Episode 360: Spontaneous Combusken
It was shortly after the whole Wisteria Town Contest and Kairi had won her fourth Contest Ribbon. Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple were resting in the Pokémon Center to go over their plan to head for Chrysanthemum Island for the Pokémon Contest.
"To get to Chrysanthemum Island, we're going have to head there by boat. But I already know you know that, but we'll have to make our way through Camomile Island to get there," Rei said.
"Yeah, and it shouldn't take us very long to get there as long as we don't hit any distractions," Brendan said.
"Distractions like those old Team Rocket guys, Vanitas, the Heartless, the Nobodies, and the Unversed," Elaine said.
"Which Pokémon are you going to go with for the Contest?" Chase asked.
"I didn't really decide yet, but I'll have to make up my mind after we get there," May said.
"I'm in the same boat as you, Kairi. I'll have to make up my mind," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And we could use the practice for the Pokémon Stadium Cup, too," Sora said.
"Right," Brendan, Chase, and Elaine said.
"You think Ash and the others will be there, too?" Chase asked.
"If they're not there to do some sunbathing, they would be there for the Contest," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Rei, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple started to head for the ferry on the other side of the island. As they kept going, they kept their eyes opened for any signs of trouble.
Unknown to them, they were being watched by three individuals. One is a girl, and the other two are boys. She is a girl with fair skin, pink hair and blue eyes. She wears female viking armor. Another Is a boy with lightly tanned skin. He has green hair and black eyes. He wears viking armor. And another is a boy with fair skin, blue hair, and green eyes. He wears viking armor.
"Are they ones, Astride?" The boy with the green hair asked.
"That's him, Erik. The Guardians of Kingdom Hearts the Master told us about," Astride said.
"They don't look like much to me, Astride. They look like kids," the boy with the blue hair said.
"I know they don't look like much, Anders, but there's no denying it. I know you can feel it off of them, just like I can; and that's why he sent us here, if you remember. Besides, aren't you the least bit curious?" Astride asked.
"She does a point. And you know the Master wouldn't sense it off of just anyone. He sensed it off of them the same way he did with us. Their lights are shining brighter than any of ours," Erik said.
"I just wanna find them before Loki does," Anders said.
"So do I. He helped those villains with the captures of the Princesses of Heart by assisting with the opening of the Door to Darkness," Astride said.
"Yeah, but he wasn't around when Organization XIII were gathering hearts for their artificial Kingdom Hearts. Ansem the Wise managed to destroy it, so Sora and the other Guardians of Kingdom Hearts took care of the Organization," Anders said.
"But it doesn't mean the bad guys have gone, you know," Erik said.
"Agreed. Come on, the both of you. We have to keep an eye on them for as long as we can. With any luck, they can lead us to the others," Astride said.
With that said, Astride, Erik, and Anders followed the group in secret. They reach the ferry and sail for Camomile Island on the way to Chrysanthemum Island for the Chrysanthemum Pokémon Contest taking place. The ferry eventually arrived to Camomile Island. They spotted some wild Pokémon on the open field.
"Wow, loads of Pokémon wherever you look," Chase said.
"What can you expect in a place like this, Chase? The Pokémon here love it here," Brendan said.
"Those Rhyhorn are playing catch with that ball of grass," Sora said as he points to young-looking Rhyhorn and they were throwing around a grass ball.
"We shouldn't disturb them and move on," Rei said.
"Right," Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Chase, and Elaine said in unison when they're approached by Nurse Joy.
"Hello, everyone," Nurse Joy greeted, making everyone turn around. With her is a female Meganium. "Welcome to Camomile Island."
"Thanks for greeting us, but we were just passing by," Rei said.
"I see. Are you heading for Chrysanthemum Island for the upcoming Pokémon Contest by any chance?" Nurse Joy asked.
"We are," May spoke up. She holds up a note. "I was given this note by someone we think we know."
"I see. But before you go, would you like to come to the Pokémon Center to rest and relax for a bit?" Nurse Joy offered.
"That'll be great," Rei said, taking up on the young nurse's offer.
