Well, here it is, the twenty-third part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series on the right day as promised. It's time to begin their visit to Alola properly and what better way for Dawn to do that then by finding out where her next Contest is right away so she can plan around it, while also having a nice morning out with the girls. After all, it's not like there are any surprises for them in simply going to a Contest Information Center, is there? That is all the administrative stuff I have for this Part and as there are no guest reviews to respond to or questions to answer I will leave this off here but do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all. That is it for this pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXII: The Favorite in Alola.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.
Part CCXII: The Favorite in Alola
"So where are we going?" Dawn said as the girls got off the minibus, the same one that had been rented to pick Ash and Dawn up from the airport, and stepped onto the central street in Hau'oli City with Dawn glad that she'd opted for a miniskirt and a sleeveless top as part of her outfit this year as it felt hotter than the day before. "To find out where the next Contest is that is."
It was the morning after they had arrived in Alola and Dawn was with Iris, Mallow, Lana, and Lillie, the last of which was carrying Snowy in her arm while Piplup hung out on Dawn's head though he wasn't a fan of this heat. After the overview of Alola that Ash and Dawn had gotten the day before when they arrived at the Pokémon School, along with a Popplio at the school bonding with Dawn almost instantly giving her her first catch in Alola, they'd grabbed dinner and then relaxed with Iris and their new friends in the dorm area of the school.
Well most of them did, Ash and Iris were in deep food comas after their impromptu eating contest, which Ash won, and just vegetating there from the absurd amount of food they'd eaten so the rest of them chatted. Dawn used that time to take out Popplio and explain how she'd ended up with it before Lana showed off her Primarina so that Dawn could see what the final form looked in person and get some tips. It said something about Iris's food coma that she didn't freak out at the appearance of a fairy type in their midst though that might also be because she was used to Lana's Primarina by that point.
Dawn couldn't deny that she really liked the fully evolved Alola water starter as it was gorgeous but she'd leave the evolving decisions to Popplio, who was playing with Piplup and Snowy and starting to get to know Dawn's starter. She wouldn't force her Pokémon to evolve, that was their choice as shown by Piplup's decision to forcible not evolve which was why he now had an Everstone, but she wouldn't lie and say she didn't hope for it.
On that, while Snowy was still a Vulpix, Mallow's Steenee had evolved into a Tsareena, its final stage, and she showed it off while Sophocles showed off his Vikavolt which they'd not seen when the Alolan students were in Kalos. They'd all clearly gotten stronger and more confident and told Dawn as much as they told her of what they'd been up to since she'd met them in Kalos and how the rest of their year had gone.
It turned out that all of them had entered the Manalo Conference because there was no entrance requirement like in other regions due to it being the first of its kind. As such, and in something utterly unique that Dawn knew Ash would have loved, the Conference had begun with a Battle Royale to whittle down the entrants from the 151 who'd signed up for it to the 16 who would advance to the knockout battles. All of the kids at the school had made it out, as had Samson and obviously Lillie's brother Gladion, so they were in the one on one battles.
Those battles were literally one on one Pokémon battles in the last 16 and quarterfinals, something Dawn found odd and a bit cheap after all she'd seen from Ash but Alola were just getting things started so it made sense. The others assured her that in the future, while Alola would keep the Battle Royale or some group variant if they got more people entering, they'd expand the battles in the battle stage to be more in line with other regions where full battles began in the last 16 had become the standard practice over the last few years, or even a round earlier if you were in the Evergrande Conference in Hoenn.
Of course in typical fashion the draw for the battles was rather interesting to say the least as Mallow and Lana had been drawn against each other and Lillie had been drawn against her brother Gladion in the last 16. Dawn certainly knew that well from how the Sinnoh Grand Festival had gone as well as how Ash's battle draws tended to be. Thankfully for their group, only Mallow and Lana were paired in the first round of battles as Iris, Sophocles and Kiawe had other opponents though they were people who they'd gotten to know over the course of the year.
