Part LVI: Doom and Gloom
Ash and Misty sat at a table on the edge of the training area outside the Gardenia Town Contest Hall enjoying some cold drinks while they waited for the Contest to begin. They'd gotten here early to register for it and then set up at the outdoor table to enjoy the weather and a light, by Ash standards, breakfast before the upcoming Contest.
It had been 2 weeks since Misty had caught a Shuppet that had followed her all over Kanto, as well as to Hoenn and back, as well as a Spiritomb and they had finally made it to Gardenia Town for the Contest being held here. They had gotten in the day before the Contest and had spent the night on the ship as that was where they were staying until Cinnabar Island before sorting everything out as soon as possible.
Both Ash and Misty had decided on their Pokémon for the Contest so it was just a matter of last-minute preparations and making sure that Shuppet was out so that it could watch the Contest to learn more about it as one of Misty's Pokémon. Right now Shuppet was happily floating and eating a meal with Pikachu and Piplup on their table as they waited for the Contest to begin.
Misty had been good to her word and as soon as they returned to the ship after their little adventure, which resulted in her catching two ghost types, Misty had transferred Buneary back to the ranch and brought back Shuppet. While Shuppet wouldn't be in this Contest, it would watch it and see what it was like so that Misty could use it in the Grand Festival, or the next regular Contest if she lost today but Misty had no intention of losing when her 5th ribbon was so close.
She'd also spoken to Professor Oak about Spiritomb when she'd recalled Shuppet. He'd been surprised when it had arrived and even more so when he learned that it was registered to Misty but he had begun his work with it, nonetheless. It turned out that separating the Forbidden Pokémon from the place where it had been formed freed it of its anger and malevolence and released its real nature. Whether that was a good thing was still to be determined, however.
Apparently Spiritomb was at heart a mischievous and playful Pokémon who loved to play pranks on everyone and was already driving Togekiss mad with its antics. Misty had agreed to take it back after the Contest as she had planned to do anyway but first Professor Oak had wanted to study it a little more as he'd never seen one before.
All that was in the back of Misty's mind though as they got ready for what she hoped was her final regular Contest of the season. After this she'd have the 5 ribbons she needed to enter the Grand Festival and could focus on getting ready for that while also helping Ash prepare for his battle with Blaine and the Indigo Conference. It was as Misty was thinking this that a shadow fell across their table indicating someone had approached them.
"Sorry for interrupting." A slightly timid, feminine voice said to them. "But I saw you registering just before I did and I couldn't help but recognize you, you're Misty, the Prodigy of Sinnoh, right?"
Misty and Ash looked up in confusion to find a girl standing over them with a nervous smile on her face. At her side was a very healthy and well raised Raticate with pristine buck teeth that looked less nervous than the girl. Ash was confused because she looked very familiar to him but he couldn't place her face while Misty was confused that a coordinator, and she could tell that this girl was one, had actually approached her at a Contest.
Usually her reputation turned people away from talking to her with the exception of Emily who had actually gotten to know her and seemed to not be scared to talk to one of the favorites on the circuit. However, this girl didn't seem intimidated by Misty, more nervous about meeting her. Regardless of how she appeared, Misty smiled kindly at the girl. She'd come up to her so the least Misty could do was chat with her. She was always up for more friends.
"Yes I am." Misty said standing holding out her hand while deciding to not comment on her nickname that the girl had used. "Pleasure to meet you, um…"
"Sorry, I didn't give my name." The girl said with an embarrassed blush as she shook Misty's hand. "I'm Mollie."
Misty took a moment to look over the girl. The first thing Misty noted was that she was younger than her, around Emily's age maybe a year or so older so around 13 if she had to put a number on it. While the girl was timid Misty had a feeling that that was a natural aspect about her personality as one glance at the Raticate showed just how skilled Mollie truly was. Only a serious coordinator who knew what she was doing could get that kind of shine in a Pokémon's fur and its teeth, the selling point of a Raticate, looked top quality.
All this led to Misty giving the girl's appearance a once over. She had short green hair tied in an odd, high, off center thing on the back-left side of her head, though on strand on the left, two on the right stuck out at her temples and a few at the base of her neck. She also had wide, pink eyes that matched her hair tie and the accents on her dress.
Mollie's outfit was a surprise to Misty, it showed her youth and innocence well while also being practical at the same time. The girl wore a light green, sleeveless, dress with pink edging around the collar and arm holes, the latter with small pink bows tied on her shoulders. She wore ¾ length green shorts in a similar muted green to Misty's Chrysanthemum Ribbon with the cuffs rolled up a little. Mollie completed the look with a pair of lavender sneakers.
It was a look that suited the girl Misty had to admit that and likely made other underestimate her when they saw her. Misty however got the feeling that she shouldn't underestimate this girl. Mollie had come up to her to chat, that showed that she was serious and put Misty on a little edge around her. Time to see what the girl wanted.
"Well it is a pleasure to meet you Mollie." Misty said before pointing to a spare chair and sitting down herself. "Why don't you and Raticate join us for a bit before the Contest starts. You came up to talk to me, something few do even though I'm not scary at all, so the least I can do is offer you a seat and chat with you about whatever you want."
"Thanks, there is something I want to say to you." Mollie said as she took a seat before Raticate leapt up into her lap and she pulled out a toothbrush and some specialty Pokémon toothpaste and began to work on its buck teeth as she spoke. "I want to say that I'm really glad that I will get to compete against you in a Contest before I reach the Grand Festival Misty. You're the last one for me to face and beat to solidify my place on the circuit this year."
"Come again." Misty said taken aback by the girls sudden challenge that still came off as a little timid but was serious, nonetheless. "That wasn't what I was expecting but I do appreciate a good challenge before a Contest. Alas few in Kanto seem to be willing to come up to me for one."
"Few here have the reputation you do." Mollie said simply. "I've been following you since the first time you won the Wallace Cup over a girl I'd met here a few years back, the same girl who won the Gardenia Contest when I first tried my hand at coordinating though she didn't beat me as I was knocked out long before I would have faced her. My mentor told me to keep an eye on you after we saw you in the Wallace Cup, she could tell you had a lot of potential so I should pay attention to you."
"Oh." Misty said surprised while Ash just looked confused at the girl, there was something about her in the back of his mind but he couldn't quite place it and it was starting to bug him. "You mean May, right? You knew her?"
"Briefly." Mollie said with a nod. "Her Eevee startled me when I decided to debut here a couple years back as a rookie. She won the Contest, beating the guy who beat me in the quarters but it was all worth it in the end. Yuma, a Top Coordinator and breeder who had been watching the Contes, saw potential in me so she took me under her wing and began mentored me."
"Yuma?" Misty asked. "I've heard that name before. Isn't she in Kalos right now helping set up the circuit there? I think she's one of the people May mentioned was with her out there."
"Correct that is exactly what she's doing there." Mollie confirmed. "She's been mentoring me for a few years now but earlier this year she decided that I was ready to fully take on the circuit rather than just compete from time to time for experience so Yuma accepted the Committee's offer but she's been following and supporting me ever since."
"That's nice, my mom was that for me for a bit." Misty said. "Though I did do more on my own and struggled a bit my rookie year before really finding my groove."
"I was surprised about that when I researched your early Sinnoh days because after that Wallace Cup you looked great." Mollie said surprising Misty with her broad knowledge of Misty's past. "A few slips but that is normal for a rookie. You made it to the Grand Festival final as a rookie and almost won. Then you did it again in Johto without losing a Contest on that circuit, including a second Wallace Cup win, something that is almost impossible to do."
"Well I didn't have much time to qualify and I had some strong motivation to win." Misty said with a smile as she took Ash's hand and gave it a squeeze as he seemed to be deep in thought about something. "But I couldn't complete it there, Ursula saw to that in the finals."
"Yeah that was tough to watch, I think you should have won it but I'm not a judge." Mollie said. "So did Yuma but these things are subjective."
"Thank you but in hindsight I'm glad I lost." Misty said surprising Mollie. "I wouldn't have been able to see Kanto with Ash and compete here."
"That's a good way to look at it." Mollie replied. "Wand you started strong here and won a third straight Wallace Cup showing how good you are. There is a reason you're the favorite this year, that loss to Ash notwithstanding."
"Yeah that was annoying." Misty said playfully looking at Ash who wasn't paying attention at this point. "But it was a fun challenge so I don't mind. The favorite thing is tough because it kinda separates me from the rest so it's hard to make new friends and rivals on the circuit this year."
"Tell me about it." Mollie said with a shy grin as Misty blinked in confusion. "It's hard but there is some advantage to it, makes them second guess their decisions when facing you."
"What do you mean?" Misty asked. "You're not just talking about me, are you?"
"Look around us Misty." Mollie said taking a hand off Raticate to gesture around the area. "Look at the other coordinators here and tell me what you see."
Misty did just that as Mollie seemed insistent on it, she was so used to the way she was treated that she rarely looked these days. However, as Misty looked around she noticed that they were being given a clear space by all the coordinators making last minute preparations for the Contest. A few gave them glances that were more intense than usual and they weren't all directed at Misty, some were directed at Mollie. Then, when they noticed the two girls and Ash there she could swear a few looked as if they had already lost the Contest.