"Please, come this way," Nurse Joy said as she and her Meganium head for the Pokémon Center. They got some rest and relaxation for the night before they proceeded to head for the dock to catch a boat bound for Chrysanthemum Island. They found it to be a beautiful beach paradise.
"This place is no Porta Vista, but it's nice here," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"It should be peaceful and quiet as long there aren't any Heartless around to spoil it for everyone," Chase said.
"Pika," Volt said.
"I don't think it's a good idea to jinx it since we might bump into them rather we want to or not," Brendan said.
"At least it wouldn't be a dull day for you Keyblade wielders," a familiar voice spoke. They turned to see it was Drew. He approaches the group. "I mean, isn't fighting off evil monsters part of the Keyblade job description?"
"Yes, and keeping the balance between light and darkness," Rei said.
"It's been a while, Drew," Sora said.
"Likewise, Sora. I also see May and Brendan are here, too. I'm gonna guess you now have a Keyblade, too, Chase?" Drew asked.
"Yeah, and so does she," Chase said as he and Elaine summoned theirs to show him. Drew wasn't surprised to see they were wielders of the Keyblade as well. They dismissed their Keyblades.
"Hey, Drew, did you send me this?" May asked, holding up the note. Drew looked at May, puzzled.
"Huh?" Drew asked.
"See, I'd love to be in the Contest with you, but mark my words, I'm going to beat you again like I did back at the Hoenn Grand Festival," May said.
"As much as I'm looking forward in seeing how much you improved, but I hate to break it to you, I didn't send that," Drew admitted, confusing May. "Come on, that's not my style. You should know that."
"We should, huh?" The group said in unison, unconvinced it was his style since the rose was included with the note. Drew blushed a bit, realizing what he just walked into.
"Truthfully, I'm not even going to be in this Pokémon Contest," Drew said.
"You're not?" May asked.
"I've been in so many Contests lately, my Pokémon are wiped, so we came to Chrysanthemum Island for some little R and R," Drew said.
"Well, if you didn't send her the note then who did?" Brendan asked.
"That's a good question," Rei said.
After meeting with Drew, Kairi has exchanged Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Sylveon, Ledian and Raichu for Miltank, Milotic, Volbeat, Illumise, Ninetales, Shuckle, Corsola, Furret and Lunatone. Sora exchanged all his other Pokémon except for Meltan, so his team now consists of Feraligatr, Beedrill, Linoone, Manectric, Crawdaunt, Electivire, Magmortar, Persian, Golduck, and Annihilape.
Kairi decided to use Shuckle for the appeals round and Furret for the battle round.
"Okay, Shuckle. Let's get some practice done. Stone Edge!" Kairi ordered. Shuckle formed rocks from around the Mold Pokémon. "Use your Gyro Ball!" Shuckle withdrew in her shell and spins around, bouncing off the rocks. "Great! Use Struggle Bug!" Shuckle unleashed red energy from her body, hitting the rocks, making them shatter. "Great job, Shuckle. It's your turn, Furret. Let's practice a bit with your Aqua Tail!" Furret swings her tail about while her tail was emitting water. "Fire Punch!" Furret practices with her with her Fire Punch. "Great! Use Slash!" Furret slashes the air. "Now, use Quick Attack!" Furret dashes around and with Quick Attack. "Your best Quick Attack so far."
"Furret," Furret beamed.
"That was awesome, Kairi," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said. Angel ran up to Pikachu and nuzzles him. Pikachu nuzzles her back. Sora and Kairi hug each other very affectionately.
"You think I'm going to earn my fifth Ribbon, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"At the risk of jinxing it, I can say, you definitely can, because you've been on a roll ever since the Porta Vista Contest. You have Harley another well-deserved kick in his green butt a second time," Sora said.
"I'll do my best to win it, Sora," Kairi said.
"I know you will," Sora said.
Sora and Kairi then kiss each other on the lips.
Not too far away, May is doing some training of her own. Brendan, Chase, Elaine, Volt, and Maple are watching on the side as she has Combusken and Munchlax having a practice battle.