Naturally the three without a major matchup won their first battles and Lillie lost to her brother so the big battle of the last 16 was Mallow v. Lana. Lana won that one despite her Primarina having a type disadvantage against Mallow's Tsareena though she'd go on and lose her quarterfinal match to some guy called Guzma who had a long history with Kukui that they didn't have time to get into the night before.
Dawn understood that and just asked about the other matches as Ash half listen from where he was groaning in his food coma. After the first battle round, Dawn had expected that there would be more matchups in the quarterfinals and she'd been right with Kiawe and Sophocles facing off while Iris faced some guy called Hau who was related to some big name but there were so many names going on that she'd have to learn later.
That said there was one name that Dawn did ask about though was Kahili as she'd met the woman in Kalos, which surprised the others as they all knew Kahili but didn't know that she'd spent time in Kalos to regain her confidence following a skid in her PokeGolf career, but they did give an update on her. After Kahili had returned to Alola she'd returned to peak PokeGolf form and won an event before entering the Manalo Conference in which she advanced out of the Battle Royale and won her first match against a woman called Plumeria before losing to Gladion in the quarterfinals.
Dawn was happy for her and that brought them back to the quarterfinals where Kiawe took over as he and Iris won their matches and advanced to the semifinals. However, that was where his run ended when he lost the now two on two battle to Gladion but Iris beat Guzma in her battle and advanced to the finals where she barely lost to Gladion in the three on three final making him Champion. There was then an exhibition full battle against Kukui, who was under an alias, during which an Ultra Beast arrived but that was dealt with before the battle resumed and Gladion won that as well.
Overall it was a good and interesting first Conference for Alola. Dawn agreed and if she and Ash had come her instead of going to Kalos then they'd have entered it and no doubt Ash would have won but he won in Kalos, which the others had all watched, and still became Champion afterwards only by beating the current Elite Four and previous Kalos Champion, so she was more than happy with their decision to go there.
Speaking of Kalos, it was Dawn's turn to tell the Alolans what she was up to after they met and she told them of her own adventures. The peak of that was her rise as a performer which culminated in her reaching the final of the Master Class before losing it though she was fine with that as it was just fun to her.
That had surprised them and so Dawn explained that she'd entered Showcases for the fun, competitive nature of them, and the fact that she got to dress up, not to win it all though she did far enough that she would have liked to challenge Aria but alas it wasn't in the cards for her. She was more than happy that she'd given it her all and on top of that Dawn had felt that she'd grown as a coordinator. That struck a chord with the Alolans, especially the girls as they discussed it more and asked her a lot of questions about what her past experiences in various regions.
Dawn didn't mind at all and happily answered any question without hesitation be they about her coordinator time, grooming tips, perfecting poffin making, what Showcases were like, and general Pokémon rearing as she did have close 20 now with many having evolved. She even confirmed that her Skrelp had evolved into a Draglege which got Iris's attention out of her food coma and a demand to see it which Dawn promised to bring in along with Ninetales so that they could see them but not until the next day as it was late and they had a big day planned for Ash and Dawn's first full day in Alola.
That had reminded them of it what they were going to do today so they'd called it a night there, though there was plenty more to talk about regarding future plans but that would come. For now it was sleep and then a big day so Dawn helped Ash to their room while Mallow and Lana helped Iris as she'd returned to her food coma once she realized she wasn't going to see one of the few dragon types who weren't weak to those accursed fairy types, her words, and they turned in for the night.
It had been a fun arrival in Alola and Dawn was excited for her time here which properly started with this morning's excursion into Hau'oli City to find the next Contest. It was just the girls though as the boys were going to spend the morning training so that Ash could work with his team for his match against Gladion while Kiawe and Sophocles learned from a regional Champion, well learned for a second time only now Ash was a Champion.
