemon intriguing the attention of the spectators. Championing the emotional environmental segment of greenery, their appeal consisted claiming the stage with Grassy Terrain. Using Ingrain, several roots bind the Barnacle Pokemon's feet, lifting it off the stage as it grew, thick roots swaddling on the tree Cradily created. Drawing natural power from the Grassy Terrain below, the tentacles of the fossil pokemon elongated with an emerald green glow. With a final spout of Brine as a fountain, it represented a tree sunbathing in nature. Enveloped in a social message to save trees, the appeal drew not just applause but even sentiments from the crowd.

Next came an older woman with a Purrloin emerging from the mist of the smoke ball. By the looks of it, it just seemed that the woman had a long awaiting dream of entering a Contest but couldn't due to unavoidable responsibilities. Starting off with the starry, elegant brilliance of Swift, the feline leaped up. Her Purrloin followed up with Shadow Claw, the ghost type move slashing up each and every star, bursting them into glitters. Though only two moves were used, it left a much stronger impression on the judges. May marveled, a simple yet elegant performance, execution of the Swift was just first class. She was reminded of Savannah looking at the woman exit the stage.

A flamboyant rich kid was up next, with his relaxed Sudowoodo at his disposal. With a shower of Rock Tombs, the boulders were neatly arranged atop one another as a giant column. Limiting their disturbance and fixing them on the ground with Sand Tomb, the entire pile of rocks was coated with sand. In the final curtain call, the rock type launched itself with an icy cutter, punching the structure with a frost, revealing a crystalline figure of a sparkling Onix, to regular normal types – a deity known for its size. The crowds approved the appeal with oohs and aahs of fascination, satisfied to pay to see an avant-garde performance.

There were a few more appeals until May's turn. In fact, she was second last, a fact she was very glad for. This meant she could leave a huge impression on the judges. She saw the Coordinators bustling in the room, murmuring about their next plan for the Battle round. May hesitantly looked around, as a fog blew in the room. From the fog came a figure so bundled in a thick jacket that she couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman. As things turned out she was wrong on both counts. The face peeking out of the parker was a girl of about her age, practically a babe in arms. Her cheeks were blanched from the cold and her eyes partially obscured with caramel hair. She smiled in the way girls do when they're masking nervousness, and despite the cold day May couldn't help but feel warmed. With a cough, the girl repeated May's name again, disturbing her trance as she gazed up at the girl.

"Miss Maple, you're up next.'' The attendant informed, scribbling something in the notebook she carried.

"Okay…thanks…'' May nervously smiled. Once again, the dark ghost of anxiety was haunting her.

"And our next Contestant, oh my - this is a shocker!'' the announcer couldn't mask her personal emotions as the name rung in her microphone, ''she's a Two Time Top Coordinator winning the Johto and Sinnoh Grand Festivals. A face that hasn't been on the screen for a long time! Please give it up for, the Princess of Hoenn, May Maple!''

As they walked onto the stage, she kept a limber pep in her step. The curtain broke apart, and May could hear loud murmurs rise from the crowd behind the thick velvet screen. She could sense astonishment rather than enlightenment in the crowds, staring at her figure with looks of shocks and amazement catching on quick.

As soon as they reached center stage, May exhaled, allowing a tightened fist to relax. She looked more confident and composed than Ash had probably ever seen her before as she stepped into the view of everyone in the stands. A single Pokeball was clutched in her hand, held inside a ball capsule bearing a smoke seal.

"Don't think about your Pokemon. Just let them do their job,'' Ash's words reassured her ''Concentrate only on the judges. Give them what they want! I can do this! I am ready to be born again! I am not lagging behind, Ash. Just watch!''

She gave a fiery glance at the huge curve of crowd, willing to take back to the hotel anything but a loss. And with a flex of her individual fingers, reared back, elegantly tossing the Pokeball into the air. "Blaziken, take the stage~!''

The ball spun gyrally in the air, before a bursting to release out white, mystic smoke. A brilliant flash illuminated from the cloud of shroud, the cockerel humanoid standing proudly as wakes of steam exited his body.

"Fire Spin!''