"Okay, you two. I'm going to win this Contest. Kairi is the only obstacle in the Contest, and she already has four Contest Ribbons under her belt, so that gives us a reason why we can't afford to slip at the finish line this time. Are you in?" May asked. Combusken and Munchlax nodded.
"Wow, Munchlax is fired up just like the last time," Chase said.
"Hard to blame him. Even defeat from Harley's Octillery wasn't gonna keep him down," Brendan said.
"Okay, Munchlax! Focus Punch!" May ordered. Munchlax rushes at Combusken with a Focus Punch. The Young Fowl Pokémon dodges before Munchlax could land a punch on her, but in Munchlax's path is a girl with fair skin, auburn red hair, and turquoise eyes. She wore a yellow shirt, an orange skirt, and orange shoes. She is carrying a rose. The group gasped when they saw her in Munchlax's path.
"Look out!" Elaine shouted. The girl ducked her head before Munchlax hit her. He dove halfway through the sand. May ran up to her with concern.
"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" May asked.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure about your Munchlax," the girl said as Brendan, Chase, Elaine, and Rei all attempt to pull out Munchlax.
"Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!" Rei chanted while pulling Munchlax. They kept pulling until Munchlax was all the way out.
"Munchlax," Munchlax said.
"That was a close," Chase said.
"Luckily that girl wasn't hurt," Rei said.
"Oh, that Munchlax. I guess we got overly psyched," May said.
"That's because you lost in the Wisteria Contest and Munchlax wants to make up for it, right?" The girl asked.
"Now, how did you know about the Wisteria Town Contest?" May asked.
"I was there. I really wanted to meet you when it was over, but I didn't. I thought you might have been feeling bad after you lost, so I left you the rose and the card instead," the girl said.
"So, this card came from you?" May asked.
"Yup. And now, I got to meet you face-to-face in person. Wow. Oh, yeah, I'm Brianna," Brianna introduced herself as Munchlax jumped up and ate the rose from Brianna's hand.
"Munchlax, that was very rude!" May scolded her Munchlax.
"Hey, I'm glad Munchlax likes roses, too," Brianna said.
"Munchlax pretty much like anything that they can get in their mouths," Sora said as he, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel approached their friends.
"I know you. You're Kairi, the same girl who won the Wisteria Town Pokémon Contest," Brianna said.
"That'll be me. Who are you?" Kairi asked.
"My name's Brianna. It's very nice to meet you, too," Brianna said.
"It turns out, it was Brianna who sent the catd," May said.
"Is that right? That solves the mystery of the card and the rose," Sora said. Sora's comment leaves Brianna puzzled.
"Mystery of the card and rose? What do you mean?" Brianna asked. May then remembered what she was about to tell her.
"Oh, that's right. The confusion started because you forgot to put your name on it," May said.
"Huh?!" Brianna asked, taking the card from her. She looked at the card and she didn't see her name on it at all. "Oh, that's awful! I'm sorry!"
"It's okay. I thought it was from my friend Drew and asked him about it," May said. This struck Brianna's cord.
"You did? YOU MEAN MR. DREW'S HERE RIGHT NOW?!" Brianna exclaimed. This leaves May to be puzzled.
"Mr?" May asked.
"Stop me if I'm pointing out the obvious, but I think she has a crush on Drew," Sora said.
"I was gonna say the same thing to you, Sora," Kairi said.
Later, May leads Brianna to Drew when he and Roselia were both sunbathing. Drew is wearing a pair of light purple swim trunks.
"See? There he is," May said. Brianna blushed.
"Oh, you were right. I mean, I'm actually breathing the same air as him," Brianna said.
"I could introduce you if you like," May said.
"Really? That would be awesome," Brianna said.
"Drew!" May said, calling out to Drew. He and Roselia stood up and saw them coming.
"May, what's up?" Drew asked.
"I got a new friend. Her name's Brianna. She's a big fan of yours who became a Pokémon Coordinator after watching you perform," May said.
"Wow, you did? Thank you," Drew said.
"It's nice...to meet you," Brianna said, still blushing.
"And it was Brianna who sent me that card," May said.
"Ah, I didn't sign my name and I feel like a total fool," Brianna said.
"You didn't do anything wrong. May just made a silly mistake," Drew said.
