Episode 320: The Hoenn Grand Festival Part 2
Hey all you loyal readers! Did anyone of you catch the teaser for Pokémon Legends: Z-A? I did. And it looks like we'll be having it next year, so a lot of people would be looking forward to it. Since Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the starter Pokémon we got for it was Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott, and we had some new regional form Pokémon and some new evolved Pokémon. The thing that's on my mind as of now, which starter Pokémon from previous games are most likely to be the starters for the new Pokémon Legends game? Be sure to share that in the reviews. Exclude Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil from the selections.
Last where we left off, Kairi was getting some training done before it began. On the day before the Preliminary Round, Kairi met up with her family, as May has met up with her mother, along with the four DigiDestined teams, Yugi, and his friends over to the Grand Festival.
Not only them, but Drew and Harley have arrived. It's no secret that Harley is plotting his revenge on May for his defeat at the Purika Pokémon Contest.
As the Preliminary Round had concluded, Kairi, May, Drew, and Harley were among the 64 out of 247 Coordinators who has made it to the second round. These four Pokémon Coordinators had come so far and only one of them is going to make it to the top.
Before the main competition could officially begin, Sora and Kairi decided to have themselves a lunch date.
"So, which one sounds good to you, Kairi?" Sora asked.
"I was thinking of that place. I heard some good things about that place," Kairi said.
"How did you hear about it?" Sora asked.
"From May. She said that it has some good sandwiches," Kairi said.
"Sounds like she made the right call," Sora said.
"She has a nose like a Nosepass when it comes to restaurants," Kairi said.
"Yeah, she sure does," Sora agreed.
Just when they were walking, they're spotted by a familiar face. It was Wolfgang and his Shiny Mightyena.
"Hey now, as I live and breathe," Wolfgang said as he and Mightyena approached the couple. They see Wolfgang and Mightyena walk up to the. "I ain't seen you since the Verdanturf Town Contest. I had a feeling I'd see you here."
"It's been a while, Wolfgang. I see your Mightyena is looking well, too," Kairi said.
"Thank you very much," Wolfgang said. "I wanna let you know if we end up facing each other again, it won't be like the last time, darlin'."
"I don't doubt it," Kairi said.
With that said, Wolfgang and Mightyena took their leave as Sora and Kairi went off to their lunch date.
Brendan was taking a walk around the grounds, keeping an eye open for Vanitas, the Heartless, the Nobodies, and the Unversed, when he spotted Harley.
"Okay, how am I going to get May out of the Grand Festival? I could have May go with that Skitty of hers. And she'll have her Skitty use Assist repeatedly. Oh, those judges will drop her like a hot coal," Harley said, chuckling to himself.
"Knew it. He's out to get May. Not gonna let him get away with it," Brendan said in his thoughts. "Better let May know about this." Brendan went to inform his crush.
Over to Sora and Kairi, they had themselves a nice lunch, being some salami sandwiches with some mustard and mayo on white bread. Luckily that the competitors and their guests were eating free just like the Pokémon Leagues.
"This sure is a nice place, Kairi. Glad you suggested it," Sora said.
"Well, I thought it might be nice if I would be the one who would treat you for a meal just like you did for me," Kairi said. Sora beamed lovingly to his girlfriend.
"Anyway, we should meet up with the others after lunch and get some practice done," Sora said.
"You're right. We promised everyone that we wouldn't keep them waiting," Kairi said.
Over in Pallet Town, Delia was tending to the sickly Mr. Mime. Mimey had an ice pack on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.
"There, there, Mimey. Let's have a look at your temperature," Delia said, taking the thermometer from the barrier Pokémon's mouth. She examined it. "Oh my! 101 degrees. Well, there's nothing like a good rest that can't fix. Also, some chicken soup to help with what ails you." A knock came from the door. She answered it to see Tracey at the door. "Hello there, Tracey."
"Hi Mrs. Ketchum," Tracey greeted back. He took out some medicine. "I got the medicine you asked for." He hands it to her.
"Thank you very much, Tracey. And it's the exact thing I asked for," Delia said.
"Not a problem," Tracey assured.
