Chapter 2: Debunking the Trickster!
After making it through the first day, May was ready for round 2.
All over trainers were preparing their Pokemon.
"Alright May if you make it to the competition battles you have to use two Pokemon in every battle." Brock explains looking at the guidebook.
"Really?" May stopped hearing this.
"The manual says the first round is one on one but everything after is Double Battles. So you better make sure all your Pokemon are ready." Brock suggests.
"I'll be ready for them." May said determined.
"Hey, May!" Turning around, May saw Lisia calling out to her.
"Lisia." May smiles walking over.
"I wanted to wish you luck for the next round." Lisia said.
"You too, though I don't think you'll need it." May said.
"I got to say Lisia, I've never seen a Pikachu using an ice attack before," Caroline said.
"It took a lot of training. My Uncle helped me discover certain Pikachu can learn special attacks through contests and mine managed to learn Icicle Crash." Lisia said.
"I can't believe the Pokemon Champion is your uncle." May said.
"Well your dad is a Gym Leader. Seems like we both have famous relatives." Lisia points out.
"Touche," May said seeing the fair point.
"I've got the feeling Ash got inspired seeing you two work together," Brock said.
"Hey speaking of which, where is Ash and Max?" Lisia noticed they were missing.
"Ash wanted to do some of his own training and Max wanted to help." May said.
"Oh for the Hoenn League, right? Guess Uncle Wallace's speech and my appeal really got him thinking." Lisia smiled.
In another part of the festival, Max was showing Snorunt and Pikachu Icicle Crash and Volt Tackle from Lisia's performance.
"Snorunt." Snorunt said amazed.
"What do you think Snorunt? With that and Ice Beam you could be a real force to be reckoned with." Ash points out.
"Sno! Snorunt!" Snorunt with excitement, wanting to try it out.
"And Pikachu, Volt Tackle could really help with your level of speed and angle of attacks," Max said.
"Pikachu." Pikachu said equally excited.
"If we can pull this off the Hoenn League is ours." Ash grins.
First up was Pikachu.
"Alright Pikachu let's get your speed up! Sprint!" Ash said.
Pikachu started to run all around them, Max had placed soda cans in front of them to add as obstacles for Pikachu to dodge.
"Now Quick Attack!" Increasing his speed, Pikachu was racingaround the obstacles but on the last turn he narrowly avoids hitting one of the cans.
"OK that was a pretty good start," Max said.
"If we can get a little more control we might be able to pull that attack." Ash said.
Ash instructed Pikachu to only focus on balancing the power of his speed. Now it was Snorunt's turn.
"OK Snorunt, if we wanna master Icicle Crash then Ice Beam has to come first."
"Sno." Snorunt nods.
Picking up the cans, Max lines them up like targets.
"OK, ready!" He said giving Ash to ok.
"Alright, use Ice Beam and knock all of the cans!" Ash said.
"Sno!" Snorunt fires Ice Beam and blasted most of the cans before disappearing.
"Wow you actually managed to hit the targets." Max said impressed.
"Yeah Wallace gave us some good advice yesterday." Ash said.
"I just can't believe the Hoenn League Champion is here, and a Master Coordinator nonetheless," Max said amazed.
"I can't believe he actually helped me." Ash said.
"Why not? I for one enjoyed it." A familiar voice said startling them. Turning around, they see Wallace behind them. "Good morning Ash."
"Wallace." Ash gasps.
"Oh wow, I can't believe it." Max said totally blown away.
"What are you doing here?" Ash asks.
"Since the Festival hasn't started yet I thought I'd go for a walk." Wallace said.
"Uh I see. Oh uh, this is my friend Max. He's May's little brother." Ash said introducing Wallace to his friend.
"I-I-It's nice to meet you Mr. Wallace," Max stutters.
"A pleasure. Lisia told me about you all." Wallace smiles. "It's nice that even in a competition she can make new friends."
"Speaking of which, how did Lisia become a coordinator? She's got quite the skills." Ash said interested.
"Well, it all began a couple of years back when I was a coordinator," Wallace said. "When I was in the Hoenn Grand Festival myself."
"Weren't you overwhelemed? I mean how did you balance being a trainer and being a coordinator?" Max asks making Wallace chuckle.
"She asked me the same thing. But I gave her the same answer. I follow both because I love Pokemon and I wanted to learn every way to unlock their full potential." Wallace explains.
"Wow, so that's why she wanted to be a coordinator?" Ash asks.