"I only made that mistake because there was only one person I know who would send me something like that, Mr. Rose," May said.
"Mr. Rose?" Drew asked, blushing.
"Roselia!" Roselia laughed.
"You too, Roselia?" Drew asked.
"You know, if you like to shake Drew's hand, I'm sure he'd love to," May said.
"Yeah? Really?" Brianna asked.
"I'd be happy to," Drew said. He held out his hand.
"It's so awesome to meet you," Brianna said, taking him by the hand.
"You've done this before, right?" May slyly said.
"And you talk too much," Drew said.
"Oh, wow. I did it," Brianna said.
"Bye. Good luck at the Contest," Drew said as he and his Roselia took their leave.
"Thanks. It was nice to talk to you," Brianna said.
Up above, Sora, Kairi, Brendan, Chase, Elaine, Pikachu, Angel, Volt, and Maple were watching from a balcony as Rei was doing some sunbathing.
"I didn't think Drew could be such a weenie," Chase said.
"Me neither. And he didn't anything like that when we first met him," Brendan said.
"Yeah, but why do I have a feeling things are about to get heated?" Kairi asked.
"What do mean, Kairi? Brianna doesn't look like the kind of person who could pick a fight with anybody," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"Wow, he's cute," Brianna swooned. She then turned serious. "So, it's you and me."
"Wha?" May asked.
"You were saying?" Kairi asked.
"Okay, I was wrong," Elaine said.
"I'm aiming for you in this Contest and I'm gonna win!" Brianna said.
"But, why me?" May asked.
"Look, I've seen every Contest you and Drew and entered, and I also saw how you beaten Drew during the Hoenn Grand Festival, get it? I know you're the only female Coordinator Drew has any respect for!" Brianna said.
"I didn't know that," May said.
"Duh, I may be inexperienced and I haven't won a Ribbon, but someday I will be a first-class Coordinator and Mr. Drew will respect me, too. And I figured the quickest way to get that respect is to beat you here in this Contest. I've been training for this moment like crazy, and I'm ready to go! So, get ready for a fight!" Brianna said.
"Wow, someone's after May again," Sora said.
"Yeah, but I'm surprised she didn't come after Kairi," Chase said.
"So am I. I mean, I won the Hoenn Grand Festival, and the only one who was calling me out about it is Harley," Kairi said.
"Knowing that green butthead, he'd let it run to his purple head," Brendan said.
"Brianna is only doing this to get close to Drew, so she's gotta know it isn't going to be a Pokémon Coordinator. I found that out the hard way," Kairi said.
"True, you did, Kairi," Rei spoke up when she stood up. "You had to work your way up to the top and you earned it just as much as May and the others did. Brianna will also have to find that out the hard way, herself."
"You're right, Master," Kairi said.
It was now time for the Chrysanthemum Island Pokémon Contest to begin. Drew sat with the group since he wasn't going to be in it this time.
"Folks, yes, it's showtime! You're about to witness an event by a talented group of Pokémon and Coordinators that will thrill you to the core! And what better place to witness them than the beautiful, super, sunny Chrysanthemum Island? Of course, I haven't forgotten to put on plenty of easy protection for this face. You know?" Lillian asked as the crowd cheered.
"I know I haven't forgotten," Sora said, remembering to put on sunscreen since his mom and sister would warn him about it.
"It's time to get to the first round, so let's get busy!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered. Kairi gets the first performance. She came out with a Pokéball and threw it.
"Okay, Shuckle! I choose you!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Shuckle emerged from inside, ready to perform. "Shuckle! Start up with Stone Edge!" Shuckle summoned stones and placed them all around her.
"Shuckle makes it start by using its Stone Edge surrounding it!" Lillian announced.
"Now, use Gyro Ball!" Kairi ordered. Shuckle withdrew in her shell and she spins around with Gyro Ball and bounces off the stones like a pinball.
"Now, Shuckle's is bouncing off those stones like a ball in a pinball machine!" Lillian announced.
"A fun way to use Shuckle's Stone Edge and Gyro Ball," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"I can't get my eyes off of Shuckle," Rumiko said.