"You know the feeling." Misty realized as she looked at Mollie with a new light, there was much more to this girl then met the eye. "Who are you?"
"I'm the fourth." Mollie said as if that explained everything and to Misty it did and her eyes went wide as she looked at Mollie who was now chuckling. "I see my ability to keep a lower profile than the others still stands."
"You're the Kanto girl who's the only regional native considered to be a serious favorite for the Ribbon Cup." Misty said as it all hit her at once. "Sorry for not recognizing you but I don't really pay attention to the circuit news. Ash and I have been doing our own thing this year so I'm usually only in contact with the Contest scene when I compete. Well that and the fact that Kenny and I don't have a great relationship at the moment so I'm trying to ignore him or references to him."
"Yeah I picked up on that." Mollie said a slight edge of annoyance to her voice. "I've faced him twice now, one win and one loss in those finals, and he often gets annoyed at being reminded that he's from the same town as you but not as successful. The comparisons are a bit much for him and the fact that you're the top favorite and he's only third doesn't help. He wasn't happy when I beat him but that's how the circuit works, you win some and you lose some."
"So true." Misty agreed. "So if you're the fourth then you have also beaten Nando, right? I recall reading that you started off the season with 2 wins and 2 losses, one of each to Kenny and Nando."
"Yup though I have lost to Nando a second time recently." Mollie said. "We've been in a few Contests together and are friendly rivals. I've also faced your friend Emily, who idolizes you by the way, a few times and beaten her twice, once in a final. She's good, a year or two away from being a legitimate favorite, but she's clearly got what it takes and could pull off an upset or two in the Grand Festival."
"I agree, Emily has come a long way since we first met." Misty said smiling at how Mollie praised her friends potential, it showed that she was right in her assessment of Emily. "I apologize for not realizing who you were, I didn't actually know your name or face."
"That's perfectly reasonable." Mollie said dismissively. "I'm known to the Kanto natives and the other two favorites as I've faced them but until now our paths haven't crossed. I was hoping they would though, I now have that chance to beat you and be the only one to beat the other 3 favorites before the Grand Festival. Plus this is my hometown and my shot at my 5th ribbon so it is perfect for me."
"Well I won't make it easy and neither will Ash." Misty said as Ash nodded still trying to put all the pieces he had about this girl together but finally coming back to the conversation going on. "I'm here for my 5th ribbon as well so I'm going to push hard for it."
"Oh I know." Mollie said with a grin. "So I am hoping we meet in the final, it's what the Committee will want so I have a feeling the bracket will reflect that, if we advance but at this point two coordinators of our caliber are expected to."
"True but we should still see how the appeals go first." Misty said as a bell rang indicating the start of the Contest being imminent. "Shall we head in though, it's time to compete."
"Let's." Mollie said and for the first time Misty noticed her timid demeanor vanish at the impending start of the Contest. Mollie was like Misty; this was her element and her confidence would show through while she was in it. "I'll see you after my appeal though, I need to grab something for it and as the hometown girl, I've been asked to start this Contest off."
"Good luck then." Misty said as Mollie rose, Raticate now in her arms. "I look forward to facing you."
"And to you." Mollie said before she left.
"Well let's go in." Misty said getting up, putting Piplup on her head as Shuppet hovered up to be by her shoulder and taking Ash's hand to help him up and hold it as they walked into the Contest Hall. "Looks like this Contest just got a whole lot more interesting."
"That's for sure." Ash said speaking for the first time in a while. "Now if only I could remember her better as I know we've spoken before. I think I'm missing something but I'm not sure what it is."
"Well think on it later and it will come to you before then." Misty said as they headed into the hall and went to the coordinators' waiting room. "We have appeals to watch and perform."
Ash just nodded as they filed in and checked the randomized list for their appeal slots. Whatever the case, this Contest was going to be one that no one forgot for a long time, they both knew it.
Mollie stood in the wings waiting for her introduction from Lilian to walk out. Going first was always a little nerve wracking but this was her hometown and she was considered the best Kanto coordinator this year so she had the crowd's support, she pass the appeals with ease. This time she was going to win the Gardenia Contest, there was just one major obstacle in her way; Misty.
Despite trying to be as calm as possible when she spoke with Misty before the Contest, Mollie would be lying if she hadn't felt a pang of fear when she saw the distinctive red hair and Piplup on her head in the registration line that marked Misty out as who she was. The girl was the overall favorite for a reason, she was on track for a consecutive Contest finals appearance record, she was a 3-time straight Wallace Cup champion and had been closer than anyone else on the circuit to winning a Ribbon Cup not once but twice.
Misty's reputation preceded her wherever she went and now she was here with Mollie. Still, unlike most who would have been intimidated by Misty, Mollie had swallowed that fear and spoken with the girl who she wished to be considered the equal of.
It turned out that Misty was as nice as her interviews had made her out to be which in some ways only added to her intimidation factor and in some ways reminded Mollie that Misty was just like her, a teenage girl here to have fun and pursue her dreams. Mollie was glad that Misty was here, it gave her a chance to face the best on the circuit before the Grand Festival so that she could get a true first-hand account of just how good the Prodigy of Sinnoh actually was.
"Alright that wraps up our judges and the rules, it is time for the Gardenia Town Contest to officially begin." Lilian said snapping Mollie back to Contest at hand as she adjusted her bag and got ready for her appeal. "And we start off with the hometown girl who's taken Kanto by storm and more than earned her spot as one of the 4 favorites this year. With stunning victories over two of the other favorites, Nando and Kenny, which makes her the only coordinator to beat both of them, and 4 ribbons to her name so far putting her one away from the Grand Festival, you already know who she is. Give it up for the Sweetie from the Garden, Mollie!"
Mollie just sighed at her nickname; it was as if Lilian wanted all the good coordinators to have one to make them marketable but it was always a bit much hearing it. Still, she had to deal with it and walked out to the cheering crowd and waved at them as she did. This was her home; it was where she had begun her coordinator journey and met her mentor Yuma. This was her time to show the coordinator world that she truly deserved her status as a favorite and it started with her appeal.
"Thank you very much." Mollie said with a small bow to the crowd, something she'd done since her first Gardenia Town Contest as a way to show how humble she was to be here before throwing out her Poke Ball. "Go Raticate."
The ball burst open and the Mouse Pokémon appeared in the middle of the open-air stadium, a fact Mollie intended to exploit later in her appeal. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the first of 3 logs she had in it.
"Alright Raticate Hyper Fang." Mollie yelled throwing the log while Raticate was still in the air.
"Raticate." Raticate said as it caught the log and activated its attack before it landed on the ground.
In a second the log was gone while Raticate was in midair as the crowd cheered at Raticate's skill as its shiny teeth flashing in the sun. Mollie smiled, it was her starting move whenever Raticate was her appeal Pokémon, it showed of the power and strength of its teeth perfectly. She'd since improved on that to continue to show off her Raticate's best attribute.
"Now Raticate, Crunch." Mollie yelled as she threw out the second log and then the third. "Use it twice."
"Raticate." Raticate said happily as its teeth glowed and it snapped the second log in half.
There wasn't much time between the logs but Raticate easily used Crunch the second one and snaped the log in two right in the center just like the first one. Everything was going as planned which meant that it was time to show off Raticate's newest move.
"Alright Raticate, Rock Smash." Mollie said reaching into her bag ad pulling out two small rocks from the bottom of the bag. "Keep it up until I'm out of rocks."
"Raticate." Raticate said as its claws glowed white with fighting type power.
Mollie threw the first rock overhand at it. The hardest part of this move had actually been improving her own accuracy so that Raticate had a chance to destroy the rocks and not Raticate's move itself. She wasn't great at it but she could manage and Raticate covered for her misses by easily moving to break the rocks one by one as Mollie threw them showing off how mobile it was while the crowd cheered at the display. Raticate easily destroyed all the rocks that Mollie had, not missing a single one.
"Finish this with Sunny Day." Mollie called out as Raticate destroyed the last rock and its claws returned to normal.
"Raticate." Raticate said looking up to the sky and suddenly the sun's intensity was magnified and caused its teeth to gleam even more than before as the appeal came to an end.
"Well that was just what we expected from Mollie and her preferred use of props in her appeals." Lilian said as Mollie and Raticate bowed to the judges before Raticate scampered back to her side and into her waiting arms. "What do our judges think?"
"There are many ways to show off a Pokémon's moves and Mollie showed that using other items her Raticate can show off its best attributes." Mr. Contest said with a nod. "Those being its teeth, the main strength of a Raticate, and its claws. Both of which are certainly strong."
"Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said with a wide smile and as usual not adding anything more.
"Raticate looked so cute as it showed off its moves." Nurse Joy said with a small smile at Raticate. "It has clearly been raised well."
"Well there you have it, a great start to the Gardenia Town Contest." Lilian said as Mollie returned and congratulated Raticate before leaving the stage with one last bow to the judges. "The next coordinator is…"
As Mollie walked back she smiled, she knew she'd done enough to advance to the battle round. Now it was a matter of seeing how well Misty did and hopefully building her new rivalry with the Sinnoh girl if they got a chance to battle. She had a feeling that Misty's appeal was going to be something special and she didn't want to miss it for a second.