Then they'd all meet up for lunch in Hau'oli and spend the afternoon doing several tourist things like the Poke Taxi Tauros and the Sharpedo Jet Ski, naturally Dawn had her bikini ready for the beach, while exploring the wide range of food options in the city. Ash would no doubt try and eat his way through it, as would May when she came here, but that was for the afternoon as they did have to make sure they had Dawn's Contest covered, which was the priority hence her question.
"The shopping mall." Iris explained as they began to walk through the city which while busy wasn't anything like some of the larger cities that Dawn had been to but then again Alola was mainly a tourist region with the lowest native population of all the regions that Dawn knew about. "There's a Contest information center run by the Alola Contest Committee there that will have the next one listed along with anything you could want for Contests though slowly other places are starting to sell Contest specific items as their popularity increases."
"Really?" Dawn asked. "I know there are classes on Contests, my mother teaches some, and poffin making lessons taught by experts but a dedicated center is a bit different."
"It's necessary." Lillie said. "Unlike in Sinnoh where you're from, Contests are new here so each island has a dedicated information center to provide prospective or new coordinators all they need to know about them along with offering things for supplies to make poffins, Poke Bloc, and other things that a coordinator might need. They even offer lessons for new coordinators and for things like poffin making like you mentioned."
"That said those were more common the last 2 years." Lana said. "Back when we had Top Coordinators full time, they were the ones who ran the lessons as it was easier to introduce Contests that way. The first year they showed up as part of the promotional year there were three and with one base here on Melemele, one on Akala, and one on Ula'ula, while the 4th who was supposed to come for the first year of expansion would take over on Poni Island which is the least populated one. However we never got that 4th so the one on covered both."
"I know who that was supposed to be." Dawn said a dark edge to her voice. "The ringleader of the trio who caused us problems in Kalos, well two of them did as Ash crushed Kenny almost as soon as he showed up and he was forced to leave Kalos as part of the deal so he came here, but Drew was supposed to come to Alola and didn't. At least I think he was but regardless it's amusing that he was supposed to be on the least populated island though, would have been a blow to his fragile ego."
"That would explain it." Iris said. "Didn't really make much a difference though, the three who were already here were professional and skilled so it worked out just fine without a 4th."
"That's good and speaking of Contests, what else should I know about how they're conduced here in Alola?" Dawn asked. "Just so that I am aware."
"We don't really have a style here yet, though apparently only Kalos has a recognized style with Unova not far behind, but Alola is laid back so we embrace that at least which basically means that you can do anything Dawn." Mallow said. "As we said, the only real staples in Alola are that we have all our Contests outside, even in the cold, and Z-Moves aren't allowed but that's it. Anything else is fair game, including Mega Evolution though that is apparently now universal in the expansion regions. So, if you want to dress up like they do in Sinnoh, though I wouldn't recommend it though as it may be too hot and you'll probably come off as a pretentious like how Kenny did last year, or use ball seals, you can."
"If people don't dress up then I won't either though I won't lie, I do prefer it." Dawn said. "I might get a ball seal as that is common in Sinnoh but only if I find a one that I like. I'm not surprised about Kenny though, sorry for him."
"Not your fault that he's a manchild who's ultra fragile ego can't handle rejection." Iris said. "And him coming here after Ash handed him his ass on a silver platter, that was a great battle story by the way, shows that he has no talent. He had to come to the worst region where no one who entered the Grand Festival had even made it to a previous Grand Festival quarterfinals while he was a former finalist meant that he would steamroll everyone. He did just that but for his loss to me, which was one of my two ribbons last year, so his win was expected and not seen as the most well-earned one."
"To win like that though, it shows him to be incapable of winning in a legit region as he had to bully his way to victory here, at least the current favorite is a good sport who understands that she's a cut above the others and still treats this seriously." Mallow said. "But you don't have to worry about Kenny, he's already gotten his ribbon for Alola and left so you won't run into him here."