"Yep and I'm so proud of her for making it this far." Wallace smiles.
"But enough about me, how's training coming along?"
"Well right now, Ash is trying to teach Pikachu Volt Tackle and Snorunt to try learning Icicle Crash." Max said.
"Well then may I make a suggestion?" Wallace asks.
"Please." Ash said.
"Volt Tackle isn't just about speed. You need to make sure your Pikachu also has the power to pull it off." Wallace said.
Pikachu ran over for Wallace to inspect.
"Hmm Pikachu when you use Quick Attack picture yourself like a lightning bolt. Charge up all that power and let it out all at once, but don't stop until your attack hits." Wallace instructs.
"Pikachu..Pika!" He thought about it before nodding, getting the picture.
"OK, let's try it out! Quick Attack!" Ash points straight ahead.
"Pika!" Pikachu started to gain speed racing ahead.
"Alright now charge up!" Ash yells.
"PikaPika!" Slowly sparks began emitting from his cheeks.
"Good, now let the energy flow out of you!" Wallace said as the electricity got stronger, like he was releasing Thunder while running.
"Pikapikapikapika!" Pikachu said.
"Yes now bring it in!" Ash said aiming for the cans.
As Pikachu sprints with all his might smashing into the cans destroying them.
"Fantastic!" Wallace clapped his hands. "Very good."
"Way to go Pikachu." Ash smiles.
"Pika." Pikachu smiles before collapsing to the ground.
"Pikachu!" Ash gasps.
"What happened?" Max gasps.
"That young man is the after of effect of using Volt Tackle. It's very powerful but it also damages you greatly. Meaning you have to be smart when you use it." Wallace warns.
"A negative side effect?" Ash asked as he quickly picked up Pikachu.
"Pika.." Pikachu groans.
"Lisia made it look so easy." Max cringed.
"The reason her Pikachu didn't take damage was because she wasn't aiming for a target to strike," Wallace said. "It's a risky move and sometimes as a last resort. So it's best not to rely on it every time."
"I guess you're right. If I used this in every round Pikachu wouldn't last." Ash said.
"And you only have 6 Pokémon from Hoenn." Max points out.
"Wait you only have 6 Pokémon?" Wallace asks.
"Well I wanted to try starting my journey over with only the Pokémon I could catch here." Ash explains.
"Hmm, well that does indeed sound admirable, however there's 1 little flaw in your ideal," Wallace says.
"A flaw? What's that?" Ash asked.
"There's no room for expansion on ideas or branching out to new opportunities for yourself and your Pokémon."
"There isn't?" Ash asks confused.
"While your goal has some merit you can't be the only one who has to grow. You need all of your Pokémon by your side to help you grow stronger." Wallace said.
Ash stopped to think of all of the Pokémon he had back home.
They were all there waiting for him, and he had left them behind to focus on himself and his Hoenn Pokemon.
Was that...negligence? "I-I never realized." Ash said.
"It's fine to try something new, but you shouldn't ignore the tricks and skills you learned starting out." Wallace said.
"So, what are you saying? Ash should stop doing what he's been doing?" Max asks.
"I'm saying he needs to find a proper balance between his new and old Pokémon." Wallace explains.
"Can I really do that?" Ash asks.
"But of course. There's nothing wrong with going back to your roots." Wallace said placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Sometimes it's best to think back where you started and capitalize on it. Think what you've done wrong in the past and think how could you make it better?"
"Wow, thanks Wallace I don't know what to say." Ash said.
"Say you'll think about it." Wallace said.
"I'll..I'll think about it." Ash said.
"Good, you better go find your friends. The next round is about to begin." Wallace said walking away.
"Well Ash?" Max turns to the older boy.
"Maybe he's onto something. I need to think about this." Ash said putting a hand on his head.
"Well maybe we should take a break and go find May." Max suggests leading them to the arena.
"Good idea." Ash returned Snorunt back to his ball and headed towards the main Arena to find their friends.
On the way the two of them spot May about to enter.
As they ran over to wish her luck when they noticed Harley approaching her.
"Hey May so you ready for Round 2?" Harley asks.
Acting quickly both of them hid from view.
"I sure am, and your little tip definitely gave my a great start." May said.
"Well I can easily offer another. I'd recommend using Skitty for this round." Harley suggests.
May raised an eyebrow. "Skitty? Why?"
"Your Skitty's Assist is to die for. I guarantee that if you use it you'll make it to the next round." Harley assures.