"That Raticate is something else." Ash said as Mollie's appeal ended as his recollection of the girl began to come back to him. "I think I remember it from last time, I'm pretty sure she used that log trick before."
"Well she certainly maximized its best attributes." Misty said with a nod, it was clear that Mollie was good and knew what she was doing which boded well for her advancement. "That is a high bar to start for sure. I gotta admit, I never thought of using props like that before."
"They aren't common but it's become my calling card this year." Mollie said surprising them by joining as the next coordinator began his appeal. "Most of my Pokémon know more physical attacks that are designed to show off their unique appearances, attributes, or special skills such as Raticate's teeth or my Scyther's blades. As such I use props, often logs, rocks or baseballs, to highlight those aspects."
"I see, that is very clever." Misty said and Ash nodded in agreement. "I may have to consider that in the future for a few of my Pokémon who prefer appeals but don't have great moves for them. I usually go for more visual appeal."
"I've seen and it works for you and the Pokémon you have." Mollie said. "We all have our own styles, this is mine but as you know, a coordinator tailors styles to Pokémon and not the other way around."
"Very true." Misty said with a nod thinking of Buizel back when he was her Pokémon. "Some Pokémon just aren't suited for Contests or specific aspects of Contests."
"Yeah some of my Pokémon are pure battle Pokémon while others are appeals Pokémon." Mollie said as the 3rd appeal began before asking. "So who's your appeal Pokémon Misty?"
"You'll see but I have used her in an appeal before." Misty said with a grin. "I like to keep people guessing before I reveal them, it's a habit I picked up from Ash."
"Fair." Mollie said respecting Misty's wish. "I do that with the battles but an appeal is an appeal, sometimes it is nice to know what someone is using to see how they use it."
"True and you've already gone but I always like the surprise with this particular Pokémon." Misty said. "She hasn't been a Contest in a while so it's time for a return and she prefers to appeal rather than battle even if she's not a typical choice."
"So it's not your Shuppet." Mollie said looking at the Puppet Pokémon that was watching the TV with rapt attention loving every second of it just as he had with the other Contests. "Shame, that is a cute Pokémon, perfect for appeals."
"No I only caught it a few weeks ago though we met some months back." Misty said causing Mollie to raise a surprised eyebrow and Misty to chuckle at her Shuppet's antics. "Long story but the short version is that I met Shuppet in Lavender Tower and it then followed me all across Kanto, as well as to Hoenn and back, before revealing itself to me when I needed it the most. It's here to see a Contest by my side and not from the shadows so that I can use it next time, be it in the Grand Festival or another Contest."
"I see, get it used to the Contest world with you before debuting it." Mollie said as the 4th appeal began, Misty keeping track as she was set to be the 6th appeal. "A wise idea."
"It's what I like to do with all my new Pokémon." Misty said. "I have them watch at least one or two Contests first to see what it is like before I debut them so that they know what is going on. We all train for Contests but the real thing is always different and I want them to have some knowledge before first using them. Shuppet has watched Contests before, apparently it watched all of mine since I met it, but this is the first as my Pokémon so I am taking it slow with it."
"Misty, you should get going." Ash said interrupting them. "The 4th guy is done and getting feedback now so you should be in the wings."
"Thanks babe." Misty said before giving Ash a chaste kiss as she always did before an appeal. "Love you."
"Love you too, good luck." Ash said as Misty smiled and left heading to her starting point without another word.
It was a short walk to get there and she had the time to compose herself as she got ready for her appeal. The idea of props, or maybe using a move that created something from the stage, was a good one and one she would have to work on for the Grand Festival at least. However now she had an appeal to do and hers was already planned out but that didn't mean that it couldn't be altered slightly, if the idea hit her during it. Adjusting on the fly was something she could do and she trusted her Pokémon to make that adjustment if it was needed.
Moments later Misty was in position as the 5th coordinator was getting started her appeal. The ones since Mollie had looked decent but none had wowed Misty the way Mollie's had which was good. She was going to try and outdo Mollie and remind everyone why she'd earned her status. Misty's choice of Pokémon was as she had said to Mollie, one that had been in an appeal before but wasn't a classic appeal choice which would add to the whole thing nicely.
"Alright, next up is a coordinator you all know by now and with her and Mollie here this Contest is one of the must watch ones of the season." Lilian was saying bringing Misty's attention back as the coordinator before her walked past her and back to the waiting room. "She needs no introduction but she deserves one anyway."
Misty would have been fine with no introduction but her name but clearly that wouldn't be the case. She was just going to have to stand here and wait for Lilian to finish overhyping her as she always did.
"She's the favorite on the circuit." Lilian was saying as Misty focused on her appeal. "And the only coordinator left with just one loss this year. She's also a 3-time Wallace Cup Champion, 2-time Grand Festival runner up and winner of 4 ribbons already this year so going for her 5th to secure her place in the Grand Festival. That should tell you who she is because by know you know the accolades of the Prodigy of Sinnoh so give it up for Misty."
Misty just smiled and walked out to the cheers of the crowd that had been hyped up by Lilian. She had been forced to embrace her moniker and she would given the fact that it wasn't going away anytime soon. All that fell away though as she reached her spot and pulled out her Poke Ball. She was now in her appeal zone and it was time to live up to that intro.
"Pinsir, spotlight!" Misty yelled throwing her ball high into the air.
Pinsir burst from her ball with a happy chitter as she flipped in the air and landed in the center of the stage standing tall and proud, her polished carapace shining in the sun. It was time to show her off and Misty was about to take a risk and alter her appeal as she noticed that the stage was earth and would work well. Not right away though.
"Start this off with Harden and show off that beautiful body of yours." Misty called out and instantly Pinsir's carapaces shone for a second as the defensive boost move activated and her carapace's healthy sheen looked even better because of it "Now leap into the air and use Swords Dance as you rise."
During the cruise Pinsir had revealed that she had learned the move Swords Dance at some point and Misty instantly knew that the move was a perfect move for an appeal. Misty just needed to add the right twist to it to truly show off. That twist was Pinsir leaping high into the air before she started the dance in midair, executing it perfectly and in a unique way that was not how it was normally done.
Soon, though, Pinsir was done dancing just as she reached the apex of her leap and was starting to come down. Now was the time for improvisation but Misty knew that Pinsir could do it without a problem.
"Point down at the ground and use X-Scissor on it." Misty called out knowing that Pinsir would trust her as she pivoted and pointed directly down, her pincers ready for the move. "Break up the earth and show how strong that move is."
Pinsir knew that Misty had a plan for the appeal as she fell and went with it. This wasn't what they had rehearsed but it would at least let her break up the ground and show her move off better as she got to use it on a physical target. She wasn't a big fan of battling, that was Gloom's passion, but she still loved to show off. Misty had shown her the fun in appeals and she trusted her trainer to do that again now. That was why, as soon as she neared the ground, Pinsir activated X-Scissor and slashed at it just as she reached it.
The result was a clean, need, gash in the ground that showed off her pincers and their power while utilizing a move that was the same as her type. She'd also contained it to avoid any dust and had flipped over to land on one side of the gash on her feet to finish the move as gracefully as possible. The only negative was that there were a few large clumps of earth in the gash but that was what Misty had been waiting for and was about to use.
"That's perfect Pinsir, take that earth and throw it into the air with Seismic Toss." Misty called out and Pinsir instantly knew what her trainer wanted to do. "Then don't let it hit the ground by using X-Scissor one more time on it before it lands."
Pinsir chittered happily as she bent down and picked up the clump of earth. She then activated her fighting type move and hurled the earth as high as she could to show off her strength. She hadn't realized just how strong she'd become under Misty's guidance until the earth sailed clean out of the top of the stadium and into the open air above the stadium.
The earth was a speck in the sky when it began to fall but Pinsir was ready for it as she tracked it with her eyes. All she had to do was adjust slightly and she was under it, her pincers flashing again in anticipation. Then, at the last possible second, she had to be dramatic after all, she slashed the clump of earth and destroyed it.
The destroyed earth showered her in a fine powder that showed off her carapace well as the appeal ended. Misty and Pinsir curtsied the judges to show that it was over, a sight that surprised a few coming from a Pinsir.
"Talk about range, that appeal had a bit of everything but that is what we have come to expect from a coordinator like Misty." Lilian said as Pinsir hurried back to Misty to celebrate a job well done. "Do the judges agree with me?"
"Pinsir is not a typical appeals Pokémon choice but as Misty proved in Saffron City, a truly skilled coordinator can make any Pokémon look good in an appeal." Mr. Contesta said though Misty wasn't sure she agreed as her Spiritomb would be a real challenge but that was besides the point. "She once again highlighted how strong Pinsir's carapace is and its raw power while showing grace at the same time. Well done."
"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said in his usual tone smiling as he spoke.
"Pinsir usually looks scarry but Misty made hers look so cute." Nurse Joy said approvingly. "And that carapace looks really pretty and healthy, she's raised it well."