"Okay, Shuckle! Time to use your Struggle Bug!" Kairi ordered. Shuckle unleashed Struggle Bug from the holes in her shell while spinning. The stones then burst into dust. Shuckle poked her head and limbs out of her shell and she took a bow.
"Talk about a finish with Struggle Bug! Now, on with our next entry!" Lillian announced as May entered the stage.
"Munchlax! Take the stage!" May shouted, throwing her Pokéball. Her Pokéball opened and her Munchlax emerged from inside. "Munchlax! Use Solar Beam!" Munchlax fired a Solar Beam and fires it right into the sky.
"And Munchlax is right out the box with a blinding Solar Beam!" Lillian announced.
"Blinding is right," Elaine said.
"How was Munchlax able to use Solar Beam so quickly?" Chase asked.
"It's all that extra sunshine, that's how?" Sora asked.
"Sunshine?" Chase and Elaine asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Chase asked.
"Normally, a Pokémon builds up solar energy before using Solar Beam, but since it's so bright and extra sunny today, Munchlax can use Solar Beam without building up energy," Sora said.
"It's kinda like when a Pokémon uses Sunny Day," Brendan said.
"It's a good choice to make when you're using an outdoor stage and resort like this," Drew said.
"Munchlax! Use Metronome!" May ordered. Munchlax sways his fingers back and forth.
"She's using Metronome right now?" Sora asked.
"She's taking a chance. You'll never know what will happen," Brendan said.
"It's a chance. But I think it's worth it. If it works, it's a showcase. It's puts your Pokémon in a great position," Drew said. Munchlax kept swaying his fingers until a move is selected. It turns out to be Rest.
"Munchlax? Asleep?" May asked.
"Well, well, well. It looks like that Metronome has turned out to be a Rest!" Lillian announced.
"Munchlax looks very cute when asleep," Rumiko said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"It's quite a turn of events. We shall see," Contesta said.
"Well, at least one of us is getting some rest around here, but I don't think this what May had in mind!" Lillian announced.
"Good thing I got a little something for such an emergency. May's Pink Surprise!" May shouted, throwing a pink PokéBlock in the air. Munchlax quickly wakes up when he heard those three words. The Big Eater Pokémon jumped up and wolfed down the pink PokéBlock. Munchlax's belly swelled up.
"Well, talk about a wake up call!" Lillian announced.
"Wake up Focus Punch!" May ordered. Munchlax uses Focus Punch to cushion his landing.
"A Focus Punch that let's you down easy!" Lillian announced.
"Now, that was a Focus Punch," Brendan said.
"So much focus. No pun intended," Sora said.
"No pun taken. That's all the focus it's gonna take," Drew said.
"Hey, we're just getting started! Next entry!" Lillian announced as Brianna came to the stage.
"It's an honor to he here!" Brianna said, bowing her head. She took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Come on out, Surskit! Use Ice Beam!" Her Pokéball opened and the Pond Skater Pokémon emerged from inside. Surskit fires Ice Beam, freezing the entire stage.
"Wow! The field has been completely turned into ice!" Lillian announced.
"Next up, use Agility, Surskit!" Brianna ordered. Surskit uses its Agility to skate across the icy stage like an ice skater. "Okay, Surskit! Now, jump!" Surskit jumps in the air and doing a spin.
"Look at that!" Elaine said, taking out her Rotom Phone and scanned Surskit.
Surskit, the Pond Skater Pokémon
Type: Bug/Water
Surskit uses the tips of its feet to skate on water. It normally lives in ponds, but they can be seen skating on puddles in towns after heavy rain.
"She obviously did a lot of training to get that done. Using the whole stage was a great performance," Rei said.
Surskit descends to the icy stage, still spinning around.
"Beautiful spinning! Surskit's skating is something to see!" Lillian announced. Surskit stops spinning and does a pose. "What pizazz!" The crowd cheered hard for Brianna despite her first time.
"Another great example of how cute a Pokémon can be," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"Yes, and also graceful," Rumiko said.
Brianna finished her performance as Kairi and May approached her.
"Brianna, that was awesome!" May said.