"But I can't. There's no telling what I'll get out of it Harley." May said.
"But the judges wouldn't penalize you for that. That's the appeal of Asssit, it's exciting not knowing what's bound to happen, it could be anything! Haven't you ever heard to saying, "You won't know unless you don't try?" Well I say try because you're a risk-taker!" He said enthusiastically trying to persuade her.
"I guess you have a point." May said slowly realising the possibility.
"Of course I do. Just looking out for you." Harley smiles.
"Alright, I'll do it!" She instantly made up her mind then and there.
"Atta girl!" Harley cheers as they made their way inside.
"Okay what is he up to?" Max asks as they came out of hiding.
"I don't know. Why is he giving May advice? He hates her." Ash said.
"Something's not right. Sure Assist is a great move but it's too random. May will never know what's she gonna get. She has no way to prepare." Max said.
"And that's what Harley wants." Ash realizes. "He's trying to make May look like a fool!"
Max gasped. "That creep! He's still the same as ever! We gotta talk May outta this!"
"Hurry! Before it's her turn to go up!" Ash said as they sprinted inside.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the main competition round of this year's annual Hoenn Grand Festival!" Vivian announced. "Now to remind you all, we started off originally with 247 contestants, but we've dialed down to only 64 remaining. And those semi-finalists will battle it out here on the main stage in elegant and fierce duels, until only one remains. The last coordinator standing will receive this year's magnificent Ribbon Cup!" Vivian points to a golden trophy. "Now then let's meet our distinguished and hardworking judges!" She points to the list of panels behind her.
"First up, the chief of the Pokémon Activities Committee, Mr. Raul Contesta!"
"I am very honored to witness such an extravagant occasion. And I hope all of you watching or from far away will enjoy this as I will." Mr. Contesta smiled.
"Next up, Mr. Sukizo; head of the Pokémon fan club!"
"I hope to see such remarkable performances here today!" The short man smiled.
"Next up is none other than Slateport City's very own Nurse Joy!"
"Thank you. I've made sure to watch over everyone's Pokémon here. All happy and healthy, and I just know for a fact you all will do your best in this extravagant competition." The pink-haired nurse sincerely said with a smile.
"And last but not least, a man who dosen't need an introduction. The Contest Master and Hoenn League Champion himself, Wallace!"
"I look forward to seeing how all of you and your Pokemon do." Wallace smiles.
"Now if everyone is ready let's get this underway with our first coordinator!" Vivian said as a trainer with his Ninetales appeared.
In the stands, Brock and Caroline sat together.
"I wonder where Ash and Max are?" Caroline asks.
"They better hurry back. I'd hate for them to miss May." Brock said.
"And now for our second contestant, please welcome Harley!" Vivian declares.
"Thank you, thank you all!" Harley walked on stage gracefully. "Now, Banette! Come out and play!" He sends out a dark gray, doll-like Pokémon.
"BANETTE!" Banette gives out a malicious smile, striking fear in almost everybody.
"Whoa that's one scary Pokemon." May said.
"It suits him." Lisia shivers.
"Use Will-o-Wisp and Thunder!" Creating multiple blue flames they floated around Banette as it brought a fierce Thunder attack down on itself.
"It brought down a powerful Thunder onto itself! It's not only survived..but it's also laughing!" Vivian said seeing Banette chortle through the pain. An incredible yet, creepy performance indeed.
Harley score was..89 out of 100!
"I guess horror is technically a genre for Coordinators." Lisia assumes.
"Harley just keeps surprising us." May said.
"I'm sorry, but only coordinators are allowed beyond this point." Officer Jenny said.
"Please, I need to see my sister!" Max said from the other side of the door.
"Officer Jenny, please. There's something we need to discuss with our friend," Ash begged.
Looking to the door, May saw Ash and Max talking to Officer Jenny.
"Ash? Max? What are you guys doing here?" May asks.
"You know these two?" Officer Jenny asks pointing at them.
"Yeah, what's seem to the be problem?" May asks walking over.
"May, Harley's playing you! He's trying to get you to lose and humiliate you!" Max said.
"W-what?" May gasped. None of them noticed Drew and Lisia were eavesdropping the conversation. "What are you guys talking about?"
"That whole use Assist in your next event is total garbage! He's trying to make you go in without a plan. Assist is so random you'll have no idea what to do and how to wow the judges." Max explains.
