It is the big day, the day of the Cerulean City Pokemon Contest. Will Serena be able to win? Read to find out.

Something More?: A Pokemon Story

Episode 9- Cerulean City: Part Four- Nervousness

Once again, a broadcast is airing, with a team of analysts, with Lilian Meridian as the host, with the camera on one of the big names, Drew. The analysts are Lilian, Wallace, former Coordinator Solidad who is now retired, and also former Coordinator Harley, with a much different personality.

"The Cerulean City Pokemon Contest is about 3 hours away, and one of the stars of the Contest is Drew, who won the Johto Grand Festival last year, is expected to make a big showdown in the first Kanto Contest Festival. Another big name in the Contest is Serena, who is the odds-on favorite to win this, according to fans. I'll turn it to our panel of analysts. Solidad, you've gone up against both of them, who do you think has the edge in this?"

"I think either of them could win this, but if they go up against each other in the finals, it'll be close. With a double battle to end the Contest in the finals tomorrow, it'll be interesting. Harley, thoughts?"

"I've gone up against Drew, and he can cause trouble for even experienced coordinators. If he puts out his Roserade in the finals, if he gets there, I suspect Drew might have the win in the bag."

"Don't be so sure, Harley. Serena is very experienced. Remember, she's a former Pokemon Performer, so if she can advance from the appeals round, which I believe she'll do with no problem, and go through the competition with ease, she might win this. She has as much a chance to win this as Drew, along with any other Coordinator."

"Thanks, Wallace. Really nice insight."

"Well, take it from a former Coordinator. Well, I guess Coordinators."

The groups laughs. Meanwhile, in a makeup room, Serena is getting ready for the Contest, watching the show.

"Wow, they are really conflicted as to who has the edge. It's making me nervous."

"Don't be, Serena. Yes, Drew is good, but you can find a way to defeat him if and when you defeat him."

"Thanks, Ash. I appreciate it."

"Me and Brock will be waiting outside."

"Alright."

Outside the makeup room.

"How's she doing?"

"Nervous, but she's fine. The TV had a broadcast of the Contest Pre-Show, and they were split on who might win the contest, her or Drew."

"Understandable."

Serena comes out of the dressing room in her contest outfit.

"Well, I'm ready."

"You got this, Serena."

"I know. WIsh me luck, need to be in the room in 10 minutes."

"Alright, have fun. Love you."

"Love you too. Brock, we should get some seats."

"Agreed."

Ash and Brock find some seats in the crowd, and also gets some food. After a little bit, Misty and Tracey join them, having to do some miscellaneous work.

"Hi guys!"

"What's up."

"Ready for the contest!"

"Sure am! Let's watch the magic begin!"

After about 5 minutes, Lilian Meridian comes out and introduces everybody to the Contest.

"Welcome to the Cerulean City Pokemon Contest. Enjoy the Contest and our Coordinators! Let me introduce you our judges for today and tomorrow. First off, Mr. Contesta!"

"Glad to be here, Cerulean City!"

"Next, Mr. Sukizo!"

"Remarkable!"

"And last but not least, Cerulean City's own Nurse Joy!"

"Let the Coordinators show their performances!"

"Ah..Nurse Joy."

"Brock, don't start."

Several Coordinators give their Appeals Round Performances, then Serena comes out and give hers.

"Delphox, let's go!"

"DEL-PHOX!"

"Hidden Power!"

Hidden Power is shot up into the air.

"Use Psychic to hold them up into the air!"

Using Psychic surrounds the Hidden Power orbs with a purple-pinkish glow.

"Smash them!"

Smashing the Hidden Power orbs creates a spectacular show of purple and pink sparkles, but Serena isn't done yet.

"Use Mystical Fire to create a vortex!"

Mystical Fire does exactly that, creating a whirlwind of fire spinning the sparkles around.

"Flamethrower through the middle of the vortex!"

Using Flamethrower through the middle of the vortex disperses the fiery vortex. The sparkles then rain down on Serena and Delphox. The crows loudly cheers in amazement.

"That was so amazing!"

"Sure was. That's Serena for you."

"Let's see what her score is. And the score is…29.4/30. Amazing bar to set. Highest score so far."

"That's going to be tough to beat. Drew better do good."

A few more Coordinators give their Appeal Performances, before the last Coordinator, Drew, comes out, with his Roserade.

"Roserade, Mega Drain!"

A tunnel of green energy exits Roserade's flower arms, which is suspended in the air.

"Petal Dance into the Mega Drain!"

The petals are barely visible in the Mega Drain, but Drew has a plan.

"Solar Beam!"

The Solar Beam absorbs the Mega Drain, causing an explosion of green energy and tiny pedals, sending the crowd into an uproar full fo excitement. Roserade and Drew bow to the audience.

"Thank you, guys!"

"Rose, Rose!"

Thank you Drew for that beautiful performance. And the score is 29.3. Very good!"

"Well, both Serena and Drew are going to the battle stage, that's for sure."

After a few minutes, the judges decide which 16 people are going to the battle stage. The first two that pop up are Serena and Drew, and both are excited. They are placed in opposite sides of the bracket.

"Congrats, you two."

"Thanks, Ash. Drew, let's get to the finals and face off."

"Can't wait!"

During the contest battles.

"Altaria, Sky Attack!"

"Serena is going through this contest with ease, making her way to the final battle."

"Masquerain, Silver Wind!"

"Drew is doing the same, making his way to the finals to face Serena. Everyone, return tomorrow afternoon for the final Contest battle!"

Outside the Contest Hall, Ash, Brock, Misty and Tracey are waiting for Serena and Drew to return, which they do after they change.

"Well, you've got a handful ahead of you, right?"

"Like I said, I like a challenge. Should probably eat and get some rest."

"Probably should. Those appeals and contest battles looked really nice, you two."

"Thanks, Misty. Means a lot."

"Say go back to the gym, eat and get rest."

"Agreed."

The group of six go to the gym and eat. After a while, they decide to get some sleep.

Song of the day: Rooster- Alice in Chains (1993)

In the middle of the night, Ash randomly wakes up.

"Mm, what time is it? 2:30am, where's Serena?"

Serena is outside, relaxing on the gym steps. Ash walks up.

"It's late, what are you doing outside?"

"Couldn't sleep. What about you?"

"Just woke up. What's wrong?"

"Just a little nervous about this afternoon."

"Wanting to win this means a lot, doesn't it?"

"You would know. I mean, look at all the high stakes Gym Battles you've participated in. Viola, Olympia, Wulfric just to name a few. If I win this, I'll have an edge against all other Coordinators in Kanto. There are a lot more Contests I can participate in, but I'm really determined about this one."

"I'll tell you this though, that won't happen if you don't get sleep."

"True. Let's go back."

"Alright."

The next afternoon, Drew and Serena are on the Contest stage. Will Serena be able to win against Drew in the Contest final. Find out in the next chapter.