"That is good to know." Dawn said. "I was hoping to not run into him until the Majestic Festival, if he even makes it that is, but I may not be that lucky. At least Iris beat him which is good."
"It was so much fun to do so while also telling him that I was the one who broke through Ash's density, oh boy did that make him angry." Iris said with a grin as they neared the mall. "It got him a formal notice while I was giving a warning but it was totally worth it. That was back when I was still just trying Contests out for fun, now that I've gotten the hang of them I'm really going for them as they're a great way to train. Got two more ribbons this year already and if I get my final one to qualify outright off you, Dawn, it will ensure I'm a strong contender. I don't care too much about that, it's the training and experience I'm going for but I still want to make a deep run in the Grand Festival if I can."
"We all are trying our best in them this year." Lillie said. "I've begun to really enjoy them after I won the Lanakila Contest last week."
"Same." Mallow said and Lana nodded. "A few of us from the Manalo Conference are giving them a go this year. I know that another girl who made it out of the Battle Royale, Mina, is also trying them as well but she's not around at the moment. She's a fairy specialist from Poni Island who lost to Kiawe in the last 16 by the way."
"Another fairy specialist, they really are cropping up these days though oddly all seem to be female though that might just be the ones I know about." Dawn said. "Still, it's great that you're all trying for ribbons. How many do you three have? Lillie said she won a Contest so that's at least one."
"I've got 2 though one came from the end of last year in one of the handful of Contests we have on the water." Lana said. "While Mallow and Lillie have one each. We're all aiming for at least 3 so when I get another one I'll back off until they reach that point and then we're back into it."
"That said we're not going to enter this Contest." Mallow said. "Not with you in it. Iris is tough enough and that's to say nothing for the heavy favorite this year but add in a Top Coordinator and we're not going for it. We'll see when the next one is, if it's been decided yet, but it's more beneficial to watch you in one than to compete against you, Dawn."
"I understand though do enter with other Top Coordinators, it's good practice at least and if I win my first attempt here I'd love to watch you three in a Contest." Dawn said. "That said, I am still confused by this loose schedule."
"Alola isn't a large region so we don't have many towns or cities to actual host Contests in." Lana explained. "All settlements be they cities, towns, or even the floating Seafolk Village have them for sure, Hau'oli has already held one that Iris won in spectacular fashion, but the number we can have like that is limited. Instead we tend to have more impromptu ones based on location like one on the summit of Mt. Lanakila, that's a cold one for sure, or in Lush Jungle on Akala Island where Mallow won her first ribbon, or just on the water. The last one are sponsored by business, corporations, or even individuals to boost the number."
"And those are sharp contrasts to the one in Haina Desert on Ula'ula or on Wela Volcano in Akala." Mallow said. "As such these Contests are named after the location and tend to be held when its best to hold them rather than on a fixed schedule. That's especially true to the Sponsored Sea Contests as they're called, those are basically a when it works situation."
"We still have as many as possible." Lillie said. "It's just a bit harder so having a more flexible schedule makes things easier. All new ones are posted as soon as they're known but in preparing for yours and Ash's arrive we lost track of time and didn't check. This way we can check as Melemele is slated for one sometime next week, which would be ideal, and spend the day having fun."
"Oh, alright that does kinda make sense." Dawn said as they turned and entered the mall without her realizing. "I know that even with the hectic schedule in Kalos they still help impromptu ones when there were judges available before or after a Showcase as they just used the same venue and if you have space issues then it's better to…"
"Piplup!" Piplup exclaimed in shock as Dawn trailed off and for good reason as they'd entered the mall and she saw the massive Pikachu statue in it.
"Pikachus are very popular here." Lana said reminding Dawn of that though until now she'd not truly realized the extent of that popularity. "We thought about mentioning it but this was better."
"That was my idea." Iris said with a grin. "And the boys should bring Ash by in a bit so he and Pikachu can see it as well."