"He probably wanted you to mess up with Beautifly too. He's been playing you since he got here. He hasn't changed, he's still the same jerk he's always been." Ash adds.
May let this all sink in and she clenched her fists. "Why.. Why prickle-headed freak!" She shouted in anger. "I can't believe I feel for his whole charade, again!"
"Hey Ash, Max did you guys come to see May before she left? That is so sweet." On cue, Harley returns to see Ash, Max and May glaring at him. "W-what? What is it? Is there something on my face?" He said.
"No, but there's gonna be!" Max said lunging at him but Ash held him back.
"No Max! Do not hit him!" Ash said.
"He deserves it and you know it! Let me at him! Let me at him!" Max said.
"Max wants to hit me?" Harley said feigning a surprised look on his face. "What's wrong? What's this all about?"
"What this is all about is that YOU tried to get me eliminated, Harley!" May said scorning him. "Ash and Max told me everything! I can't believe I thought you were a completely different person! But you're still that rotten cactus from before!"
"You're no friend of May's." Drew said as he and Lisia walked over.
"I can't believe you would sink this low." Lisia scolds.
"So what? It's a competition." Harley shrugs seeing his jig was up. "You fell for the whole thing hook line and sinker."
"What about all those compliments and nice things you said?" May asks.
"I just said those to get you to trust me. If it wasn't for your annoying little brother and your boyfriend you would have jumped off a cliff if I told you to." Harley said.
"Hey don't call my brother and friend annoying!" May snaps, while missing out of the boyfriend part. "In fact, they were smart enough to get here and foil your stupid plan."
"Oh please if you want to cast blame. Blame yourself. Never trust anyone in a competition." Harley said.
May stopped her outbursts, when she realized what he said..was right.
She didn't have to listen to his advice but she listened to everything he said. She even showed him her moves and Pokemon.
"So you finally realize it," Harley laughed. "You're not ready for something like this! Heck not even ready to be a coordinator at all!"
"Oh and like you are? You're even worse." Ash said getting their attention.
"What was that?" Harley stopped his gloating to give him a glare.
"You heard me. At least May doesn't have to rely on dirty tricks and lies to win. Maybe if you put as much effort into training as you do into sabotaging others you might actually be a decent coordinator. Face it Harley you're not a coordinator at all. You're just a big fat liar." Ash declares.
"Yeah, he's right. And if anyone's not ready to be here, it's you," Max said.
"Why you little. I don't have to stand here and take this." Harley said storming off.
"What a jerk." Ash glares.
"Ash, Max I don't know what to say." May said. "If it wasn't for you two I probably would have blown it."
"Good thing we got here in the nick of time then," Max said.
"Like we'd that freak show ruin your big day," Ash said.
"I owe you both big time for this." May smiles.
"We'll hold you to that. After you make it to the next round." Max said.
"Count on it." May said as they both walked out.
"May as hard as it is for me to admit. Harley was right about one thing. You should never listen to anyone's advice on your own Pokemon." Lisia said getting her attention. "You have to be able to trust your own abilities and believe in yourself and your Pokemon to get the job done."
"Now you tell me.." May frowns looking down. How could she felt so..swayed and foolish?
Hey don't you start moping and feeling sorry for yourself. You want to prove you have what it takes then get out there and make it to the next round yourself." Drew said.
"And show that Harley who really dosen't have what it takes to be a coordinator," Lisia says.
Wiping her face, a serious look appeared on May's face.
"Let's do this." May said more determined than ever.
After a guy named Anthony and Swalot finished their routine, it was then May's turn.
"And now, let's welcome back to the stage, May of Petalburg City!" Vivian announced.
"Sweet we made it." Max said sitting with Brock and Caroline.
"Where have you two been?" Caroline asks.
"Sorry, had to deal with a little problem." Ash said sitting down.
May came on stage, now feeling revitalized. "OK, Bulbasaur! Take the stage!" Shesaid throwing out her grass starter.
"Nice she came up with a new strategy." Max said.
"Bulbasaur use Petal Dance and then Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur released a beautiful storm of petals before hurling vines out whacking them away causing sparkles to rain down.
"What a sight! A fine art of mixing up 2 grass moves!" Vivian said.
"Now Razor Leaf!" Firing Razor Leaf it gathered up all the sparkles and made the leaves shine almost like they had transformed into Magical Leaf.
"Beautiful! Simply beautiful. This young lady has definetly prepared herself with this remarkable routine. How do our judges see this display?" Vivian asks for their points.