Misty and Pinsir curtsied one more before she returned her Pokémon, thanked it, and left the stage as Lilian began her intro for the next coordinator while the stage was fixed. She had a good feeling she'd done enough to advance but of course she would watch all the other appeals closely to see how they did before celebrating. There was still a long way to go before the battle stage but Misty could feel her last ribbon getting closer and closer to being hers.
"Well that wasn't what I thought you would do." Mollie said as Misty rejoined Ash and her new friend and potential rival in the waiting room as Shuppet happily greeted her before going back to watching the TV with Piplup. "Pinsir, that is an interesting choice. I had forgotten you had one until you used it just then. Still, that Pokémon is usually better for battles, not appeals."
"Yeah she hasn't seen action since the HopHopHop Town Contest so I felt it was her turn now." Misty said with a smile. "Pinsir isn't a battler, she doesn't like them and will only fight if my Gloom is her partner. Gloom, who I caught as an Oddish at the same time as Pinsir after she dragged me to heal Pinsir because she was injured, loves to battle and hates the fancy pomp and beauty of appeals. It's hard to get her to look good at times because she prefers to get dirty battling Ash's Pokémon in training. Not sure why but she really enjoys fighting while Pinsir loves to look good and show off but I adapt to what is best for my Pokémon."
"That is odd." Mollie agreed her brow furrowed at Misty's words. "You'd expect them to be the other way around and if you evolve Gloom into a Bellossom, that's a great appeals Pokémon."
"It is, I have a family friend who is a coordinator and has a Bellossom." Misty said remember the Bellossom that had joined Croagunk in prevent Brock's amorous advances on its trainer. "When the time comes and Gloom is ready, she will chose which to evolve into. That is her choice and she hasn't asked for it yet. I don't know what she will choose if she does choose, however. Bellossom is better for appeals because of its looks but she prefers battles so she may want to be a Vileplume as that has a better battle range and is a duel type whereas Bellossom is a pure grass type."
"Do you have both Stones?" Mollie asked. "For evolving a Gloom that is."
"I do." Misty confirmed surprising Mollie. "They were a gift from Erika after Ash's full battle with her when we were in Celadon City. She's taken a liking to me after I messaged her while Ash was sick and we still exchange messages in fact. She loved my Gloom when she saw her so she gave me a Leaf and a Sun Stone for when Gloom is ready. She will let me know when she's wants to evolve and when she does I will offer her both Stones to choose from."
"It is for the best to let a Pokémon chose when to evolve when it their evolution Stone based." Mollie said with a nod. "My Arcanine, Nidoking and Nidoqueen all needed Stones to evolve and while Yuma had them, including the 2 Moon Stones needed for the latter two, they didn't request them until they were ready to take that leap."
"Those are some strong Pokémon you have there." Misty said though she'd not yet met any of them she knew that they were fully evolved and powerful Pokémon. "Great in battles I would presume."
"I got them as Nidorans and raised them over the last few years first into a Nidorino and Nidorina and then their final stages when they were ready to touch a Moon Stone." Mollie explained. "Well the Arcanine was a Growlithe but same process only with a Fire Stone. I wanted them to be ready for when they evolved and I could control them when they increased in power."
"Makes sense." Misty said. "I've had issues with my Mamoswine when he evolved too quickly but we got past that after I helped heal him and now he's one of my best Pokémon."
"I've seen that one in action, are you using him in the battle round?" Mollie asked clearly fishing for info. "I'd love to go against your Mamoswine one day."
"Maybe, you will have to wait and see on that front." Misty said with a grin knowing that she wasn't actually using Mamoswine in the battle round as he'd been used in the last Contest. "Though after this Contest he's going back to Professor Oak's ranch for a break while I bring in my toughest challenge yet but one who has the potential to be my strongest Pokémon if I can control it."
"Toughest?" Mollie asked. "You caught a strong Pokémon that will be hard to raise?"
"Potentially, I know little about it and it wasn't exactly happy or peaceful when we met." Misty said understating it by a country mile. "But apparently Spiritomb has calmed down a lot since being caught so it could be manageable."
"I've never heard of that Pokémon." Mollie said. "What type is it?"
"It's only the second of its kind I have met." Misty said. "Ash and I ran into one the other day, that was what Shuppet saved me from actually and somehow knocked it out. I caught it on instinct and will raise it to be a battle Pokémon for Contests, it clearly loves that based on how I had to battle it as soon as it appeared. As for type, it is a ghost and dark duel type Pokémon."
"It is?" Mollie asked her eyes wide. "That is uncommon for sure and there is no type that I am aware of that is super effective against that kind of combo. Sableye is a dark and ghost type and I face one last year and lost so that's why I know how hard that combo is to face. Even Yuma didn't have any suggestions for how to deal with one."
"Correct hence why it will be good in battle." Misty said with a grin. "I have to branch out a bit so why not start with a Spiritomb. No one will see it coming."
"Very true, especially with a Pokémon like that." Mollie said as the 10th coordinator finished meaning Ash was soon as he was the 13th of the 20 registered coordinators slated to appeal today so he was solely focused on the TV with Shuppet watching while hovering over his head. "Having a range and limited predictability helps, it is how I beat Nando. He likes to go with song-based attacks and bug or grass type Pokémon. He seemed to expect me to be some quiet little kid after Raticate's appeal. His Kriketune wasn't ready for Arcanine's fire in our first final."
"Nando can be tricky though." Misty pointed out. "I have seen him battle many times and his style, while predictable at times, is tough to overcome when its on point."
"True it is why he beat me twice since then and already has 5 ribbons." Mollie said with a nod. "Same with Kenny on the 5 ribbons front but you don't care on that one."
"I expect that from him so it looks like I will see him in the Grand Festival." Misty said glad that she wouldn't see Kenny until the Grand Festival. "I look forward to beating him there, I'll really enjoy that."
"If I may ask, what is it between you two?" Mollie asked with more hesitation in her voice than usual as the question was personal. "He's really not a fan of yours and from what I heard he was even more pissed when you lost to Ash in HopHopHop Town because he wanted to be the first to beat you this year."
"Kenny and I were close friends growing up." Misty said with a sigh, she wasn't going to shy away from her past with Kenny just because he was a dick now and Mollie should know seeing as they'd almost certainly have to deal with him at the Grand Festival. "We are both from Twinleaf Town and grew up together but until I saw him at the Floaroma Town Contest I didn't know he wanted to be a coordinator which I think offended him."
"Did he ever bring it up?" Mollie asked.
"Not that I am aware of and as my mom is a Top Coordinator I was always talking about being one just like her." Misty said. "But I guess I never heard him as he also kept calling me a nickname I hated growing up but I have faced that part of my past and moved on from it."
"I see." Mollie said deciding not to ask about that part. "That still doesn't explain the animosity between you two. Sure you didn't realize he wanted to be a coordinator but that is a really petty thing to hold a grudge over."
"It would be but that is not why we aren't exactly friendly anymore." Misty said shaking her head. "We got over that quickly. No it was when we were in Sunyshore City, after Ash had won his 8th gym badge there, he asked me to abandon Ash and join him on a journey. This was right before Ash needed me the most as he was about to compete in the Sinnoh League Conference and I had been with Ash for the entire year, he'd been there for me at the Grand Festival so I had to be there for Ash at the League Conference. He even challenge Ash to a battle to force me to go if he won and Ash didn't know about that at the time."
"I see, he does have a big grudge against Ash." Mollie said. "When I taunted him about it, before he got really aggressive in the final I lost to him, called Ash a two-bit Kanto hick bastard that stole his girl."
"Yeah that sounds about right." Misty said. "Kenny has a crush on me and apparently it's been there for a while apparently but I didn't learn about it until Sunyshore and I never felt the same way about him. However, when he revealed it to me in Sinnoh, it made me realize that I had a deep crush on Ash."
"Sometimes that is how it happens." Mollie said with a chuckle. "You don't know you like someone until you are either threatened by a rival or another suitor comes your way, or so I presume as I've never had a crush."
"You aren't wrong though it was both for me." Misty said. "The potential rival, a girl called Lyra, helped realize I had a crush on Ash and the suitor, Kenny, made me realize how serious my crush was. However, that's a wonderful story for another time. Back to Kenny, suffice it to say he wasn't too thrilled when he found out I was dating Ash and lashed out at me for it at Ash's birthday no less. He then ran off and I am waiting for our inevitable meeting at the Grand Festival to end this once and for all but until then I am doing my own thing and enjoying my time with my boyfriend."
"I figured it was something like that, I am sorry to hear that." Mollie said. "I may have yet to experience love but I know it can cause things like that."
"Don't be, it is what it is and I will deal with it when the time comes." Misty said dismissively, it was a problem for the future, not the present. "Plus when Kenny actually challenges Ash as a rival for me he's in for a world of hurt now that Ash knows what it will be about. I have crushed a few rivals but we were all friendly, Kenny isn't and Ash will destroy him in seconds."
"Speaking of Ash, where is he?" Mollie asked and Misty looked around to notice that Ash wasn't there anymore.
"Probably waiting to go and deciding to let us talk rather than telling me." Misty said with a sigh at not getting to give him a good luck kiss. "Classic Ash being selfless and letting us chat."