"You were amazing out there," Kairi said.
"Thank you, Kairi and May. I'll tell you. As soon as I remembered Mr. Drew was out there, I got so scared. I'm sure I'll never make it to the second round after that," Brianna said.
"What do you mean, Brianna? You did better than you think you did. We were watching you out there, and we know you shown everybody you have it takes to be a Pokémon Coordinator," Kairi said.
"Kairi's right, Brianna. You had the audience at the palm of your hand. And you're going to the second round for sure," May said.
On stage, other performances came and went. There was one where a Hoothoot was swirling its eyes around. Another is when a Hypno was using its pendulum as a yoyo. Another is when a Blastoise was using Hydro Pump as a fountain. Another is a Casform in its Sunny Form. Another is when an Ekans was doing a loop. Another is when an Alolan Dugtrio is dancing to rock music. Another is when a Galarian Slowbro was using its Shell Side Arm to shoot its poisonous ooze as paint. Another is when a Tangrowth uses Power Whip on some plates to make them spin, and another is when a Sylveon is using its Fairy Wind and its ribbon-like feelers to mix the Fairy Wind.
"All entries are now finished! Are you ready? I hope so! It is the moment of truth! Which of our Coordinators have scored points that are good enough to make it to round 2? And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what our judges are deciding now! Alright, here are the eight Coordinators who will be moving on in round 2! On screen!" Lillian announced as it shows the eight finalists. Kairi, May, and Brianna are among the eight.
"See, Brianna? You made it!" Kairi said.
"We did it, we did it, we did it, we did it!" May and Brianna chanted.
"I knew Kairi and May would make it in at the same time again," Sora said.
"So did I. And Brianna made it in, too," Brendan said.
"So, Drew, how do you think May is doing today?" Chase asked.
"Is she using Munchlax in round 2?" Drew asked.
"I think she told me she was going to use her Combusken for the second round," Rei said.
"Hey, gimme a break. Doesn't she remember Munchlax's Solar Beam is quicker in the sun? Too bad. It would have given her a huge advantage. Sorry, but it looks like May messed up again," Drew said.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Rei said. "You're right about Solar Beam being quicker, but the sunlight can power up Combusken's Fire-type attacks."
"If you say so. But what about Kairi? Is she going to be using her Shuckle for it?" Drew asked.
"She'll be using her Furret for the second round. She figured Furret's speed would he useful for this one," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"And here's how our eight Coordinators are will match up for the second round!" Lillian announced as the matchups have been selected. It shows Kairi and May against each other in the first round.
"So, it's Kairi against May in the first battle," Chase said.
"Yeah, but it's happening sooner than I thought it would," Rei said.
In the back, May looked right at Kairi and she looked back at her.
"So, it's you and me in the first battle," May said.
"Somehow, I knew it was gonna come down to it. I want you to give me everything you've got, May," Kairi said.
"Trust me, Kairi, I won't hold back. Things are going to be different than when we battled in the last battle of the Hoenn Grand Festival," May said.
"I hope so," Kairi said. She holds out her hand. "The best of luck."
"Likewise," May said. "And I can again show Drew that I'm not the amateur I used to be!"
"Hold on! I think this goes beyond Contests and battling!" Brianna said.
"What do you mean?" May asked, puzzled.
"You know darn well what I mean, May! You have some special feelings for Mr. Drew, don't you?" Brianna accused, causing May to blush.
"What?! Where would you get such an idea like that?" May asked.
"Don't try and play dumb with me, May! You're after Mr. Drew's heart!" Brianna said.
"After his heart? I'm not after his heart! Drew is only a rival and that's all! Besides, I already have a boyfriend!" May said.
"Oh, yeah? As soon as this Contest is over, I'm telling him that I love him!" Brianna said, not listening to a word May just said.
"What?" May asked.
"Hold on, Brianna, don't you think you're jumping the gun here? May clearly said she has a boyfriend. And you shouldn't rush into this sort thing, because you're rushing into heartbreak," Kairi said.
"Heartbreak?" Brianna asked.
"Don't take it the wrong way, Brianna. I'm only saying you should think about these sort of things first. What if he doesn't feel that way about you?" Kairi asked.