"I appreciate the help. Before you go, would you like some soup? I was about to make some for Mimey when you came knocking," Delia said.
"Thanks. I'm pretty hungry anyway," Tracey said. He entered the house.
Back in Slateport City, Sora and Kairi, they go on a stroll as they go over the guidebook.
"Look at this. Looks like you're gonna do a double battle during the battle part of the Grand Festival," Sora said.
"A double battle, huh? That makes it interesting," Kairi said.
"That's when you make it through the main competition. Each performance will be limited to three minutes. After that, 32 out of 64 of the original 247 trainers will be moving on in the double battles. And the battles will be limited to five minutes. And the Coordinator who wins the fifth and final stage will be earning themselves the title of Top Coordinator and receive the Ribbon Cup," Sora said as he was reading the rules. "Any idea on which one you'll be using?"
"Hm," Kairi said, stroking her chin. "I think I'm going to use Gardevoir for this. I was thinking of using a Psychic and Magical Leaf combo. And follow up with a Dazzling Gleam finish."
"Great! That's a good match up," Sora said. "We should get ready for the main competition. Everyone else is probably waiting for us." Kairi nodded.
"Okay," Kairi said.
Meanwhile, May was doing some training when Brendan informed May about getting her dropped from the Grand Festival. May knew he was up to something and she shouldn't trust a thing Harley said. She also knew Brendan wouldn't give her any reason to lie to her. Not too far away, Drew was tending to his Roselia and Masquerain. Drew overhears the two of them talking.
"Thanks for the heads-up, Brendan. Trusting Harley would be like trusting a biker to mow the lawn," May said.
"You'd do the same for me, May," Brendan said. "I wanna see you succeed and be the best. In fact, you're already the best Pokémon Coordinator I know." May smiled affectionately and nodded. Caroline smiled, seeing how close they really are.
"I appreciate it, Brendan. Thank you very much," May said, blushing.
"Ah, May, there you are. I've been looking all over for you," Harley said.
"And speak of the devil," May said.
"Oh, hi, Harley. How's it going?" May asked, pretending to be glad to see him.
"Have you been here for long?" Harley asked.
"Not long. What is it that I can do for you?" May asked.
"Oh, I thought I could be your sparring partner for right now. We both could use the practice," Harley said. May slightly looked at Brendan who just nodded his head. May didn't want him to be suspicious if she didn't comply with him.
"Sure, I don't see anything wrong with that," May said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come on out, Skitty!" Her Pokéball opened and Skitty emerged from inside.
"Then, here's a familiar face," Harley said, taking out his own Pokéball and threw it. "Come out, Cacturne!" His Pokéball opened and Cacturne emerged from inside. "You may have the first move, May."
"Skitty! Assist!" May ordered. A white orb appeared and unleashed Combusken's Fire Spin and hits Cacturne with his arms crossed.
"My goodness!" Harley gasped.
"That was Combusken's Fire Spin," Brendan said.
"Assist one more time!" May ordered. Skitty uses Assist once more and it comes out as Silver Wind. May went up to May, taking her by the hand.
"That was cool! I didn't know you had a trick like this up your sleeve, May! With that Assist of yours, you can pull a perfect combination of Beautifly's Silver Wind and you can be unbeatable!" Harley said. May had to play along, making him believe she's falling for it.
"I can't, because neither me or Skitty knows what's gonna come out," May said.
"But the judges wouldn't penalize you for that. Why, that's the appeal of the Assist. It's exciting not knowing what's coming next. Your Pokémon are all so great, it doesn't matter anyway," Harley said.
"You know, you might be right, Harley. I think I'll use Skitty in the first round," May said.
"Go for it, May," Harley said. Caroline picks up Skitty in her arms.
"Kind of a risky strategy," Caroline said.
"I'll say," Drew spoke up. They all turned to the green-haired Coordinator. He walked off.
Meanwhile, Zinnia and Aster were having a walk together.
"Ever since the meteorid had been destroyed it feels that a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders," Zinnia said.
"Whismur," Aster said.
"I guess I've been prepared for it my entire life, now I don't know what to do afterwards," Zinnia said.