The fully grown starter obliged, launching a spinning vortex of flames from his gaping maw, causing all the flames to fan out. The corkscrew of scorching flames began circling around one another, creating a magnificent twister of orange and yellow forming a tornado of sorts. Chocolate bangs began to billow by the heat, tinted by the various change in color. Of course, May had learned the hard way that the star wasn't supposed to be her, but her pokemon. The Blaze Pokemon manipulated his trajectory and elevated the vortex shoot across the room.

"Now, Brave Bird!''

Sprung high by his strong legs, Blaziken dared to leap into the gyre, a different level of courage for a fire type. Enveloped in the wrath of his own fires, yellow gold energy conjured around the fire type, all his feathers turning yellow. Basking from the fiery cyclone, emerged the mythical architecture of the ancient bird, Ho-oh. A sight too beautiful to turn heads away. A spark igniting the great fire consuming the mythological bird.

"Brave Bird?'' Ash smiled, a bit stunned. ''So that's the move she was hiding.''

The flames channeled back into Blaziken's limbs, as the chicken pirouetted, landing on the stage with grace – displaying an appeal of unimaginable perfection and beauty that was said to exist somewhere beyond the brilliance of sun.

May twirled, bowing for the crowd.

"And the Princess proves she's still got it! What a beautiful display by Blaziken and a tribute to Ho-oh! This is what a Contest is all about! Judges?"

The trio seemed to reciprocate the crowd's cheering.

"The soul of a Coordinator burns with the kind of determination May has exhibit today! A fantastic combination that expresses the bond between a Coordinator and Pokemon!'' Mr. Contesta grinned.

"Remarkable is the word!'' Mr. Sukizo commented.

"An awesome balance between showing off Blaziken and an excellent orchestration to mold the fires into something new,'' Nurse Joy chirped. ''It just made my day!''

"Who wouldn't want to appease our judges like that? Put your hands together for, May and Blaziken!''

Though, they needn't be told twice. The crowd bellowed with cheers, enamored with the beautiful display.

Ash, in particular, elected to whistle and shout. "Alright, May!" He cheered, pumping a fist in the air. He nudged the old neighbor with his elbow, startling her. ''I sleep with her!''

He wasn't alone; Pikachu stood atop the wall separating the crowd from the stage, "Pika, Pika-ka!" The mouse shouted, waving two paws in support.

With a last bow and returning Blaziken, she walked off the stage. With pride rushing in her, she enticed herself to a treat later on. In the hallway, she felt a familiar sense of rivalry walking towards her. Funny, she didn't recognize anyone in the backstage. A stern teenager passed by, without acknowledging her, or he may have, she could never tell.

"And for our Final Contestant, he hails from a family of Top Coordinators, so we can say Coordinating is in his blood. Presenting you, Byron Snyder!''

"Swanna, let's fly!'' the boy passively called out the White Bird Pokemon bathed by a foam of bubbles. Starting off with sparkling flurry of bubbles, it was clear that he had been in the game for a while. Mixing Gust with controlled precision, an ascending circular vortex began to brew on the field, resembling a cyclone of just bubbles. The crowd became more intrigued as the thick twister spun rapidly, and not even one bubble burst, retaining the performance flawless. Byron's next command was Ice Beam, the forked beam weakening the cyclone of bubbles submitting to it in a sculpture of ice. Brilliantly encasing the multicolors on the soap film, also called as interference colors, the sculpture sparkled like the twister of gems. In a final call, the swan cried as soon as it heard her trainer cry out Sky Attack, enveloping in blue flames while missiling down into the opening of the tornado, illuminating the ice sculpture from within. The tornado began to emit rainbow lights that of a disco ball, adding more thrills to the crowd. Finally, Swanna made impact, and the whole ice burst into powder snow as blue sparkles spread all over the arena. The crowd whistled and roared, astonished by the fine beauty and ferocity of Bryon's combination.

May frowned backstage, but her lips curled in a cocky smile. Finally some competition…

It wasn't long before the results came out, revealing only the four Coordinators that would be moving forward. May had no doubts she would be among the party. She was in, her face first amongst the judges selection. With her, the lucky one were Byron, the boy with Sudowoodo and the girl with Flareon. Soon the screens started pairing up, and she was found to be squaring off against the Sudowoodo guy, named Tad Comtois. While she didn't concern herself with Tad's competition, she did continue occasional glances at Byron, whom she wished silently to meet her in the finals.