Looking to the screen, they gave May a 91 out of 100.
"Yes! I knew she could do it!" Max cheers.
"In your face Harley!" Ash said.
"Pika!" Piakchu said as the three of them high fived.
"Harley?" Brock and Caroline turned to them. Aren't they in for a story.
After explaining the story to them, everyone was eagerly awaiting the results for the next round.
"I can't believe he would do such a thing." Caroline said.
"When Max and I realized it we had to rush to warn May before she made a fool of herself." Ash explains.
"Well I hope now she'll realized to only focus on herself and not anyone else," Brock said. "But that doesn't mean I approve of Harley's tricks."
"Nope, which is why I had to give Max a little something to teach Harley a lesson." Ash smirks.
"What?" Brock asks.
A couple of minutes earlier...
In the hallway, Max and Pikachu peeked down the hall to see Harley eating a fruit salad at the concession stand.
"Those two ingrates better not get in my way again if they know what's good for them," He scoffed eating.
Reaching into his pocket, Max held out a Tamato berry.
"Alright Pikachu cut this bad boy with Iron Tail." Max whispers.
"Pika." Using Iron Tail Pikachu cut the Tamato berry into slices.
They've sprinkled the cubes though the leaves of the salad, mixing them with the fruit.
"Here's your water sir." The concession lady said giving him a water.
"About time." Harley said taking it.
Grabbing his fork, Harley grabbed a big chunk and bit down on it.
Seconds later, Harley's mouth turned red as he breathed fire in agony and his lips grew big.
Nearby, Max and Pikachu were laughing.
"Oh I wish I had a camera right now." Max said holding his sides as they walked away to get back to Ash.
"MY MOUTH! MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!" Harley grabbed the cup of water and chugged it down.
Present Time..
For the top 32 trainers everyone looked to see Robert, Lisia, Drew, and even Harley made it.
Holding her breath May looked around and smiles seeing her face.
"I'm in!" May said.
"She's in?" Harley said in a muffled voice with big lips.
May then hugged both Ash and Max tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you guys!"
"Oh uh...you're welcome." Ash said a little surprised.
"Forget about it May, no one messes with my sister, but me." Max said.
"And now you've made it to the battle rounds." Ash said.
"I wonder who my first opponent is going to be?" May said as the tournament brackets were being formed and May's first opponent was…Harley?! "Right off the bat, I'm facing him?!"
"Perfect you can dish out some payback for everything he's done." Ash said
Realizing he was right, May's eyes narrowed. "You're going down Harley..time tomake you pay!"
The very next day..
The second round of the Grand Festival has begun with the competion rounds.
"Welcome all once again to the Grand Festival as we enter our 2nd rounds, the Contest matches! In the rules, the 2nd round of matches will be decided in Double Battles; each with a 5 minute time limit. Our first match is about to go underway with May from Petalburg City and of course Harley of Slateport City!"
As May glared Harley down we saw his lips had red lines meaning he just recovered from the prank.
"I'm gonna enjoy humiliating you here May." Harley said.
"Sorry Harley but I'm done letting you walk all over me." May said determined.
"Begin!"
"Beautifly! Bulbasaur take the stage!"
"Cacturne! Banette! Showtime!"
The countdown began on the timer and the two went underway in their battle.
"Bulbasaur, Petal Dance!" Bulbasaur unleashed a barrage of petals from her bulb. "Beautifly, Silver Wind!" While Beautifly added it's special glowing wind the make the attack strong.
"Banette, Will-O-Wisp!" Creating multiple blue flames they burnt away all the petals.
"And there goes May's petal combo attack!" Which costed May to lose 20% of her points.
"Now Cacturne, use Bullet Seed!" Harley said as Cacturne fired multiple needles tripping up both her Pokémon.
May's point meter went down to 10% out of her 100 points.
"May needs to snap out of it and fast." Caroline said worried.
"Come on May! Counterattack!" Ash yells.
"Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!" May yells. Bulbasaur extended two of her vines towards Harley's Pokémon.
"Avoid it by jumping!" Harley commanded as both Banette and Cacturne jumped upwards, but Bulbasaur's vines made a u-turn towards the direction they went grabbed ahold of their legs. "Shoot, too slow!" Harley grits his teeth.
"Now it's my turn, Silver Wind! Beautifly!" May said. Beautifly flapped its wings, striking Cacturne and Banette with a powerful glittery wind.
"With both his Pokémon trapped Harley is losing a lot of points!" Vivian said as he lost 30% of his points.