"It's certainly impressive." Dawn said while Piplup grumbled as he wanted his own massive statute to his greatness as well. "And if Ash is here, a Champion who's primary Pokémon is a Pikachu then…"
"Oh we didn't think of that." Lillie said her eyes wide as Dawn trailed off thinking of what might happen. "That could be a bit of a circus. He should still see it of course but not until later in the day when it's not so crowded."
"Don't worry about it." Mallow said. "I'll just message the boys and tell them to meet us at Aina's Kitchen for lunch. I was going to suggest my family's place anyway, rather than meeting up here."
"That is a better idea." Lana said with a nod. "And as this shouldn't take too long to find out where the next Contest is we can head there after a little exploration in the mall."
"I do want to check this place out." Dawn said looking around the mall as they walked through it towards a small location on the ground level. "I'm sure there are things I can get her for various purposes but meeting somewhere else for lunch is better than dealing with Ash getting mobbed. That said, I didn't know your family ran a restaurant Mallow."
"Yup, one of the top places in Alola if I say so myself, we were even featured on Alola TV which was a massive boost." Mallow said with a smile while ignoring that she'd stormed out during her father's interview due to having to prepare all the food for him. "Best Pinap Juice you'll ever drink. We'll hit it up and you guys can meet my dad."
"Looking forward to it." Dawn said as they reached the location in question and Dawn saw that it was the Contest Information Center for Melemele Island. "But first this as this is what we came here for."
"Yup, let's see where you will face Iris for your Alola ribbon and see if we can find the next one after that just in case you need it, and if not for us to enjoy." Lana said as she opened the door and held it so that Dawn could walk in first. "But first a little surprise for the person on duty today."
"Alola and welcome to the Melemele Contest Info…" The clerk behind the counter at the back of the place where the information was set up with while various things a coordinator might need, and which Dawn would have to look at after she got the information she needed, were on the walls but that would probably take a moment as the clerk had gone wide eyes as Dawn walked in. "Island Deities! You're the Prodigy of Sinnoh, aren't you? Dawn, right? A Top Coordinator who earned her title by Battle Off in that famously sinister final in Kanto a few years ago."
"I wouldn't call using two ghost types sinister, that was my first successful Freestyle in a Showcase, but yes that's me." Dawn said as she walked up to the counter with Iris while the other girls began to peruse the items to see if they needed anything for a future Contest or general Pokémon grooming. "I didn't realize that I was that well known though."
"Dawn, you're a Top Coordinator who holds the record for consecutive finals appearances, which by the way includes 3 straight Grand Festival finals, while also being the 3 time winner of the Wallace Cup causing the Ribbon's name to be changed to honor you, oh and you're engaged to a regional Champion." Iris said. "Of course you're going to be well known."
"Yes, we have a list of all the Top Coordinators just in case but as a fan of Contests I've watched a lot of footage of you, your Wallace Cup victories were something else." The clerk said clearly a bit awestruck by having Dawn there. "What can I do for the Prodigy of Sinnoh?"
"Dawn is just fine." Dawn said. "I've gotten used to the moniker but you don't need to use it."
"At least they use yours." Iris grumbled. "I earned mine after beating Kenny and it's so cool but they won't use it outside of Contests."
"Sorry, who are you?" The clerk asked looking at Iris causing her to splutter at that and Dawn chuckled. "I'm only well versed in the Top Coordinators and the current favorite in Alola."
"I look forward to hearing it at the next Contest." Dawn said and at that she turned to the clerk while Iris continued to be annoyed next to her. "That's what we're here for. Where's…"
"Excuse me but has the next Contest on Melemele been announced? It should be soon and I would be very grateful if you could tell me so that I may prepare for it."
Before Dawn could finish the door was opened again and a voice that she recognized called out the very question that Dawn was going to ask. Turning in confusion Dawn looked and saw that three people had entered the store and instantly thought the one who'd spoken, she could deduce by the feminine voice that it was the woman of the trio, was very familiar though the appearance was really throwing her off.