"Whismur, Whis," Aster said. Zinnia looked at the Whismur and she gave her an assuring look that tells her that she'll have to set her own path going forward.
"You're right, Aster. I'll have to set myself a new path," Zinnia said. She suddenly bumped into someone in front of her. "Sorry, I didn't see you."
"Oh, no, miss, I wasn't looking where I was going," a male's voice said. She looked up and saw a dark skinned young man with black hair, brown eyes, and he was wearing a black t-shirt and blue pants. Wears black shoes with black laces. Zinnia started to blush at the sight of his face. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," Zinnia said, blushing.
"I'm glad you're not hurt, otherwise, I would have taken you to see a doctor," the man said. He noticed Aster with her. "Say, does that Whismur belong to you?"
"Yes. Her name is Aster," Zinnia said.
"It's very nice to meet you, Aster. The same can be said with you, miss. My name is Jay Kurenai. And your name would be?" Jay asked.
"Zinnia," Zinnia replied.
"Zinnia. I guess your name is as pretty as your face," Jay said, making Zinnia blush even deeper and she giggled.
"Thanks," Zinnia said.
"Are you here to participate in the Grand Festival, too?" Jay asked.
"Aster and I are here to support a couple of friends. What about you?" Zinnia asked.
"I'm here rooting for my sister. She's a talented Pokémon Coordinator. Anyhoo, I was wondering if you could join me for a drink, I mean if you're not too busy," Jay said, blushing.
"Sure. I would like to have a drink with you, Jay," Zinnia said.
So Zinnia, Jay, and Aster started to walk together. Unaware of Wally seeing them. He couldn't help but smile.
"Wow. Love must be a contagious thing. There's Sora and Kairi. Riku and Naminé. Ethan and Kris. Roxas and Xion. And pretty soon, Brendan and May," Wally said.
Back with Sora and Kairi, the couple went to pick up Pikachu and Angel from the Pokémon Center and went off to join their friends. Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Wes, Rui, Michael, Max, the DigiDestined, Yugi, his friends, Kairi's family, and the Pokémon were waiting for Sora and Kairi to arrive.
"It's about time you got here. I was almost thinking you weren't gonna show up," Roxas said.
"Leave them be, Roxas. You knew they wouldn't keep us waiting for too long," Xion said.
"Where are Zinnia and the Master?" Sora asked.
"Zinnia is having a walk somewhere while your master is having a patrol for any signs of bad company," Mirei said.
"I thought Brendan was doing that," Sora said.
"He is the last time I heard from him," Riku said.
"So Kairi, how about showing us some of your moves?" Mimi suggested.
"I'm with her. I'm anxious to see what you got," Amy said.
"I thought you'd never ask," Kairi said.
"Just pretend that we're the judges," Yugi said.
Everyone all watched Kairi pick out Gardevoir's Pokéball and threw it.
"Come out, Gardevoir!" Kairi called out. Her Gardevoir comes out, making quite an entrance. "Now use Magical Leaf! Follow up with Psychic!" Gardevoir began with Magical Leaf and uses Psychic to manipulate the leaves. Gardevoir uses the leaves all around and creates all sorts of shapes. Everyone watching was in awe at the sight of how colorful and magical it looked. "Now use Dazzling Gleam!" Gardevoir uses Magical Leaf and they create sparkles.
"Ooh, that was beautiful," Serenity said.
"Remarkable," Cody said, imitating Mr. Suziko.
"That was a very colorful display," Zoe said.
"With moves like that, you'll make it all the way to the final stage," Ventus said.
"Pikachu!" Sparky said.
"She'll have to make it past the first round first, Ven," Max said.
"Yeah, so don't forget May's in the Grand Festival, too," Aqua said.
"I haven't forgotten," Ventus said.
"I haven't either. But I can hope one of those two trounces that dorky scarecrow Harley," Kazu said.
"Yeah, and his lame-o Cacturne," Kenta said.
Elsewhere, Harley sneezed a bit.
"If someone is talking crack about me, then I'll put them through a world of hurt," Harley hissed to himself.
Well, someone's paranoid.
Later, fireworks go off, indicating that the Grand Festival has begun the next round. Brendan, Wally, Rei, Zinnia, and Aster have rejoined the group to root for Kairi and May. Jay introduced himself to the group and joined them.