"Now let go!" May said as Bulbasaur sent both Pokémon spinning like tops. "Silver Wind!" Unable to block both Pokémon got hit again by Silver Wind making Harley lose half his points.
"Impressive moves from young May, she's quite the strategist," Wallace smiled as the other judges agreed.
"What a combination of beauty and power!" Nurse Joy said intrigued.
"Indeed, it's remarkable!" Mr. Sukizo said.
"Those two are really in sync this match." Mr. Contesta said.
"Come on you two! Snap out of it!" Harley said.
"So Harley what was that about me not being good enough?" May said. "Bulbasaur Vine Whip!"
"Banette use Torment!" Harley said as Banette scares Bulbasaur to the point Vine Whip stops.
"Hey, why Bulbasaur stopped?" Ash asks confused.
"Torment stops your opponent from repeating their attack a second time." Brock explains.
"Meaning no more Vine Whip for a while." Max cringed.
"Now Cacturen Pin Missile!" Using this opening Harley fires a barrage of needles.
"Swoop down and grab Bulbasaur, Beautifly!" May said. Bulbasaur hopped onto the back of Beautifly and both avoided being struck.
"A quick and graceful rescue by Beautifly!"
"Hardly! Shoot them out of the sky with Will O Wisp!" Harley said as Banette fires multiple blue flames burning both of May's Pokémon.
Along with burning May's points by half, just as him.
"Sorry my former friend but this is the end of the line. Cacturne Bullet Seed!" Harley said as Cacturne joined in the attack.
"Second time's the charm, Beautifly! Silver Wind and Bulbasaur use Petal Dance!" May yells. Both Pokémon released their stylish combo attack to cancel out Pin Missle.
"Cacturne!" Cacturne cried out, feeling the damage once they reached it.
"Banette, Thunder!"
"Beautifly, dodge!" As Beautifly pulled up Bulbasaur found itself directly under the sun causing tons of sunlight to gather.
"We're not going down that easy! Bulbasaur Razor Leaf!" However instead of Razor Leaf the sunlight causes a flaming ball to emit from Bulbasaur's bulb.
"No way!" Harley gasps.
"I don't believe it! Bulbasaur has learned Weather Ball and thanks to the bright sun it's taken on the attributes of fire!" Vivian gasps.
"Weather Ball.." Ash trails off. "That sounds familiar."
"Remember Bart's Castform back at the Weather Institute?" Brock reminded him. "It did the exact same move with the exact same results."
"And since it's fire based that's gonna deal some big damage to Harley." Max smiles.
"Wait, time-out! That came outta nowhere!" Harley panicked.
"Get him Bulbasaur!" May said as Bulbasaur hurled Weather Ball down on Harley's Pokemon causing them to fall to the ground in a blaze of no glory.
All of Harley's points depleted to zero, meaning one thing. "It's all over for Harley! With all of his points gone, that means that May will move onto the 3rd round!" Vivian declared May the winner.
She's defeated Harley, yet again!
"No!" Harley screams in defeat.
"So long Harley. I'd like to say it was nice knowing you but it wasn't." May said.
Growling at her cheekiness, Harley returns his Pokémon and stormed off in the opposite direction. "Lousy, good for nothing, amature.." He grumbles when he reached the halls. "I swear you little upstart, THIS..ISN'T..OVER.."
In the other battles, things were getting intense.
"Roselia, Solar Beam!" Drew said as Roselia blasts Golem and Crobat.
"And Drew advances to the next round!" Vivian said.
..
Same goes with Lisia in her battle.
"Ali, Giga Impact!" She yells as Ali cloaked himself with red-orange energy and slams right into a Scizor and Grumpig.
"What a fabulous finish! Lisia moves onto the next round!"
Looking to her Uncle, Lisia gives him the thumbs up which he smiles at.
"And now we have our 16 Coordinators moving onto the next round. Hope you're ready everyone because by tomorrow, a winner will be declared." Vivian said as the crowd cheered as the day came to an end.
As all the Coordinators were preparing for tomorrow, we find ourselves at the snack stand.
"Here you go guys. It's on me." May said giving Ash and Max some ice cream in thanks.
"Wow, thanks sis!" Max smiled and chowed down.
"Thanks May, but you didn't had to do this," Ash said.
"I have to. You guys really saved my butt back there," May said still grateful.
"You would have done the same thing for us." Ash said.
"That out to teach that Harley a lesson that cheaters never win," Brock said.