"I'm sure he does, you'll see," Brianna said.
"And if he does, I'll be wishing you luck with your relationship with him," May said.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to start with round 2! And leading off is Kairi and May!" Lillian announced. Kairi and May took their Pokéballs out and threw them.
"Combusken! On stage!" May called out.
"I choose you, Furret!" Kairi called out.
Both Furret and Combusken emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"We got five minutes on the clock! Go!" Lillian announced as the clock starts running.
"Use Fire Spin, Combusken!" May ordered. Combusken fired Fire Spin right at the Long Body Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Slash!" Kairi ordered. Furret managed to dodge Combusken's Fire Spin and swiped her paws against Combusken. This costs May some of her points.
"Whoa! Furret isn't just fast, but it's also strong, too! It lands a successful Slash onto Combusken with a T!" Lillian announced.
"Quick Attack!" May ordered.
"You use Quick Attack, too!" Kairi ordered. Both Combusken and Furret ran at each other with Quick Attack. "Use Aqua Tail!" Furret swings her tail at the Young Fowl Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage.
"She lost more points," Brendan said.
"Well, Furret did use Aqua Tail, of course, it's super-effective against a Fire-type like Combusken," Drew said.
"Use Fire Punch!" Kairi ordered. Furret came at Combusken with a Fire Punch.
"I don't think so! Sky Uppercut!" May ordered. Combusken avoids Furret's Fire Punch and gave the Long Body Pokémon an uppercut, sending Furret flying.
"Combusken makes an awesome comeback with that gorgeous Sky Uppercut! It has got to be a huge upset for Kairi!" Lillian announced.
"Furret!" Kairi gasped.
"Now, use Fire Spin!" May ordered. Combusken fired Fire Spin, hitting Furret on the mark.
"And Combusken heats things up with its Fire Spin!" Lillian announced as Furret is now knocked out. "Furret is rendered unable to battle, so the winner of the first battle is May and her Combusken!" The audience cheered. Kairi called back her Furret.
"You battled hard, Furret. You've earned yourself a good, long rest," Kairi kindly said. She looked at May as she smiled and hugged Combusken.
"You were awesome, Combusken!" May said.
"Combusken!" Combusken said.
"And so were you, May," Kairi said, approaching May. She and her Combusken looked at Kairi who was only smiling. "You gave it everything you had and you didn't hold back once. You earned your victory."
"Thank you, Kairi," May said, also smiling.
In the backstage, Brianna smiled, knowing she got what she wanted.
"She may have won the battle, but she isn't going to win the war," Brianna said. After losing the battle, Kairi has rejoined her friends and decided to watch the rest of the Contest with them. The other two battles came and went as Brianna sends out a Vibrava against a Nidorina. She has her Vibrava won by using Sand Tomb against her. May has bested her next opponent who sent out a Skarmory. Brianna's next opponent has sent out a Gallade, so she had it finish him off with a Dragon Breath.
(AN: I know Brianna's opponent was a Gardevoir, so I wanted to make something clear just in case you ask me about how come I switched up Gardevoir with Gallade. Well, it's a known fact that there was no Fairy-type Pokémon in the very beginning, so that Dragon Breath did affect Gardevoir back then. Also, Fairy-type Pokémon are immune to Dragon-type attacks such as Dragon Breath. That right there is why I traded Gardevoir with Gallade. I said what I needed to say, so enjoy the rest of the chapter uninterrupted)
After the battles, it all came down to May and Brianna in the final round.
"Now, it is time for the final round! This is the battle that is all about! With the winner walking away with the Chrysanthemum Ribbon!" Lillian announced as May and Brianna stared at each other. "It's May and Brianna, so let's get busy!" The crowd cheered as May and Brianna took out their Pokéballs and threw them.
"Combusken! Take the stage!" May called out.
"Okay, Vibrava! I choose you!" Brianna called out.
Both Combusken and Vibrava came out to battle each other.
"Okay, Vibrava is a Ground-type and a Dragon-type, so Combusken's Fire-type attacks won't do much damage on it becausd of the Dragon-typing, right?" Chase asked.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"Right. Also, Combusken is vulnerable to Ground-type attacks since she's a Fire-type Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Let's see if May can turn it around," Sora said.