That was because the woman wore a simple purple top that only had straps over her shoulders with pink flowers on it and didn't quit come to her waist leaving her navel exposed, white ¾ length pants and matching white pumps. She accented her look with a lilac cape thing around her neck, tasteful but not gaudy or flashy sunglasses over her eyes, and a wide brimmed sun hat on her head. Her hair was clearly magenta but if Dawn had to guess it was tied up and under the hat likely for practical reasons given the heat.
With her was a blue haired man in a green short sleeved, buttoned shirt and light yellow pants with a simple baseball hat and sunglasses on and a much smaller man in a similar combo though his was an orange shirt and brown pants with a visor not a hat. They weren't the focus of Dawn; it was the woman and she was about to place her when the clerk revealed who it was.
"Oh wow what a day, first the Prodigy of Sinnoh and now the Maiden of Sinnoh." The clerk said clearly starstruck. "Jessilina, talk about timing. There's a true Sinnoh reunion here and if I recall you two faced off in the semifinals of the Sinnoh Grand Festival several years ago back when you were both rookies."
"What are you…" The woman who Dawn realized was indeed Jessilina just in a more mature look that still kept to a conservative style the woman had been known for began before she saw Dawn standing there. "Oh, well this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting to run into you of all people today."
In the past this would have caused a more visceral reaction from Team Rocket, after all the Sinnoh twerpette, and the Unova one for that matter, were right in front of them and both girls had caused them a tremendous amount of physical, emotional, and financial pain but that was no longer the case. The reason was simple, the trio had quit. Well, maybe not quit per se, they just came to Alola for Jessie, under her Jessilina persona, could continue her Contest dreams and with a win in the Grand Festival being a way to the Majestic Festival they were solely focused on that.
If the boss called they'd be there for him in a heartbeat even if it meant leaving Alola but if he didn't, which he wouldn't as he'd forgotten that they still worked for him a long time ago, then they'd focus on this. No stealing Pokémon, no schemes, nothing. Just Jessie's growing Contest image and all the money that came from it while James, as Jamerson, and Meowth served as her managers, which basically meant that they were her bag carriers.
This had been her idea ever since her runs in Kalos as Jessilina and Jessilee. She'd loved the year where she was the center of attention for two different groups, with two different personas that raked in the cash outside of her successes in Contests and Showcases. Plus, when one made a Grand Festival semis for the second time only now as a favorite coming out or retirement and the other actually beat a twerpette and got to challenge Aria for the title of Kalos Queen it had changed her perspective. This was a lot more fun and prosperous than trying to steal Pikachu.
As such when she'd lost to that brat in the Kalos Grand Festival she'd convinced James and Meowth to come to Alola where she could be Jessilina, in a slightly less over the top fashion that she attributed to the new climate and a new more relaxed attitude in the Alolan sun, and win it all here. As she did she would still occasionally appear as Jessilee in Alola where her official story was that she was training in the sun while learning new things in a new region so as to have another crack at Master Class in the future but she had to get ready for that and part of that was expanding her brand and appeal in Alola.
So far things were working well and she already had 2 ribbons as Jessilina, her past, homely persona and stunning debut making her an instant favorite both for the Ribbon Cup and with the crowd though Kenny's attitude the year before had been so bad that she was a great change of pace for a favorite, and her star was rising. Sure she'd lost the Hau'oli Contest to the Unova twerpette but that only added to her relatability and grew a rivalry that she was willing to play into and milk for all it was worth.
Now, though, things were very different as she stared at the Sinnoh twerpette her eyes wide behind her shades because if she was here than the king twerp himself had to be nearby before she recovered. She had a persona to uphold and besides she should have seen this coming with the Majestic Festival being a thing. She could even make this work to her advantage as her history with Dawn, and the fact that many thought she was from Sinnoh, made this a great opportunity to really milk things.