"You boys did the right thing going to May." Caroline said.
"I just can't believe he'd still trick me," May frowns. "Why does he hate me?"
"Because he's a sore loser May. He thinks he has to bring others down to make himself feel good. Frankly he doesn't deserve to have an amazing friend like you." Ash said.
"You think I'm amazing?" May asks.
"How could I not?" Ash smiles. "When your dad asked me to help you learn what's it like to be a trainer and be around Pokémon, I felt proud to be your mentor. You didn't liked Pokémon at first, but now look at you. A promising Coordinator now in the Top 16, heading towards the final round with other strong contestants. You held your head high when you're struggling, and learned to handle wins and losses the right way." Ash said smiling. "You've come a long way May, and I'm proud of you."
"Wow...thanks Ash." May said blushing softly at all the praise.
"Geez Ash, you sound like you should be a motivator." Max said.
"I'm just saying the truth." Ash said rubbing the back of his head.
"Well he's right about us being proud of May. I just got word from your father back home, he's was ecstatic with your match today," Caroline smiled.
"Then that's means I have to win my next battle now." May smiles.
"Who is your next opponent?" Ash asks.
"This guy named Anthony. He used a Swalot in his performance." May recalls.
"Hmm it'll be hard to knock a Swalot down with its big defense," Brock said.
"Not to mention its big mouth." Max said.
"Maybe Combusken would be a good choice." May pauses to think.
"Hey think now's a good time to use Skitty or Munchlax?" Ash asked.
"Skitty maybe but I've never really used Munchlax in a contest before." May said unsure.
"Beautifly and Bulbasaur look like they could use a little break," Caroline said.
"This is a tough decision May..you'll have to choose your next Pokémon carefully." Brock warns.
"Yeah, good call." May nods.
Ash on the other hand was thinking something very similar along the lines.
He wanted to bring back some of his Pokemon to help train Snorunt, the only question is who might be the best help?
He may need to have a call with Prof. Oak tonight.
That night, in May's room all of them were relaxing after a long day.
"Hmm if I use Bulbasaur Swalot's poison attacks won't do much damage." May said lost in thought.
But she's been out at least twice. It should be time to switch things up a notch.
Leaning back she looked at Munchlax who was sound asleep nearby.
'I never really looked into what Munchlax could do before.' May realized.
Reaching for her Pokedex she pointed it at him.
"Munchlax's moves are the following: Tackle, Focus Punch, Solar Beam and Metronome."
"It's locked Egg Moves are as of the following: Counter, Zen Headbutt, Substitute and finally Power-Up Punch."
"Holy..." Eyes widening May realized she had a decent Pokémon that she never even considered using.
And Egg Moves..what are those?! Does the other Pokémon she has have these egg moves as well?!
"Uh..what are egg moves Dexdette?!"
"Egg moves are special moves that your Pokemon was able to inherit from the Pokemon its egg came from."
D-does that include all of her other Pokémon?
"Give me all of Combusken's current moves and egg moves." May said.
"Combusken's attacks are as of the following: Peck, Quick Attack, Fire Spin and Sky Uppercut."
"'Combusken's locked Egg Moves are: Agility, Night Slash, and Crush Claw."
"Crush Claw? Oh man if I could learn that attack." May said getting more and more ideas for her next battle.
Downstairs, we see Ash talking with Prof. Oak.
"I'm surprised to hear from you so late. Is everything alright Ash?" Prof. Oak asks.
"Well Professor, I'm having abit of trouble my Snorunt." Ash explained.
"Snorunt? What about it?" Prof. Oak asked.
"Well, we're trying to get his Ice Beam up to par, but it's not really working out for us." Ash said sheepishly.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Prof. Oak said.
"Which is why I need to switch out some of my Pokemon so I can use one that can help him." Ash said surprising him.
"Switch out? What happened to only relying on the Pokemon you catch there?" Prof. Oak asks.
"Well about that..someone told me about that and said that I'm not bringing out the full potential of all of my Pokémon back home."
"Well then all I have to say is...I happen to know one of your Pokemon who learned a new move that could help you." Prof. Oak grins getting his attention.
"Which one?" Ash asks interested.
"Why don't I send him to you and you'll see yourself?"
"Uh well who should I send back you?" Ash asks.
"If you don't mind I'd love to have a look at the Torkoal of yours." Prof. Oak asks.