The latter thoroughly dominated his opponent's Flareon, in the semi finals, tallying more than three times the total remaining points his opponent had when the timer ran out. The battle was called off, and the lady politely alighted the stage with her in her arms. Next battle featuring May was soon getting underway, with the two walked out the opposite stage entrances as their names were called, tension brewing in both of their veins and a certain glint in May's eye that screamed her need for victory. All the same, despite the fight bubbling under their skin, they kept civil.

"And for the final battle in the semi finals, we have May all the way from Hoenn up against the Ironhead of Johto, Mr. Tad Comtois!''

The crowd responded well to both names. Their appeals were far engrossing and it would be disappointing if these Coordinators weren't paired up.

"Time starts now!''

May wasted no time, hand swinging forward with dramatic yet tasteful flare. "Blaziken, take the stage~!"

The fire type appeared on the stage, indiscernible chirp following the pokemon's appearance. His flames ignited, as he stood tall ready to battle.

Tad just winded his arm and chucked the capsule like a baseball, with his Sudowoodo landing on his legs with an indescribable pose.

"Blaziken,'' May commenced. ''Start off with Fire Spin!''

"Blaze!'' the humanoid launched a fresh new fiery loop in a large stream, engulfing Sudowoodo in a massive vortex. Upon striking the false tree, the fire exploded into a towering twister, wrapped in vibrant shades of red and orange. Embers rained from Fire Spin freely. Luckily for Tad, he wasn't robbed of first impression.

"Sand Tomb!'' he quickly outstretched a hand. The rock type could be seen writhing inside flames, exerting his power and control on the storm, by releasing a twister of his own. Waves of sand began to run through the Fire Spin, high winds significantly fighting off the flames and sprouting the seed of crystallization. With no dominance flagged on the flames, the combination burst, raising down sparkling crystals and embers upon Sudowoodo, costing May some points with the judges. A tactic to take advantage off.

"And Sudowoodo's powerful Sand Tomb completely neutralizes Blaziken's Fire Spin! What quick thinking!"

"Now Sudowoodo, Rock Tomb!''

Throwing its limbs above its slender body, a giant boulder solidified above the Imitation Pokemon, as the rock type lobbed the colossal boulder at Blaziken.

May smirked, undeterred by the size. "Blaziken, you know what to do!''

"ken!'' the capon's strong legs weren't just for launching off, but also packed strength enhancement. Bursting the rock with a crescent kick, Blaziken burst the glowing white rock into shards, and then pacing forward with his flames ignites, leaving afterimages behind him. Tad lost more points for that then May had for being out done on stage.

"Now Brave Bird!'' May countered.

"Blaziken…" Normally steady and flighty legs buckled, pain coursing through the fire type. A whip of his head surrounded his body in a brilliant yellow flame, his entire body launching like a comet towards Sudowoodo in a last-ditch assault.

Tad's smirk was evident in his features. "Sudowoodo, block it!''

Even though resistant to flying type moves, Sudowoodo crossed his bonsai limbs, waiting patiently. Blaziken soon crashed into his svelte body, pushing to overpower the guard.

"Sand Tomb!''

The Imitation Pokemon lost all is innocence in that coy smirk, a quick whirlpool of sand tightly wound around the chicken's feet, and the fire-type instinctively move forward, and toppled over as the stage as Sudowoodo retracted his guard.

"Ah! Blaziken!'' May gawked at the failure, points being lost due to the pitiful show on Blaziken's behalf.

"And Blaziken seems to be stuck in that sand pit. Which leaves it wide open for Sudowoodo's attacks!''

"This is just like the Contest in Chrysanthemum Island, when Combusken was stuck in the Sand pit" Ash grit, watching as Blaziken tried to release himself from the tangles of the sand.

"Sorry auntie, but you are yesterday's news,'' Tad mocked the brunette. ''This is our time now. Sudowoodo, Mimic!''

With his Rock Head ability, the Imitation pokemon was prime to launch a powerful, reckless attack. And, that it did. Quickly homing on Blaziken, it slammed its tough body into the Blaze Pokémon. The fire type wished that he was at least sent reeling from the super effective attack, however, the tendrils of te sand were grapping him to tightly. More points dropped for May.