Vivian and the judges have to take their place as the main competition has begun.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the main competition round here at the Hoenn Grand Festival! As you know, the original 247 contestants, only 64 remain. And now those 64 semi-finalists having made it through the preliminary trials on the Appeal Stage, will battle it out here on the Main Stage in what we expect will be elegant and fierce duels, until all but the very best are eliminated. And the one Coordinator who emerges victorious will be awarded this, the magnificent Ribbon Cup!" Vivian announced as the crowd cheered. Contesta, Mr. Suziko, and Athena took their positions as judges. "And now, let's meet our distinguished and hardworking judges! Raoul Contesta, head judge and Pokémon Contest Director." Contesta spoke through the microphone.
"I am indeed honored to be part of such a momentous occasion," Contesta announced. "I know you will all enjoy the performances you're about to see, from the world's very best Pokémon Coordinators!" The crowd cheers again.
"I now introduce you to Mr. Suziko. Head of the Pokémon Fan Club!" Vivian announced.
"Happy to be here!" Mr. Suziko announced.
"And last and certainly not least, we have Athena Minerva!" Vivian announced.
"I've been looking forward to this year's Grand Festival full heartedly!" Athena said.
Kairi sat with Angel on her lap as she brushed her fur.
"We made it this far, Angel. I know you haven't been with us at the beginning, but we're going to give it everything we've got, right?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel nodded.
"That's what I wanted to hear," Kairi said.
"The first round here on the Main Stage will consist of single Pokémon performances with time limited to three minutes each. Coordinators will be scored on their performances by the judges on the same one-to-twenty point scale And only the top 32 of these 64 Coordinators will continue on to the Contest's Second Stage. Now, if our judges are ready, and if all of you are ready for some Pokémon action..." Vivian announced as the crowd cheered, "... then let's bring out the first of our 64 semi-finalists and get this party started!" Fireworks went off as the crowd started cheering again. A male Coordinator comes running on the stage with his Pokéball ready.
"Ninetales! Flamethrower!" The Coordinator called out as his Ninetales makes an entrance and performs an elegant Flamethrower.
"Next up is Coordinator number two. Please welcome Harley!" Vivian announced. Harley takes the stage as he blows kisses to the cheering crowd.
"Oh, you're too kind, thank you all!" Harley boasted. "Now, I'd like to introduce..." Harley took out a Pokéball and threw it up in the air. A Banette came out of it. "Banette!" His Banette gave an intimidating grin, making Vivian shiver in fright.
"That's one powerful smile! Banette just dropped the temperature here to 25 degrees!" Vivian announced.
"So scary," Jeri shivered.
"Will-O-Wisp, Banette!" Harley ordered. Banette swings its arms around as bluish flames appear all around it. "Follow up with Thunder, go!" Banette raises its arm and fires Thunder right into the air. Lightning comes crashing down and strikes Banette.
"Oh no! It brought down a powerful Thunder onto itself!" Vivian announced. Banette was hurting badly as the Will-O-Wisp were floating around. Banette was also laughing despite the pain. "It not only survived, it's laughing. An incredible, but yet creepy performance! Let's see if the judges found it as impressive and unsettling as we did!" Harley had scored 89 points.
"Now, that's impressive," Terra said.
"And scary," Jeri said.
"That could give me nightmares for a while," Joey said.
"Me too. I mean, ow," Davis said.
Up next is Wolfgang and his Mightyena, using Shadow Ball and then Feint Attack. He scored a 90. Next is a fair skinned young woman with dark blue hair, wearing an elegant indigo dress and dark red high heels. She had let out a Mismagius, unleashing a Psychic and Mystical Fire combo, earning her 99 points. There were other performances that went on as some of them scored high points. Drew's Masquerain began with Hidden Power and then finished up with Bubble Beam and Silver Wind, earning him 95. Other Coordinators did the same with their own Pokémon.
"Wasn't that wonderful? Now, let's have a look into our very next Coordinator! She comes from Pallet Town in the Kanto region, Kairi!" Vivian announced as Kairi entered the stage. Sora and Yuta were especially happy to see her performance. Mirei took out a camera just so she can rewatch again and again.