"That it is and likewise I was not expecting to see you, Jessilina." Dawn said as Jessie approached her, James and Meowth quickly moved to look over the merchandise to leave it to Jessie and avoid issues like people realizing that Meowth was a Pokémon in clothes though given how the twerps redefined the word oblivious they likely wouldn't but best to play it safe. "I was wondering where you went after Kalos. I didn't expect it to be Alola though given your talent."
"I was looking for a more relaxed pace." Jessie said. "And Alola made sense for that. Also I know that your friend, Serena, if I recall, was going to Unova and that Emily girl going to Galar. I wanted to compete away from them, be the top favorite in my own right and really shine a spotlight on an expansion region so as to broaden the appeal of Contests. Last year Kalos got that but my presence here, coupled with the Majestic Festival, will boost Alola's stock."
"Not a bad choice then, I respect your desire to boost Contests here, and with a win getting you into the Majestic Festival for the year I can understand your reasoning for coming to Alola." Dawn said as Jessie reached her. "Though this is a new look."
"New region, new weather, new look but I am still the homely girl that you want to take home to your mother at heart." Jessie said with her best Jessilina smile. "Those frills and dresses are too much here though."
"I get that." Dawn said understanding that. "Well talk about timing. I'm here for the next Contest as well. I still need 7 ribbons for the Majestic Festival so I came to Alola after winning in Kalos. I was just expecting Iris as a challenge but this is a new level."
"Hey!" Iris complained. "Is that a slight?"
"Not at all." Jessie said looking at Iris. "You're good, you showed that in the Contest held here and reminded the region that an upset can happen, but you're not on Dawn's level. Me, on the other hand, well I do have a win over the Prodigy here so if there's anyone who can upset her it's me."
"My last non finals loss in fact." Dawn admitted which Jessie didn't know, mainly because said loss was actually to James dressed as Jessilina, but now that she did this was extra ammo to build her profile and milk even more money from it. "Something I'm sure will be mentioned in the hype if we face off again. I still beat you in the Grand Festival though which was our last meeting if I recall."
"Yes that was a tough loss and I had to take some time off after that but I am back and now going for it all." Jessie said knowing that the blogs would be talking about this soon which meant big business for her. "After the Kalos loss I will win this time around and beating you again will only aid that."
"I've lost too many already this year." Dawn said with a smile. "So bring it, I won't lose any in Alola."
"Ah! I can't wait." The clerk said excitedly getting their attention. "The next Contest will be amazing with you two in it. Oh, right, that. It's going to be in Iki Town here on Melemele Island in 5 days' time. That's the next one on the schedule so it's really close by. Well there is one tomorrow on Poni Island but that's a bit out of the way so I'm not counting it."
"5 days is better." Dawn said. "I've only just gotten to Alola so plenty of time to get settled and train for this Contest."
"This will be my 3rd ribbon which gives me access to the Wildcard, I can't think of anyone better to win it off than a Top Coordinator from my own region." Jessie said and to keep her image and professionalism she held out her hand to Dawn while also hoping that the clerk got a photo of it for the blogs. "So here's to a great Contest and may the best Sinnoh coordinator win, Top or soon to be Top."
"I look forward to it." Dawn said taking Jessie's hand in a handshake that had the clerk gushing behind them. "It's been too long since I faced you but you've been active more recently so I expect a good battle."
Jessie just smiled and nodded at that as they shook before she let go of Dawn's hand and turned to leave. There was no point in staying, it would just be awkward and besides she had to be extra ready if she was to face Dawn. A win over the Sinnoh twerpette would be huge and she fully intended to get that.
"Managers, it's time to go." Jessie said to them. "I must be ready for this; we can't let Alola down."
"Right." James said. "I'll clear the schedule for training."
"And I'll work in the Pokémon care and break schedule." Meowth said. "This is going to be big; we don't want to leave anything to chance."