The timer now started to tick beneath ten points.

With no recoil, Tad planned to take advantage of this moment. "Now, Ice Punch!"

A shining limb was brandished with the three emerald spheres taking up a cyan glow. Soaring once again above the floor, Sudowoodo began to bring the hook down.

"Auntie, huh?'' May smirked, ''Featherdance!''

Blaziken soon got the message and he humped himself, discarding his old feathers, before breaking free of the hold, leaving behind a decoy clone of itself in the sand trap.

"Could that be?'' Ash's brows furrowed, recognizing the maneuver.

Sudowoodo punched the husk instead feeling no bone no meat inside, as the feathers burst all around him. A sudden change of fatigue overcame him, as it lids grew tired, the feathers felt funny but equally weakening. The rock type staggered on the stage, wanting nothing but a nice, sweet undisturbed sleep.

"I can't believe my eyes! Blaziken has just shed itself into a twin of feathers looking just like it. And it seems to have played its cards. Sudowoodo's Attacks seems to be dropping faster than Tad's Points!''

"Sky Uppercut!''

Thwack! Wildly swinging his arm, a glow claw belted the rock type above the floor, and when gravity wasn't interested anymore, the rock type tumbled on the ground, knocked out. With Tad's points that were ahead of May's, quickly drained to empty, just as the referee called for May's victory.

"Tad's Sudowoodo has been knocked out. The winner is May!''

"Oh man!'' Tad whined and cursed. Stomping off the stage, Tad didn't seem to care about all the praises he had lost to May along with his hopes of winning the Contest.

"Suck a lollypop, kid.'' she chuckled, watching as her face was moved from the first round of battles to the second on the overhead screen. With that, the coordinator and fire type left the stage, leaving it for the next duo to battle on. The comfortable win was a welcome boosts to May's self confidence. The finals matchup, however, was where it got interesting.

Now, it was only two of competitors left in the competition. Her and the rigid young fellow in the royal suit. As Ash had pointed out during their break, no matter what, May would at least be making it as runner up in her returning career. But still, she hadn't come far away from home for the second spot. She had hit the road for on purpose only: a much larger gold next to her silver ones. Finally the backstage manager signaled May that it was time for the finals.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Jubilife Contest's final round is about to begin!" Jillian announced, drawing cheers from the crowd, "In the right corner, from Eindoak Town, he's the rising newcomer looking to make a name for himself. Please welcome Byron Snyder!"

Least interested in the drowns of applause, Byron walked on the stage huffing. The crowd celebrated Byron's appearance, but Ash immediately knew that the applause he received would be nothing compared to when May emerged. She was an established self made Coordinator, and didn't have to use a family name unlike this Byron guy. People would cheer for her like their lives depended on it, as they had already done when she had appeared for her previous two battles.

"And in the left corner, the princess from Petalburg City, the flower of the Hoenn Region who's looking to make a comeback, let's give it up for May!"

Sure enough, Ash was right. The dome of the Contest Hall literally shook with the applause. Thunderous clapping and stomping resonated all around the stadium, and the crowd's madness only served to inflate May's confidence. Her chosen PokéBall was clutched in her hand for all to see, wearing the unmistakable cover of a ball capsule. Byron looked nothing as intimidated by the cacophony, as the pundit impatiently stomped his foot, waiting for the battle to get underway.

May took her place in the battle box with a confident grin, squeezing the encapsulated Poké Ball as she readied herself. Byron appeared to shake his flamboyance away, and readied himself as well. Jillian came back on the PA system and called for the battle to start.

"With the first Ribbon of this Contest season on the line, we're all ready to go! Coordinators, are you ready?"

May chimed sweetly while Byron just rolled his eyes. Taking both responses as affirmative, Jillian commanded to commence the battle. ''Then, may the battle begin!''

The timer began to activate with a panicking display of 14:59 and running down.

Not wanting to hold back this time against a thrilling opponent, May threw her choice into the fray, ''Beautifly, take the stage~!''

The enchanting insect appeared in another flash, humming her usual cry as she fluttered above. "Beauti…''

Byron wasted no time in calling out his Pokémon, his impulses driving his movements early on. "Claydol, let's spin!''