"Well let's see how he does with his appeal." Mollie said looking to the TV. "He may not be a coordinator but he's good, I watched him beat you which proves it, so I want to see what he does."
"It will be interesting, that much I promise." Misty said as she turned to the TV as the 12th coordinator finished up.
That meant that Ash was about to go out. Misty was looking forward to seeing what Ash was about to do. It was going to be spectacular, she knew it, and his choice of Pokémon was perfect for appeal. He did love attention after all. It was time to see what Ash would do in his last appeal.
Ash had been so focused on his appeal and how he was going to pull it off with his Pokémon, who had taken a full 2 weeks just to grasp the concept of what an appeal actually was, that he hadn't heard what Misty and Mollie had been talking about. He was solely focused on seeing how the others did and preparing for his own appeal.
As such, when it came time to take his position and Misty and Mollie where still talking, Ash had just left them, nodding at Pikachu to make sure he would at least alert them when he went out, and headed to his waiting spot on the wings. Now he was here for what he hoped was the last time as he prepared to see how well his Pokémon could appeal and continue his training with one of his more attention seeking Pokémon.
"Alright folks it's time for the next coordinator though he will probably remind us that he actually isn't one." Lilian called out as the coordinator before Ash left the stage and headed back to waiting room to await the end of the appeals round. "He could be one if he wanted to be as he has the talent and has already won one ribbon this year in his win over Misty in the HopHopHop Town Contest, the upset of the season but that wasn't the only upset he's pulled off this year. From Pallet Town here in Kanto, it's the Upset of Kanto himself; Ash."
Ash walked out as the crowd cheered for him though not as loud as for Misty which was good, she deserved it more than he did. He was glad that this would be the last time he had to deal with this. He only had 5 Pokémon left after today that he needed to prepare for the Indigo Conference and they were being used against Blaine so he could avoid any more Contests. Even if he caught another Pokémon he wouldn't enter a Contest, he'd done enough of them already. Plus if Misty won then they wouldn't be at any Contests so he wouldn't have to worry regardless.
Still, he had one more Contest to have fun in and bond with his Pokémon and his competitive spirit meant that he would still go all out in it. It was time to see how this went as Ash pulled out the Poke Ball and took his position. Let the appeal begin.
"Oshawott, I choose you!" Ash yelled throwing out the ball.
"Well that is another surprise from Ash but that is what we've come to expect from him this year." Lilian said as the ball burst open and Ash's excitable, Unova region, water type starter burst out of it. "I wonder what he'll do this time."
"Oshawott, start us off with an Aqua Jet." Ash ordered. "Go as high as you can buddy, I know you can do it."
"Oshawott." Oshawott said happily pounding his scalchop before engulfing himself in water and blasting upwards as high as he could in the pillar of water.
Ash watched as Oshawott soared high into the sky. It had taken a while to get Oshawott to understand how a Contest appeal worked as it was a new concept to him, he hadn't watch the appeals in the Johto Grand Festival despite being with Ash at the time, but once he learned that he wouldn't have to battle and simply show off to get the attention of the crowd he couldn't wait to work on it. This was just the thing that Oshawott would love after all.
Soon Oshawott was at the peak of his jet, the water still attached to the ground, and he was about to fall back down as the move ended. It was time for the next part of the appeal and a little bit of precision with Oshawott's favorite thing, his scalchop.
"Now Oshawott, Razor Shell." Ash called out as the Aqua Jet ended. "Slice up that water."
The move was similar to what Ash and Buizel had done in the Wallace Cup only with one key difference, Razor Shell wasn't a ranged attack like Sonic Boom but a physical one that had to make contact to work. They had practiced this and Oshawott flipped tin the air and dove at the falling water, pulling is scalchop off his stomach. With a slash he reached the water and cut through it so that he fell between the halves of water without any of it touching him as he continued to fall to the ground. Ash grinned, it was time to show off Oshawott's power.
"Now Hydro Pump." Ash said as Oshawott returned his scalchop to its usual place. "Aim it at the ground and hold yourself up with it."
"Oshawott." Oshawott said as he held out his arms and opened his mouth in preparation to wow the crowd.
A torrent of water blasted out of Oshawott's mouth and slammed into the ground just before he would have hit it and rose him back into the air. He then held himself like that in midair only supported by the water he was shooting from his mouth. It showed off his strength and control to hold it for the duration of the move, which ended a few seconds later. Oshawott flipped forward and landed on his feet on the ground as Ash prepared the final move of the appeal.
"Hydro Pump again." Ash called out. "Aim it upwards this time though."
"Oshawott!" Oshawott yelled as he blasted a second Hydro Pump skywards.
The powerful blast of water shot upwards for a few seconds before it ended and began to fall back to the ground as it fountained at its apex. Thanks to the height, the water spread out and formed a small mimicry of rain as it fell down on Oshawott who was now playing happily in it showing off his cuteness in the process until it was over and the appeal officially ended.
"That water will feel nice on a hot day like today." Lilian said as the appeal ended and Oshawott ran back to celebrate Ash as Ash bowed to the judges. "Do the judges agree?"
"A fine display of the range of uses that can be done with water while using a water type starter not common to these areas." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "Oshawott showed that water can be used for travel, power, control, precision and fun all at the same time."
"Yes, simply remarkable." Sukizo said being as helpful as ever.
"Oshawott is just adorable." Nurse Joy squealed no doubt pleasing Oshawott with her words. "And it looked so fun as it played in the rain."
Ash just smiled and bowed to the judges again before returning Oshawott and leaving the stage. Based on what he had seen, Ash felt he'd done enough to advance, which was what he needed so that he could get his other Pokémon at least one battle, but only time would tell on that front. There were still 7 more coordinators to watch and Ash intended to do so as he hurried back to rejoin Misty and Mollie for the rest of the appeals and see who had advanced to the battle round of the Gardenia Town Contest.
"Congratulations to these 8 coordinators who have advanced to the battle round." Lilian said as 8 portraits appeared on the screen all flipped over at the same time to limit suspense. "And to all those who have competed today but didn't make it this time."
The appeals had ended and it was time to learn who had advanced to the battle round to compete for the Gardenia Ribbon. Ash had returned in time to watch most of the rest of the appeals and chat with Misty and Mollie about his own appeal which both had thought was good enough to advance. Mollie had really liked Oshawott and asked a lot of questions about him and Unova in general of Ash.
It turned out that Mollie was planning on heading to Unova after the Grand Festival and Indigo Conference. The later she planned on watching for battle inspiration as there was always something that could be learned from a trainer battle that you couldn't learn for a Contest battle.
She was either going to go as a Top Coordinator planning on helping out with the first Contest season in Unova or she was going to compete in it if she didn't win the Grand Festival and try and earn the title of Top Coordinator out there. She'd never left Kanto apparently so was excited for it and wanted to go somewhere more exotic hence why she'd opted to head to Unova.
Now though, it was time to see if they had all advanced to the next stage of the Contest. As with the last few times, none of them had to worry about it as all 3 had advanced to the battle round, their pictures being next to each other in the lower row. It looked like the battle stage would be interesting depending on how the draw went.
"Alright, now it is time for our random bracket." Lilian said as the pictures flipped over and shuffled on screen before falling and forming a bracket at the bottom of the screen and then flipping back over. "Will our first two head over in a few minutes so we can start the battles on time."
Quickly Ash, Misty and Mollie checked the bracket. For once it seemed like it was actually random, to a point as Misty was in the second match, Mollie the third and Ash the fourth so none of them were starting the battle round out. It also meant that the earliest they would meet was the semis if Ash and Mollie both won while Misty wouldn't face either until the final. It did mean that a final between Misty and Mollie was now a distinct possibility though, only time would tell on that though as the battle round began.
After watching the first battle start, Misty had headed off to wait for her first battle and Ash and Mollie stayed to watch it though Mollie had to leave and watch it from the wings. As expected, Misty easily won her opening battle beating a second-year coordinator from Johto on points by a wide margin using her Gloom against his Flaffy. She had easily progressed to the semis.
Mollie as well showed that she lived up to her status by easily beating her opponent, a female rookie and her Drifblim with her Absol, a Pokémon Ash remembered and he finally fully remembered Mollie as the timid girl who had debut in Gardenia Town alongside Brock in his best friend's only Contest, one where Brock beat Molly in the quarters if he recalled. This time Mollie won her quarter with a Battle Off with over 2 minutes to spare leaving Ash the only one left to compete in the quarters.
Ash's own quarter final was a lot tougher than the other two. He was up against a likely Grand Festival participant who had 3 ribbons and decided that he was going to use a hit and run tactic against Ash and beat him by dodging Ash and Scraggy's, his last Pokémon not assigned a gym battle, attacks.
Add in Scraggy not being one of the strongest Pokémon Ash had and it wasn't looking good on points. However, Ash's opponent had gone with a Spinda which was a normal type against Scraggy who was a fighting and dark type. All it took was Ash deliberately missing with a Focus Blast to trip the teetering Spinda up, followed by a second Focus Blast and a High Jump Kick to knock it out with 20 seconds left for the Battle Off victory.