"Thank you." Jessie said as they left and headed away where they'd talk more in private.
"Oh my what a day." The clerk said. "A Top Coordinator and the number 1 favorite for the second Alola Grand Festival in the center at the same time. This is going to be huge for Contests here!"
"I figured and it means we need to train hard." Dawn said looking at Iris. "Jessilina is as good as her reputation indicates. Time to stock up and prepare for a great Contest."
"Agreed." Iris said. "You sorted girls?"
"Yup, sorry didn't want to intrude on that." Lana said. "So much Contest talent in one place, we can't wait to watch the Iki Contest."
"Speaking of that." Dawn said as she began to look over what was on offer and select a few things for training though she was tempted by a few of the ball seals, she was from Sinnoh after all. "Where is that?"
"Further inland, one of the few settlements not on the coast in fact." Lillie said. "It won't take long to get there and if we go as a group then we take the bus."
"To get there that works as I want to focus on training after today." Dawn admitted. "But once it's done and I've won, or lost for that matter, I'd like to walk back with Ash if that's ok. We need to see the region and this is how we've done it before."
"I'm sure that will be good so I'll join you for that." Iris said. "It will be like old times and knowing Ash we'll have an adventure or two only there won't be any good food."
"Ash can make do but yes it doesn't compare to Brock, Cilan, or Clemont's cooking." Dawn admitted as she selected what she wanted and took them to the counter. "It will be fine though and this way Ash may actually get a new Pokémon as well."
"Knowing him I think that's a given." Iris said. "I'm just wondering what Pokémon it will be."
"We'll just head back with Kukui then." Mallow said as she noted that the schedule behind the clerk only listed the Contest on Poni tomorrow and the upcoming Iki Contest so the one after hadn't been announced yet. "Too many people for that and we're going to need to find the next Contest anyway. It should be on Akala Island which is next to Melemele so we want to be ready to go as soon as you get back from your loss, Iris."
"You have no faith in me?" Iris asked as their items were rung up as she put on a fake pained tone. "I'm hurt."
"Against Dawn? No we don't." Lana said bluntly. "Add in Jessilina and its double no. I still remember the Seafolk Contest on Seafolk Village a few days after she arrived and the Contest season began. Remember, she ran through first Mallow, then me, and then you with Battle Offs within half the time needed during the battle round and that was for her first Alola Ribbon, which she won in the opening Contest of the season. She put an exclamation mark on it and then followed it up the next week with her second ribbon in the Heahea Contest. True you beat her last month in the Hau'oli Contest but that was more luck than anything."
"She got lucky against me in Seafolk as she used a cheap fairy move on my poor, defenseless, Dragonite." Iris said as they paid for their wares and left. "But yeah she's strong so she's always a great challenge. Her and Dawn in a Contest, it's going to be big in Alola."
"No question." Lillie said. "I'm looking forward to seeing it and seeing Dawn work in person."
"I hope to live up to the hype." Dawn said with a smile at the other girls. "But for now how about we shop a bit and then meet the boys at Mallow's father's restaurant. This is a day of fun. The preparations for my first Alola Contest begin tomorrow."
The other girls nodded at that as they left the store and headed into the mall. They had gotten the information they'd come for and in the process the set up for what could be a great Contest had been made. Now it was time for fun, food, and a relaxing day in Hau'oli City before they got ready for the Iki Contest. One thing was certain, it was going to be one hell of a Contest that no one in Alola was going to forget.
A nice fun morning out for the girls to learn where the next Contest is before having an afternoon of fun with the boys. Course it wouldn't be a day out without a little surprise and looks like there's a serious rival for Dawn as Jessie reveals where she is and that Jessilina is going for the Alola Grand Festival. Dawn's going to have some good competition as she goes for her Alola Ribbon and tries to avoid what happened in Kalos. That is to come but for now they're off to have fun so I'll leave this Part off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time.
Stringdog