"Take the stage, Gardevoir!" Kairi called out as her Gardevoir had made her entrance, kneeling and then stood up. "Begin with Magical Leaf and then use Psychic!" Gardevoir uses Magical Leaf first and then uses Psychic to manipulate the leaves. Gardevoir then does a little dance, moving the leaves and captivating the crowd.
"Kairi's Gardevoir uses Psychic to manipulate Magical Leaf and does a beautiful dance. So graceful," Vivian announced.
"So beautiful," Aqua said.
"Very beautiful," Xion agreed.
"Now, make some shapes!" Kairi said. Gardevoir takes the leaves and makes them shaped like a heart, a star, a crescent moon, and then a crown.
"It's simply the most magical thing I have ever seen! How is Kairi going to finish it?" Vivian announced.
"Dazzling Gleam!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir uses Dazzling Gleam and scatters the leaves and ceases to use Psychic. The crowd cheers for Kairi's performance.
"Simply beautiful and magical! Let's see if the judges agree!" Vivian announced. Kairi had scored a 99 along with the dark blue haired woman. "And Kairi has scored a 99!" The crowd cheers for her.
"That's my baby!" Yuta said proudly. "My little girl is way better than those chumps!"
"Dear, sit down. It's not over yet," Mirei said.
"Next on our Grand Festival is Anthony!" Vivian announced. A chubby boy wearing orange overalls and a shirt came on the stage. He has blue hair and blue eyes. He took out his Pokéball and threw it.
"Let's go! Do it, Swalot!" Anthony called out as his Swalot rolled into the air, upon entry. Swalot's expandable body splats on the stage and regains form.
"Quite an entrance, demonstrating its expandable contractible body!" Vivian announced.
"Sludge Bomb, now!" Anthony ordered. Swalot begins by firing Sludge Bomb into the air. "Now do Bullet Seed!" Swalot fires Bullet Seed and explosions occur upon contact.
"Accuracy beyond compare!" Vivian announced.
"Now finish it all off with Swallow!" Anthony ordered. Swalot expands to the Sludge Bomb and Bullet Seed combo and swallows it all. A puff of smoke comes out its mouth.
"Now, that's what I call a clean finish! And let's find out what the judges thought!" Vivian announced. Anthony scores an 82. "A solid score, now let's move along! Here's May making another appearance!" May enters the stage all ready to go. She took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Squirtle! Take the stage!" May called out. Her Squirtle comes out and does a twirl. "Begin with Water Gun!" Squirtle fires Water Gun all around, making a small water.
"Squirtle begins with a firing Water Gun attack!" Vivian announced.
"Way to go, May!" Brendan cheered for his crush.
"That's doing it, May!" Max added.
"Now use Ice Beam!" May ordered. Squirtle fires Ice Beam into the air, making it look like it's winter.
"Christmas might have come early this year, especially with that Christmasy feeling with that Ice Beam!" Vivian announced.
"Now use Aqua Tail!" May ordered. Squirtle uses Aqua Tail and it creates ice crystals as they sparkle.
"What a beautiful performance! Let's see what the judges have to say," Vivian announced. May had earned 93 points. "And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! A wonderful performance by May and her Squirtle!" The crowd cheers. May comes on to the backstage, feeling satisfied by her work. Harley was steamed that she got a higher score than he did, but only that, but also for using Squirtle instead of Skitty. Brendan left to congratulate May. Kairi went up to May to congratulate her.
"That was great, May. I knew you were gonna pull it off," Kairi praised her.
"Thanks Kairi. That means a lot from you," May said.
"Oh please! Don't give me any of that trash!" Harley spat. He walked up to the girls. "You didn't use Skitty like I suggested? Why the hell haven't you?!" May just grinned.
"You think I'm gullible enough to trust you after what you tried to do to me back in the Purika Contest? Think again. I saw through you from the moment we showed your face to me. And it was Brendan who warned me about your little scheme, so in your face!" May said. Brendan had walked in to congratulate her and he sees and hears the argument. Harley growled angrily at her.