With that Ash and Mollie were set to face off in the semis. However, before that Misty had her own semifinal match against a Kanto coordinator with 2 ribbons who was trying hard to keep his Grand Festival hopes alive this year with a win in Gardenia Town. He was also using a Slugma which had a type advantage over Gloom so Misty was in for a tough match.
At least that was what it looked like on paper but the guy had underestimated how Misty would handle a type disadvantage. She did have a Piplup and Ash had a Pikachu after all so Misty knew how to deal with a disadvantage and spent most of the match gracefully dodging and countering with attacks aimed at Gloom, dropping his points in the process, and waiting for Slugma tire.
Then, as soon as Slugma was exhausted, she hit it was a full power Sleep Powder to knock it out and charge up a Solar Beam that didn't knock it out but dropped her opponent's points to a dangerous level. All Misty had to do after that was run out the clock and she was able to advance on points to yet another final and was ready to face either Ash or Mollie.
"Well that was an exhilarating semifinal and the other one looks to be just as good." Lilian said as Misty returned to the waiting room, smiling and high fiving Ash as she passed him. "So let's get this started."
Ash and Mollie took that as their cue to walk out of their respective sides and take their spots as the crowd cheered for them though Ash knew it was more for Mollie not him and Ash was fine with that. This was a matchup that was going to be good. Mollie was considered a legit contender for the Ribbon Cup and Ash hadn't earned the nickname the Upset from Kanto for nothing so anything could happen in this match.
"I finally remember you now." Ash said as he took his position. "Took me longer than it should have but I recognize you as the young rookie who debuted here when May won it. Our friend Brock entered because of Yuma and beat you in the battle round."
"That's correct." Mollie said with a nod a little surprised that it had taken Ash this long to recall her but she figured he'd likely met a lot of people in his life so one timid girl a few years back wasn't a big impression, she was going to change that now. "I must thank Brock whenever I meet him, his performance and win over me ensured that Yuma would take me under her wing and now I am here, a favorite for the Ribbon Cup. You and your girlfriend are just in the way of that."
"Well neither of us will make it easy." Ash said with a grin pulling out his Poke Ball. "I'm here for practice and facing one of the best on the circuit this year, well that's perfect practice for me so this is just what I want. If you do beat me, you will face the best though."
"Oh I know and that's the matchup I've been dying to have all year." Mollie said and Ash was surprised by her confidence, her timid nature was almost all gone now as she got into the battle. "I enjoy being the dark horse, the one that is forgotten because it makes it so much sweeter when I win against the other good coordinators. To beat the one person that beat Misty this year and then beat her myself right afterwards, well how can I not go all out for that."
"Well it looks like this semifinal will be very good." Lilian said into her mic interrupting them to start her hyping of them by sweeping an arm to Mollie. "So let's get the intros over with so you don't have to wait any longer for it. On this side we have the top ranked coordinator from Kanto this year and 4th ranked overall coordinator on the Kanto circuit so one of the Big 4 contenders for the Ribbon Cup. As you know she's the hometown girl here in Gardenia Town, it's the Sweetie from the Garden; Mollie."
The crowd cheered louder than Ash had heard them cheer so far but that made sense given the fact that Mollie was from Gardenia Town, it had been like this for May in the Wallace Cup so he had expected her support to be big here. Mollie just smiled and waved to the crowd as they cheered for her before she returned her attention to Ash and pulled out her Poke Ball.
"Now normally this semi would be an uphill battle against someone as good as Mollie." Lilian said as she swept her arm to Ash's side. "But that's not true for our other semifinalist. He's beaten the circuit favorite Misty, who's also his girlfriend by the way, in her only defeat of the year. He's also beaten a Top Coordinator in the quarterfinals of the Wallace Cup when he defeated Zoey in spectacular fashion. While he was upset himself in Chrysanthemum Town, he's always a surprise and has more than earned the nickname the Upset of Kanto. From Pallet Town, it's Ash."
Ash just locked eyes with Mollie as the crowd cheered at his into but he didn't hear them. He was focused on this battle and getting the most out of it. This was what he had come here for and Scraggy was ready for this one. Plus with Absol as his opponent, Ash had a type advantage but he had a feeling that that wouldn't matter against Mollie.
"Begin!" Lilian called out.
"Scraggy, I choose you!" Ash said throwing out his Poke Ball.
"Absol take the stage." Mollie said throwing her ball out at the same time.
Scraggy and Absol appeared simultaneously and eyed each other across the battlefield as the timer began to tick down. Neither dark type had seen the other Pokémon before so neither knew what to expect but they trusted their trainers in this match.
"Focus Blast Scraggy." Ash called out to start off with a super effective move that played to Scraggy's secondary fighting type.
"Dodge that and hit it with Quick Attack." Molly said as Scraggy formed the ball of fighting type power between his hands. "Don't let it hit you."
Absol didn't need to be told twice. It quickly leapt to the side to avoid the super effective fighting type attack that had been sent at it and charged at Scraggy. It was faster than Ash or Scraggy had expected and slammed into Scraggy's side sending him flying with a cry. Ash gritted his teeth but it was just a single blow, he had the type advantage, it was just a matter of hitting Absol with a fighting type attack.
"Headbutt!" Ash called out.
"Hit it first with Sucker Punch." Mollie countered.
"Damn, that again." Ash groaned as Scraggy launched himself head first at Absol. "That's a tricky move to deal with."
Absol didn't seem to move but Ash knew it did, he'd experienced that attack twice at from Janine's Arbok a month ago and braced himself for it. The blow struck Scraggy in the side again and threw him down to the ground so that he missed but Ash already had a plan as Scraggy got up and shook himself off from the attack.
"Focus Blast again." Ash ordered again. "Keep an eye on it and wait for me."
"Leap over it and use Razor Wind." Mollie said as Scraggy formed the ball in his hands.
"High Jump Kick." Ash called out as the Focus Blast was sent out. "Hit it before it can get its attack off."
Timing was key here but this was a combo that Ash and Scraggy had worked hard on, using Misty's Espeon as the unfortunate crash dummy due to Espeon's resistance to fighting type moves and her own speed being high enough to make sure that it worked. It had taken a bit to get the combo right but it they had perfected it in the end. It was one of many that he and Scraggy had perfected for landing at least one of his two fighting type moves on an opponent who was faster than the Shedding Pokémon.
Scraggy sent the ball of fighting type power at Absol, keeping it low so that it had to leap high in the air to clear it, something that Absol could do with ease. However it had to focus on avoiding the Focus Blast before it could activated Razor Wind and that was the window Scraggy had leapt in.
He was already in the air before Absol had even cleared the ball, his knee drawn back so that as soon as Absol was clear of the ball and on its way down, Scraggy launched it up and caught Absol under the chin with super effective attack and sent it flying back with a wail to land in a heap in front of Mollie causing her to lose a good chunk of points.
"Not bad." Mollie said with a nod. "But you gave me the space for this. Absol, Razor Wind again."
"Focus Blast." Ash called out to counter the attack.
"Send it back with your Razor Wind." Mollie ordered as Scraggy formed the ball once again. "Let's see how Scraggy deals with it."
"Absol!" Absol said as the blue protrusion on the side of its head glowed before it lashed down with it just as Scraggy sent out the Focus Blast.
The normal type power clashed with the Focus Blast for a second as they seemed to battle in midfield before the Razor Wind won out and forced the Focus Blast back to Scraggy but the Razor Wind ended in the process. That was impressive but Ash wasn't going to marvel at Absol's power, he had to act now.
"Dodge that Scraggy." Ash said and Scraggy leapt out of the way of his own attack just in time but he had to roll on landing, holding his skin up as he did, and that was just what Mollie had been waiting for.
"Razor Wind, as fast as possible." Mollie called out and once again Absol whipped its head and sent the attack at Scraggy.
This time there wasn't time for any orders from Ash to dodge or counter it. Scraggy was still on the ground getting up when the blast caught him in the side right under his arm. What Ash didn't know was that Razor Wind's critical hit ratio had increased with its second use and that ratio, already above average, had been increased yet again thanks to Absol's Super Luck ability that neither Ash nor Mollie knew about.
It was that blow, a critical hit, that was too much for Scraggy and he fainted almost as soon as he was hit and long before he crashed into the wall behind Ash with enough force to crack it. His limp body fell to the ground with a soft thump. As soon as the judges saw the swirls for eyes the Xs went up and the match was over with a minute remaining on the clock.
"And in keeping with tradition it seems, Ash's battle has once again ended with a Battle Off." Lilian said. "Though this time it is Ash who has lost it, his third of the year. That means that Mollie has advanced to the finals and will face Misty in a few minutes."
"Scraggy return." Ash said with a smile, his Contest practices were over, he could now enjoy watching Misty win her last ribbon and qualifying for the Grand Festival. "You did great buddy, that Absol is really fast and a lot stronger than the last time I saw it. You worked hard though, I'm proud of you. We will do well in the Indigo Conference; I promise you that."
Ash put the Poke Ball away and nodded at Mollie who returned his nod as she recalled Absol and stayed in her position waited for Misty to come out for the final. He would properly congratulate her afterwards but for now he had to leave and get to the stands in time to watch the final.