"Torkoal? Well OK." Ash nodded and placed the fire tortoise's ball onto the Pokéball transporter before it was swapped with the ball Prof. Oak put in. "Alright, I Choose Whoever you are!"
Throwing it, the Pokéball opened up and out came a large reddish-brown crustaceous Pokémon with a big meaty claw. "Kookie!"
"K-Kingler?!" Ash gasped.
"As it turns out Kingler taught himself Ice Beam to replace Hyper Beam." Prof. Oak points out.
"You did?" Ash asks.
"Kookie." Holding out his claw, Kingler fires an Ice Beam freezing a whole pitcher in a giant Ice cube.
"T-this is..amazing! You learned that move all by yourself?" Ash asked.
"KookieKoo," Kingler happily nodded.
"Pika Pika." Pikachu smiles happily.
"Kingler you're awesome." Ash smiles.
"Kookie." Smiling at the praise, Kingler hugged his trainer happy to be back in action.
It's just like Wallace said. He's not the only one who can grow.
"I can't believe I never thought of this before," Ash said. "My old Pokémon being teacher's to my new Pokémon. I'm sorry Kingler, I'm sorry if you thought I was neglecting you guys."
"Kookie. Kook." Kingler said accepting his apology.
"But mark my words. Things are gonna change and it starts with you and me helping another one of my Pokemon." Ash declares.
"Kookie!" The King Crab Pokémon's eyes lifted, happily promising to live up to his trainer's expectations.
With both Ash and May filled with new ideas and inspiration for their Pokemon, the next day could not come sooner.
On the final day of the Grand Festival we see May facing Anthony.
On Anthony's side were Pinsir and Swalot and May had Combuksen and...Munchlax?
"Munchlax? Why him?" Ash asks confused.
"May said she did a bit of research yesterday and found out Munchlax could be pretty helpful." Max explains.
"Well it appears to be working so far." Caroline said.
"Munchlax Focus Punch!" May said as Munchlax's fist glowed bright.
"Swalot Spit Up!" Opening his mouth Swalot let Pinsir free so it could grab Focus Punch with its pinchers.
"Gotcha! Combusken Fire Spin!" Leaping off Munchlax, Combusken blasts both of Anthony's Pokemon with a fierce fire attack.
"What a compelling set up! May has led Anthony into a clever trap by having Munchlax take the blow from Pinsir in order for Combusken to strike both it and Swalot!" Vivian said.
"Anthony thought he was trapping her but it was actually the other way around." Wallace said impressed.
"I've never seen a Munchlax in Hoenn before, but it's certainly adorable," Nurse Joy said.
"Yes and remarkable," Mr. Sukizo said.
"And a interesting strategy to lower her opponent's guard down. I have a feeling this young lady will go far in the future." Mr. Contesta said.
Looking at the screen, May had 40 percent left while Anthony only had 20 percent.
"And the winner moving on the Top 8 is...May from Petalburg City!" Vivian declares.
The crowd erupted in cheers as May cheered and hugged her Pokémon.
"Way to go Munchlax. You really pulled through for me." May smiles.
"Lax." Munchlax smiles happily. Maybe after this, she'll consider training Munchlax in the future.
After which, Anthony and May shook hands, thanking each other for a good battle.
"Good luck May, I hope you do well." Anthony said.
"You too." May said.
As the other matches went on Lisia, Drew and Robert had also won their matches.
She met with her friends and mother. "The Top 8 May. Only 2 matches away and you'll be in the final match."
"I can't believe it. I'm so nervous, there's so much tough competition left." Maysaid nervously.
"May, you'll be fine." Caroline held her shoulders to calm her nerves. "Whether you win or lose this next match, won't make change on how I'm proud of you."
"Alright coordinators, the matches for the final 8 are about to be announced!"
Looking to the screen they saw the final bracket with May's next match against Drew.
"D-Drew?" She gasped.
"It gets crazier. Look at the bracket next to you." Ash points.
Looking to it, May saw Lisia's match was right next to hers. Meaning even if managed to beat Drew she would be battling Lisia in the top 4.
Two very experienced coordinators...what would happen? Would this be the end of her streak here in the Grand Festival?
Next Time: The Decisive Battle, The Grand Festival Finale!
To Pokémon Fan: I've lost interested in the story, that's why I wanted to reboot it. I've spent a little too much time on Ash instead of the others.
Reader: Who knows. Stay tuned.
Guest: Please cool it. I understand you love Advanceshipping, but good things comes to those who wait. You can't rush things.