Surrounded in a flash of red stars, the architecture of the lights revealed to be a shiny Claydol, with its skin tone a bit lighter gray than its original counterpart, and the atavistic had a belt of golden eyes rather than the pink ones. No wonder, the Pokemon took a head start in drawing attention as the trail of stars danced elegantly around the ground type before disappearing.

"A Claydol? Man, those are really tough to beat.'' May's brows shot up. ''Beautifly, use Silver Wind!''

The butterfly began to furiously flap her wings, kicking up a powerful wind, punishing Claydol with an unusual, bug type power. Eager to succeed, the Butterfly Pokemon continued her assault, showing no mercy. With the ground type wincing at the super effective attack, Byron's points chipped away a little bit.

"Gravity!'' Byron smirked haughtily.

Instead of a counterattack, Claydol focused its power. The multi-eyed Pokemon bind the butterfly hovering in the air, mending the rules of gravity. Beautifly whimpered, suddenly being drawn towards the stage floor by a magnetic pull of some kind. She felt an increased density in her weight, trying her best to flutter her wings, fighting off the intense air pressure.

"What move is that?'' May gasped. A hefty portion of her points robbed.

Her Pokedex sensing her dilemma, emotionlessly explained. "Gravity, a psychic type move. All airborne Pokemon are instantly grounded. This move lasts for five turns and negates Flying Type moves during the period.''

"Can't use Flying Type moves?'' May withered, watching helplessly as Beautifly's lighter body was glued against the ground.. ''That was unexpected.''

"Now your Beautifly is vulnerable to Ground Type moves,'' Byron snapped his fingers. ''Drill Run!''

The protrusions of the mysterious doll tucked back, and the ground type spun rapidly, whirling with the sounds of rotation upon he bug's feeble body.

Watching that her Pokemon was about to take a massive weight on tornado upon her back, May's pupils dilated and her heart began to pace hurriedly. "Quick use String Shot!''

The drilling extension on Claydol's head was about to close in as Beautifly cried, instinctively spewing forth a binding silk thread that stuck itself to the judges desk, and she was swung away before the disaster struck. The string so strong, it carried the butterfly to the flabbergasted judges desk, before she stopped for break at the furniture.

Meanwhile, Claydol's long eminence pierced the ground making the ground type stuck, and the mishap served to take away a second notch of Byron's points. May chirped happily. Not only did she discovered an alternative mode of transport but now her opponent was just a sitting duck for her.

"Silver Wind!''

With ample time, Beautifly paused and hopped on the ground, stirring up a larger than usual Silver Wind, bright scales slashing down upon a summoned zephyr at the soldered doll. Another itching whirlwind not just assaulted the psychic hybrid, but the gales also plucked out Claydol's horn, setting it free. Byron had no reason to celebrate the joy, as his points to a sudden dip for the third time.

This time his passiveness was edging into frustration. "Drill Run!''

Claydol's hues frowned at the rascal little butterfly, acting all innocent. It hummed again, twisting into a fierce, gray coated spin.

May's grin hadn't falter. Throwing her hand up towards the ceiling, she countered. ''String Shot at the ceiling!''

There were two things the little bug had to focus on: one, the spinning top that threatened to slice her in two, and the second, security on the ceiling. Glancing at her trainer, the bug type nodded, spitting out several threads that suspended her towards the ceiling, once again lifting her off the ground. This didn't seem so bad, even after being robbed of her ability to fly.

While this was a narrow escape, they still hadn't taken a raincheck from Byron's eyes. Before the butterfly could reach halfway towards the ceiling, Byron growled. ''Sandstorm!''

The Clay Doll Pokemon's gyration changed course, now whipping a frenzied gust of sand and dust over the field. A vicious storm engulfed the battlefield, severely limiting visibility.

"Damn it, I can't see a thing!'' May whined. Although she could no longer see her opponent, the Coordinator swore the boy was smirking at her.

The heightened wave of dust disturbed the delicate strings to tear up before they could fully accomplish their mission of pulling up Beautifly, the bug type squealing as she was plunging down for the floor.