Turning, Ash left the stage and found Misty waiting in the winds behind him with Piplup in her arms and Shuppet hovering over her shoulder. She'd probably been waiting in the waiting room and when she figured Ash was likely going to lose come here to see him as he left.
"Not bad babe." Misty said as they exchanged another high five. "She's good and that Absol uses its speed well."
"Yeah watch out for that." Ash said taking Piplup from Misty so that he could watch and cheer from the stands as Pikachu scurried up to take his place on Ash's shoulder. "But I don't mind losing, I'm here for the fun and practice and I got plenty of both. Plus that combo worked which is good to know."
"That it did." Misty said before looking at Shuppet who was looking confused as to what to do. "Shuppet, go with Ash and watch from the stands. This final is going to be good."
"Shup, Shuppet." Shuppet said happily with a nod. "Shuppet."
"Good luck." Ash said and he gave Misty a quick, chaste kiss for luck. "Love you. Now go out there and get your 5th ribbon, the Grand Festival awaits you."
"Love you too." Misty said as Ash headed out with Shuppet behind him to supporter. "And I will Ash. I will win."
Misty then turned and walked out of the wings as the crowd was cheering for the final. It was time to get this final started so there was no point in delaying it any longer. Mollie was already there waiting, Poke Ball in hand, as Misty drew out her own Poke Ball while she walked to her starting spot. She'd been watching the girl closely all Contest and knew that this was going to be a tough match. It was just the kinda match she needed to earn her last ribbon of the year.
"You live up to your reputation Mollie." Misty said as she reached her position. "Not many can beat Ash so convincingly using speed like that and fewer still can do it while facing a type disadvantage."
"Yuma has taught me well." Mollie said back though she hadn't realized until that match that Scraggy was a fighting type. "But I also kept an eye on him the entire time to see how I could beat him. Anyone who can defeat you, even if it requires an evolution to pull off, is going to be tough regardless and he proved it with that combo ensuring he got the hit on Absol. I needed to keep Ash on the defensive to land that second Razor Wind for the win."
"I see well don't expect me to be easier." Misty said with a grin. "I have more on the line and I've learned from all my matches and friends, including Ash and I can handle anything you throw at me."
"I know which is why this is the best way for me to get to the Grand Festival." Mollie said grinning right back at Misty. "Plus we could meet again in the Grand Festival I want to see what you're made of before that."
"Ladies, this is just the rivalry we wanted when it was confirmed that two of the top four would be in the final of this Contest." Lilian said brining their attention back to her and the final at hand. "And folks that is just what this is, a matchup between two of the best coordinators on the circuit this year and two of the favorites for the Ribbon Cup. To add to the suspense, both girls have 4 ribbons to their names this year which means the winner will officially qualify for the Grand Festival."
At this the crowd cheered louder as Misty and Mollie locked gazes in preparation for their match. It was almost time, all that was left was their overhyped introductions that they were already used to by now but wouldn't stop Lilian from using.
"So let's get the introductions you all know by now over with and we'll start with the one to beat it this final." Lilian said as she gestured at Misty. "That would be the number 1 favorite on the circuit this year who has won 4 ribbons in 5 Contests, including her 3rd straight Aqua Ribbon from the Wallace Cup in Hoenn a few months back. This time she's seeking to lift that Ribbon Cup rather than lose in the finals of a Grand Festival once again. From Twinleaf Town, give it up for the Prodigy of Sinnoh, Misty."
As expected the crowd cheered though for the second time this season Misty noted that it wasn't as loud as usually and she knew why. Mollie was the hometown girl just as May had been and she was trying to win the Contest in front of likely her most hardcore fans and qualify for the Grand Festival in the process. Add in the fact that she'd do it by beating Misty and it was as if the stars had aligned for Mollie to get this signature win. Shame Misty had no intention of letting her do that.
"And on the other side, in a rare underdog moment for her this year, it's your hometown girl." Lilian said as she gestured at Mollie. "However we all know what's happened when she's been an underdog before. The only coordinator on the circuit to beat both Nando and Kenny, the other two favorites so she's looking to complete the sweep with a win over Misty and secure herself a spot in the Grand Festival. You know her as the Sweetie from the Garden. It's Mollie."
For once Mollie didn't wave at the crowd as they went wild for her giving her the loudest cheer of the night. She was here to win and beat the best out there at the same time so she had to focus. Misty could respect that. This was going to be good and she couldn't wait. A wait that wasn't going last long.
"Begin!" Lilian yelled.
"Gloom, spotlight!" Misty said throwing out her Poke Ball.
"Absol take the stage." Mollie said as she tossed out her own ball.
The Weed and Disaster Pokémon materialized in front of their trainers and sized each other up with experienced glances. Both could tell that the other was a serious battler with plenty of experience and trust in their trainer. This was going to be good and Gloom grinned at her opponent. She was going to prove to Misty once again that she was one of her top battle choices by avenging her loss in the last finals she was in and this dog thing was just the foe to beat for that.
"Absol, Razor Wind." Mollie ordered to start the final.
"Pirouette out of the way and use Razor Leaf." Misty called out as Absol lashed its head and sent out the vertical blast that was Razor Wind right at Gloom.
As the attack reached Gloom she spun away on her toes so that it passed harmless by her at the last second for added effect, something she couldn't do as a Bellossom due to the leaves for legs or a Vileplume because of the flower that would be on her head. As she spun, she prepared her Razor Leaf and whipped her head as she finished the pirouette to send them out right at the surprised looking Absol before her.
"Dodge that and use Razor Wind again." Mollie said going for the increased critical hit ration that the second Razor Wind had.
"Absol." Absol roared in pain as the leaves hit it before it could dodge but it braced itself and then lashed its head sending a second Razor Wind at Gloom with a yell. "Absol!"
"Dodge and use a Razor Leaf to get close for what we need to do." Misty said pointing forward as the second Razor Wind tore at Gloom.
"Gloom." Gloom said as she again spun away from the move and sent her leaves at Absol for a second time.
This time however she began to run after the leaves using them as a forward guard to get close to her foe. She understood this strategy that she had perfected with Misty. Her other moves either required close quarters, time, or were used as a one-time surprise. Misty was using this move to get her in close to Absol so that she could use her status move and by herself time for the last part of the sequence.
The point of the first part of the sequence was for the leaves to occupy her opponent for long enough to get the second attack off. Of course that was all depending on Mollie letting that happen which of course she wasn't planning on doing.
"Absol, Sucker Punch." Mollie said. "And stay behind Gloom when you're done."
The leaves hadn't even reached Absol before it moved. One second it was there looking at the leaves, the next it was behind Gloom who was now face down and skidding in the dirt having taken the attack from behind. Misty grimaced at that; she'd seen how effective that attack was when had been used against Ash by Janine that she should have prepared for it even if it wasn't easy and not one they could train for. However, Mollie relied on speed it seemed and Misty had just what she needed if Absol tried something else.
"Now Quick Attack before it can get up." Mollie said and Misty grinned, that was just what she was hoping Mollie would use.
"Gloom, as fast as possible, Sleep Powder." Misty said as Absol began running at her and changing her strategy to work with Mollie's latest attack. "Don't even bother to get up just turn around."
Gloom knew what her trainer wanted and turned on her stomach before letting out her Sleep Powder as Absol closed in on her and braced for the hit. For months now they'd been working on her speed with the status attack as part of a special combo, in the process Misty had ended up developing a one-shot strategy for it that they were employing now.
Gloom would pre-build up the powder in her bulb before the battle and then on command release it when her opponent was coming in close for a speed attack. They'd even practiced it with Pikachu's Quick Attack to perfect it and be able to hit a Pokémon using a fast move like that. The only drawback was that it was a one-time move as Gloom could store the powder fast enough in the middle of a battle for a second use.
Thankfully it went as planned in the Gardenia Contest final. Absol charged at Gloom as she released the purple powder into the air before her in a way that Absol couldn't avoid it. Instead it ran right through the powder and slammed into Gloom with Quick Attack.
Gloom was sent flying into the air as Absol continued to run underneath her and shake its head as the powder took effect. A few steps later the Sleep Powder finished its work and Absol crashed hard to the ground and skidded along it, snoring loudly just as Gloom landed hard on the ground.
With a groan, Gloom got to her feet and dusted herself off and wiped the drool from the side of her mouth as she did. She was not some delicate flower to be shown off in appeals, that was her best friend's job for Misty.
Pinsir was the sensitive, beautiful, one who loved to look good and did so all the time. Gloom was her protector and guardian; she would always be. She was the fighter to the bitter end, only going down when she was out of energy or time depending on what came first. This Absol as it was called was good but she was better as she waited for what she knew was coming, already drawing in the sun's rays in preparation. An open stadium like the one they were in was perfect for her.
"Gloom, Solar Beam." Misty ordered and instantly Gloom fully opened herself up to the sun and began charging as fast as possible, this would be her only shot to do a lot of damage.
"Come on Absol, wake up." Mollie said worry in her voice for the first time all battle, she'd known Misty would be good but what she'd just seen proved she deserved her hype, to take that hit and still be ready with a move that stopped Absol long enough for a powerful charge attack showed Misty's planning. "I know you can do it."