"How dare you! You have no right speaking to me like that!" Harley said.
"I was only being honest, which is the one thing you're not!" May said.
"Well, I might as well be honest right now! You only won the Purika Contest because you got lucky and nothing more!" Harley said.
"Well, she beat you because you deserve it, you butthead!" Brendan said, walking up to the girls. Harley growled in anger.
"How dare you call me a butthead!" Harley snarled.
"Well, that's what you are! And there is more that describes you, too, Harley! You're a selfish jerk who nobody should ever be friends with! And your outfit is totally weird and ridiculous. Also, you're a big cry baby who just throws a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants," Brendan said.
"How dare you, speak to me like that!" Harley yelled.
"I'm saying it because it's true. Nothing gives you the right to be a jerk to everyone you meet!" Brendan said.
"How I treat people is nobody's business but my own! And why do you care how I treat May?!" Harley exclaimed.
"Because May is my friend. And if anyone messes with her, messes with me, and I'm the guy you don't want to mess with! May worked hard to make it to the Grand Festival just as much as you, Drew, and Kairi! If you're going to be such a poor sport about it, then you have no right to be in any Pokémon Contests at all! May is a much better Pokémon Coordinator and a better person than you ever were and ever will be! So if you're smart, you will keep your big, fat trap shut or else something bad will happen to you!" Brendan said, putting Harley in his place. Harley was angered by his statement. May was awestruck and moved by how Brendan just defended her.
"Get out of my way! I don't have to take this abuse!" Harley stormed out. He turned to take a look at Kairi. "As for you, little Miss Res, if you get in my way, I'll crush you like a grape!" Kairi wasn't intimidated by his threats.
"I like to see you try," Kairi said. Harley took his leave in a huff.
"I gotta tell you, Brendan, that was awesome of you, but I think there were some certain things you might have taken a little too far," May said.
"Yeah, I guess I had a little more steam than I thought I did. I meant what I said about you being a better Coordinator and person, May," Brendan said.
"And I appreciate it, Brendan," May said, smiling.
"Well, I'm just glad that someone had to put that jerk in his place where he belongs," Kairi said.
"Also, he dresses weird, don't you know it?" May asked, making Kairi laugh.
"Yes, very weird," Kairi said.
"He should have signed up to a circus to be a clown," Brendan said. Kairi, Brendan, and May all laughed. Drew looked at Brendan and May and he saw that there was a spark between the both of them. He just grinned.
"It's obvious he loves May if he's standing up for her like that. And I know she loves him, too," Drew said in his thoughts.
"And that concludes the Main Competition, now we shall see who is going through and who is not! On the big board, the following 32 Coordinators have made it, and will compete on the Second Stage!" Vivian announced. The computer goes through the scores as Kairi, Solidad, May, Drew, and Harley were among the 32 finalists. "Good luck to you all and congratulations to the next round of winners!"
"Yes! She made it!" Yuta said.
"Of course she did. With a score like that, how could she not?" Sora asked.
"The same can be said for May," Aqua said.
"You must be proud of your daughter, Caroline," Mirei said.
"I am. To be honest, I never thought May would be so good with Pokémon, after she used to dislike them," Caroline said.
"Now, we just have to see who's against who," TK said.
"Yeah, and it'll take a few seconds," Koji said.
"The computer will now pair the contestants based on their scores for tomorrow's match," Vivian announced. The computer has gone through the 32 remaining finalists as Kairi is paired up with Wolfgang, and May against Harley. Drew and the woman with Mismagius were paired off with other Coordinators "That concludes the Grand Festival's program for today. We'll see you all back here again tomorrow when things promise to get even hotter." Harley hoped that he would be against May first as his desire for revenge was so close, he could just taste it.
Now that the finals of the Grand Festival was about to begin, Kairi and her Pokémon had to give it everything they've got to make it to the top. We shall see how well things turn out in the end. Stay tuned for the next chapter as the Grand Festival is close to the finish.
Okay, lately, I have been having some issues saving on my documents by some sort of bug on the app, and I don't know what's going on. And it also have been repeating some of the paragraphs on my document, so it forced me to start all over again. I thought I should let it off my chest.