"Beautifly!'' May 's eyes widened. She couldn't see her Pokemon but that cry she recognized crystal clear. All that matter to her now was her Pokemon's safety and not the points that she was losing. The sandy gust didn't slow Beautifly's fall, yet their opponents were still in picture.

"Drill Run Now!''

A spinning blur shot from the sands, striking the falling Beautifly who just couldn't nurse her wounds from all the buffeting. Like a waste, her limp body was spit out by the angry twisting tower of sand, finally granting May a vision of her Pokemon.

"Beautifly!'' May gasped, noticing the brunt of the Drill Run Beautifly took. All that heavy hitting was now tainting the bug's luster. Getting fiery with head still, May balled her fist. "Beautifly, use Morning Sun!''

"Bah, what is it 'the 2005'?'' Byron grimaced acidly. ''Heal Block!''

Once again, the supernatural psychic ways seized Beautifly any health returns, as her recovery busted.

"We can't even use Heal Block?'' May looked at storm fixedly, knowing that her opponent stood right behind it.

"Oh dear! Looks like Byron's got May all on the ropes. Banning Beautifly's flight and recovery moves, does this mean that a new legacy is about to take place here?''

"Not a chance!'' May frowned. ''Beautifly, Silver Wind full power!''

"eautifly~'' she crooned, wasn't letting this go without a challenge. She beat her wings rapidly, a brutal silver zephyr beginning to tear the gyring sand, kicking up an airborne torpedo that quickly surrounded Claydol. May and others closer to the stage braced themselves for the spraying dust and sand. Beautifly instilled more and more power, not caring about any chances of exhaustion. Suddenly her body felt lighter, and she found the air again.

"Beautifly, you are flying again!''May beamed.

"Clay~"

The clocked was winding down less than seven minutes. Desperation entered Byron's face. "Sand Storm!''

The towering pillar began to began battering the bug type with a barrage of crescent shaped sand slashes, sending the butterfly flying once more.

"Long range attacks aren't gonna work, but,'' May remarked watching Beautifly correcting herself in the air, hanging in the air. With them on the ropes, May allowed no room for error. "maybe this will.'' Throwing a hand out. ''Psychic on the entire Sandstorm!''

The butterfly's eyes lit eerie blue, mind concentrating to cage that large whirling sandstorm to her mentality. Psychic energy was focused on the tower, just like she used to pace her comrades' Blizzards and Fire Spin attacks, all she had to do was concentrate harder. The enduring sands mixed with a major portion of the Silver Wind now danced to Beautifly's tunes twisting faster.

"dol….!" Claydol moaned, battered by the mixture of silver wind and the sands. Twisted inside for a while, the black doll was excreted out by the angry disaster, all eyes had turned to swirls.

In the stands, Ash shielded his eyes from the sand with his arm, and he squinted to see the result of the collision.

Jillian came on the PA system, her booming voice declaring the result for all to hear, "And Claydol is unable to battle! That means that the win goes to May from Petalburg City!"

The jumbotron hanging from the ceiling changed to declare May's win official, showing her portrait with a snapshot of the Jubilife Ribbon hanging on the side. Big, bold letters spelled out WINNER as the crowd went nuts.

While Byron still had enough points left to have made it a questionable victory, the one on one round ended in May's favor and that, along with her marginal point victory, was all she needed. He returned his motionless Claydol, and grunted, backing away from the stage. He had no reason to be here any longer, not even the ribbon ceremony. While he was talented, he did lack the years of experience May had.

May watched him exit the stage, an odd mixture of contempt trailed in his way. Now where she had seen that before? She smiled, knowing all that arrogance wouldn't stay any longer. She watched him disappear in the hallway, hoping to meet him soon. But right now, she had no agenda to keep pondering about the boy. She had a ribbon to receive.

Soon, the stage was cleared, leaving Mr. Contesta to approach May, opening a small case to reveal the ribbon secured on dark velvet.

"And now, is pleased to present the Jubilife Ribbon to our big winner, May!"

The mikan suited man standing at about May's height offered a genial smile, pulling back the case after she accepted her prize, ''It is so nice to have you back at the Coordinator's circuit, May. I am sure we will be seeing you again at the PWCE.''

Nurse Joy stepped in. ''That was a mesmerizing return. I am enchanted by watching Blaziken and Beautifly on stage. Congratulations on your return.''