"Too late." Misty said simply as Gloom finished charging. "Now Gloom, launch it."
"Gloom!" Gloom yelled as she lowered her head and sent off the Solar Beam.
The beam of pure grass type power tore across the battlefield slammed into the sleeping Absol's side hard enough to blast it away. Absol flew right past Mollie in a blue and white blur before slamming into the wall with a loud crash that kicked up dust and obscured the Disaster Pokémon as it fell to the ground.
Gloom made her way back to stand in front of Misty in preparation for the next attack as the points ticked down for Mollie. However she wasn't out yet as they couldn't see Absol so there was no declaration on its battle status.
They got their answer when Absol howled from the dust and charged out as fast as it could to stand in front of Mollie. It was fully awake now, it's fur blackened and matted in places and pissed off gleam in its eyes. Gloom nodded, this Absol was a true fighter, a worthy foe for her indeed.
"Petal Blizzard." Misty said, time was running out and she wasn't sure how close it was on points so she needed her newest move to put her over the edge in the final. "Show it off and hit that Absol."
"I knew you weren't done for Absol." Mollie said with a grin. "Time for our move and a fitting one at that. Use Blizzard!"
"Absol can learn Blizzard?" Misty asked confused, that wasn't good as ice was super effective against grass types.
The attacks went off at the same time. Gloom sent out a blizzard of pink petals that covered the stage in the area attack. Meanwhile Absol opened its mouth and sent out a howling blizzard of ice in response to Gloom's attack. It could easily be seen how Petal Blizzard got its name when it was used at the same time as a regular Blizzard attack. The ice and petals howled around the stage in a cold wind that had both girls bracing themselves as their Pokémon got struck by either attack and wailed in pain but stuck it out.
However, one of the Pokémon was much worse off than the other in the maelstrom. Gloom was vulnerable to ice type attacks and the super effective Blizzard attack was damaging her more than Absol who was taking plenty of damage as well but at a regular rate. The attacks lasted only a few seconds but died down to the sounds of points falling for both girls. There couldn't be much time life, time for one more move each most likely.
"Razor Wind." Mollie cried.
"Dodge and use Razor Leaf." Misty replied going with what had worked to avoid the Razor Wind earlier.
Absol lashed its head and sent out the attack for a third time though the bonus effects weren't in it after other attacks that had been used. Gloom grinned as she moved to spin and counter. At least that was the plan but she suddenly found that she couldn't move. Her eyes wide with shock, she looked down and saw that one of her feet had been frozen to the floor, the side effect of Blizzard having been triggered apparently. She couldn't dodge and that meant…
Gloom didn't even get to finisher her thought as she looked up to see the Razor Wind smacked her between the eyes going clean from the top of her bulb to between her legs. The force of the blast shattered the ice holding her in place and sent her flying back at full speed and into Misty who was still shocked that Gloom had been frozen to the ground. As such, Misty also didn't move and was forced to take her own speeding Pokémon to the chest.
The crowd gasped in horror and Mollie winced for Misty as Gloom struck the Sinnoh girl in the chest and blasted her off her feet and backwards. Instinctively, Misty put her arms around Gloom and lowered her head to protected her just before she slammed hard into the unyielding wall behind her at full speed. Misty's breath was driven from her lungs as let it out in a pained gasp before she slid down the wall to sit at the base of the wall, a still conscious Gloom in her arms as she groaned in pain.
Still, there was hope. Gloom had the strength to fight and Misty had put herself in the way for her Pokémon so Gloom would be motivated to win. She still had a chance. Of course that was the moment that the bell range to signal the end of the final. The Gardenia Contes was over.
"What a final." Lilian said as Mollie, with Absol now on her heels, began to run towards Misty who was still sitting unable to get up from her position. "And the winner is…"
Mollie stopped as she and Misty looked up to the scoreboard to see the final scores. It was close, closer than Misty had expected given all the hits but there could only be one winner. Both girls had lost a lot of points in the final with one of them being just above the 25% remaining line and the other just below it so there were only a few points it.
"Mollie!" Lilian said as Misty registered that she was the one who's points were below 25% before a picture of Mollie with smaller ones of Absol and Raticate filled the screen to signify her win. "What an upset in the final of the Gardenia Town Contest. With that win Mollie has now defeated the other 3 favorites, the only coordinator to do that this year, and secured her place in the Grand Festival with her 5th ribbon. For Misty, it was a hard-fought loss, her second of the year, but we expect her to be back on her feet soon. Er, do we need medical?"
Misty shook her head no and grimaced in pain at the movement. Her back was bruised for sure but she hadn't hit her head which was a good sign and nothing felt broken which was a positive. She would be ok, after a few days. Mollie however clearly didn't seem to care about her win as she resumed running over to Misty.
"Misty, I'm so sorry." Mollie said as she reached her and panting slightly. "Are you alright, that looked painful."
"I've had worse." Misty grunted out though she wasn't 100% sure she had, maybe being friend by Pikachu or taking Charizard's Flamethrower once. "Now I have some sympathy for what Piplup has to go through at times because of me."
"Need a hand?" Mollie asked holding out her right hand to Misty.
"Thanks." Misty said as she put a clearly unhappy Gloom down to her side, she'd comfort her Pokémon in a second, and grasped the younger girl's hand. "That Blizzard got Gloom frozen to the ground which allowed you to land that winning Razor Wind. Gotta admit, I didn't see that coming."
With a heave showing she was stronger than she looked, Mollie helped Misty to her feet as the crowd cheered the sight, pictures of the act would be front page of the Contest blogs for a while showing the sportsmanship between two of the top contenders in their only match before the Grand Festival.
Misty didn't care about that. As soon as she was on her feet she moved her hand in Mollie's grip and properly shook her new rival's hand and congratulate the younger girl on her win.
"Well done." Misty said with a smile. "You're really good Mollie. I can't wait to see you in the Grand Festival but don't expect me to lose next time we face off."
"Oh I don't." Mollie said with a grin. "I expect you to want vengeance and I look forward to facing it. You had better win your last Contest though."
"Oh I intend to." Misty promised. "Now go celebrate with your well-earned ribbon. You deserve it. I, er, should probably get myself and my Pokémon looked at."
"I will, it's will be my most precious ribbon of the year because for many reasons." Mollie said with a smile. "Until we meet again Misty."
"Until then Mollie." Misty agreed as Mollie let go of her hand and turned to go and meet Mr. Contesta who had the Gardenia Ribbon on a tray waiting for her, Raticate coming out as she walked.
Misty tried to take a step forward when the pain hit her like, well a wall to the back, and she fell forward. She was stopped from hitting the ground by a strong familiar arm grabbing her gently around her waist. Misty chuckled; she might need a longer recover than she expected but they did have a few more weeks of a cruise to enjoy so she had the time.
"Don't worry, I got you Misty." Ash said reassuringly in her ear as he helped put her arm around his shoulder and supported her weight. "That was some hit you took."
"Tell me about it." Misty said as she looked at her loving boyfriend who must have rushed to her side as soon as she hit the wall and smiled at him. "Thanks for catching me, I think I do need to be looked at after that blow."
Ash didn't say anything more as he steadied Misty. He wanted to help her out but she had to stay and watch Mollie get her ribbon and pose with it to celebrate so he just held her up as Mr. Contesta congratulated Mollie on her win. It was the right thing to do and Misty did her best to cheer for Mollie with the rest of the crowd as she celebrated her 5th ribbon. In front of her hometown crowd.
Pikachu, Piplup and Shuppet looked at her with concern but then shifted to Gloom who was sitting unhappily on the floor by Misty when it became clear that Misty was in her mate's caring hands. They all did their best to help Gloom but she was still upset that she'd lost and that she'd hurt Misty as well.
This was Gloom's second loss in a final and she knew why that was. She wasn't strong enough. She needed to be stronger and there was only one way she could do so now which meant that it was time. When Misty was ready, and Gloom had had a chance to talk it over with her friends, she was going to tell her trainer she was ready. First though Misty needed her own kind of help.
"Come on, let's get you to the Pokémon Center." Ash said and Misty just nodded and let him help her out, their Pokémon following behind them. "We have a few days off her before we set sail for the next stop on the way to Cinnabar, let's rest up and have some fun."
"I couldn't agree more." Misty said with a sigh as they left the Contest stage. "I think I deserve a break after that."
Misty had lost, and she was in more pain then she was willing to admit, but she wasn't down. It had been a close battle and Mollie was clearly as good as advertised and deserved the win. In the process, Misty had made a new friend and rival in the girl that day and was looking forward to meeting Mollie again in the Grand Festival. If they battled there then Misty wasn't going to lose a second time.
First though, she had to get there. She still needed one more ribbon and Misty intended to get it in her next Contest. However, she had plenty of time to win it. Before then she needed to recover and get stronger with her Pokémon. Plus Ash had his 7th battle coming up and she couldn't wait to see that.
Yes, she had more than enough time to be ready for her final Contest and she swore that it would be her last one of the season. Misty wasn't going to lose again that year, she knew it. With that thought comforting her, Ash helped Misty out of the Contest Hall and to the Pokémon Center for a much-needed rest.