"Thank you very much, Mr. Contesta and Nurse Joy,'' She bowed her head to the authority before brandishing the small congratulatory medallion with sapphire layers. "Alright…! I won the Jubilife Ribbon!" She cheered, holding it above her head. It would be childish to spin and dance in front of a camera, especially at this age.

"Beautifly~'' the butterfly cheered, landing atop her trainer's head.

The victory was greeted with much cheering and clapping, allowing the woman to soak in her victory.

"Thank you all so much for coming! Join us in Congratulating all our talented participants who vow to surprise us with their upcoming performances! To get live updates please download the 'Coordinator Network' app!"

With that, the contest was complete.


May walked in of the Coordinators-only room carrying the Jubilife Ribbon in one hand, sadly buying a Ribbon Case had just slipped out her mind She grazed her hand at the small, soft ribbon. How tiny and pretty it looked to have a Ribbon back in her hand after so many years. Over six years, she had lost the chance to win any ribbon, and it had been a devastating blow to her confidence. She just kept telling herself, that she had taken the opportunity to grow as a Coordinator.

She took a seat in front of her dresser, untying her hair. Too bad, this would take up another thirty minutes. There was no body in the room. She unclipped her hair and began to brush it, until a small whimper froze her hand in her hair. She whipped around finding a young little girl quivering on the bench, her Spoink in front of her trying to pacify. The little pig tried his best to juggle the orb atop its hed, just to make its Trainer smile a bit. But all efforts were flushing in vain.

Twisting her lips, May stood up, and as the elder she was, placed her comforting hand on the girl's shoulder. The weeping little child looked up at the pretty azure eyed woman, uncomfortable to be caught heartbroken.

"What's wrong sweet?'' May gently inquired, taking a seat besides the girl, hushing her.

"…'' the girl tried to squirmed out of the hands of a stranger.

"You can tell me anything you want, but please don't cry.'' May cooed, withdrawing her hands.

"This…this is my…third loss….'' The girl choked up, voice breaking.

"Oh, now all that because you lost this Contest?'' May smiled sweetly, ''Just keep trying harder. You'll win it big someday. Just believe in yourself.''

"I…haven't…won a Single Ribbon….and I have been trying…so hard…'' the girl bawled into May's chest. "My…brother works…on a farm…He tapped his…savings to send me…here….and i…''

Gently smiling as she herself had been through that phase. May sensitively stroke her back, burying her head deep in her chest.

"Spoink….Spoink..Spoink…''

"You can cry now and let make your Spoink more anxious…,'' in a counseling tone, May crowed. ''Or you can forget about this day, and train harder for the next Contest.''

Wiping the tears that cloud her vision, she glanced up at the senior Coordinator. ''Really?''

"Yeah,'' she ruffled the girls hair. ''When I was your age, my losses would haunt me as well. Luckily, I had my friends around me to exorcise those fears away. You need something like that too. Just a little inspiration, and you are all set.''

"I…can..do it,'' the girl nodded. ''I will…win!''

"I don't doubt you, girl.'' May pinched the girls cheek.

"You hear that Spoink! Let's go make some friends!'' the girl leaped up, startling May as she landed on the floor, spreading her arms out. The gray bouncing pig sprung on its coil and landed in her arms, embraced tightly.

"See ya May!'' the girl chirped, ready to sprint out.

"Hold on!'' the brunette called, causing the girl to stop and look back.

"What?'' the girl tilted her head in confusion.

"It's bad to leave without introducing yourself.''

"Oh,'' the girl blushed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. ''I am so sorry, I am Linda, and this is my partner Spoink!''

"Well Linda,'' May gasped playfully. ''I got a gift for you.''

May selflessly placed her newly earned Jubilife Ribbon in the little girls hands, confounding her. "Here, you can have this Ribbon. I already have one at home.''

"But May, this…''

"This is a token to remember me by…take care Linda,'' May kissed the girls cheek, raising herself to resume back to her changing.

"But May you and your Pokemon have worked so hard!'' the girl reasoned, trying to convince the elder to reconsider her offer. After all this capital was too much.

"I got something better,'' May chortled, poking the girl's nose. ''I made a new friend…in you.''