"Combusken! Quick Attack!" May ordered. Combusken charges at Vibrava with a Quick Attack.
"Now, Screech, Vibrava!" Brianna ordered. Vibrava vibrates its wings and let's out a screeching scream, affecting Combusken.
"And Combusken gets a real earful!" Lillian announced as May's points goes down.
"That amazing motion of Vibrava's wings completely knocks me out! It's gorgeous! Brianna's got herself a fantastic Pokémon," Drew said.
"Combusken! Stop that Screech! Fire Spin, now!" May ordered. Combusken fought Vibrava's Screech and fired her Fire Spin, hitting Vibrava on the mark.
"Wow! What a Fire Spin! That really shuts up Brianna's Vibrava for good!" Lillian announced.
"I'll say it did. It might not have been too effective, but it worked," Rei said.
"You're forgetting one thing. It's not about how affective the attacks are, but how appealing your Pokémon makes them appear," Drew said.
"Dragon Breath! Let's go!" Brianna ordered. Vibrava fired a Dragon Breath, pushing back Combusken's Fire Spin and sends it right at the Young Fowl Pokémon. "Vibrava! Use Sand Tomb!" Vibrava summoned sand and traps Combusken by her legs.
"Combusken!" May gasped. It cuts into more of May's points.
"Looks like that Sand Tomb is doing its job!" Lillian announced.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut!" May ordered. Combusken struggles to use her Sky Uppercut, but due to Vibrava's Sand Tomb, it was too difficult to do it.
"Combusken's wedged in," Brendan said.
"The thing about Sand Tomb is, a Pokémon cannot escape it while it's in effect," Kairi said.
"Get out of there, Combusken!" May called out. Combusken kept on trying to break through. "You can do it! I know you're strong enough to break free of that!" Combusken keeps on struggling. "Combusken!" Hearing May's voice and feeling her strength return, Combusken's head feathers began to give off a blue glow, much to May, Brianna, and Vibrava's surprise. The sand also started to give that same blue glow.
"What the?! I'm not sure what's happening, but everything is starting to glow!" Lillian announced.
"What's going on?" Elaine asked.
"I think Combusken's fighting spirit just kicked in," Rei said.
"If there is a moment where humans and Pokémon are truly one, this is that moment," Drew said.
"I agree," Rei said.
"I think Combusken is learning a new move," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Combusken uses the strength in her legs to break out of Vibrava's Sand Tomb.
"Combusken finally breaks free!" Lillian announced.
"Combusken just learned to use Mega Kick," May said. Combusken lands on her feet. The clock goes down to 30 seconds remaining. Brianna still has more points than May does.
"Time for the 30 second warning! We're getting down to the wire," Lillian announced.
"Keep it strong! Dragon Breath, now!" Brianna ordered. Vibrava fired a Dragon Breath right at Combusken again. Combusken is struck hard by Vibrava's Dragon Breath.
"That's going to cost May points! A direct hit!" Lillian announced as May loses more of her points. She barely has any left, so May knew she had to turn it around fast.
"Come on, May, you're running out of time. Speed up," Brendan said in his thoughts.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut!" May ordered.
"Dodge and use Sand Tomb!" Brianna called out. Vibrava dodges Combusken's Sky Uppercut and whips up another Sand Tomb.
"Uh-oh! Is this it for Combusken?" Lillian asked as Vibrava's Sand Tomb engulfs Combusken in it again.
"After all we've been through, I'm not about to lose this! Mega Kick, now!" May ordered. Combusken uses her Mega Kick to break through Vibrava's Sand Tomb and come down at the Vibration Pokémon. It deals some serious damage on Vibrava. Combusken lands on her feet.
"Vibrava!" Brianna gasped. Vibrava had been knocked out due to Combusken's Mega Kick.
"Another stunning turnaround! Vibrava is out for the count! Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winners: May and Combusken!" Lillian announced. The crowd cheered hard for May. Brendan was especially cheering for his girlfriend.
"Awesome job, May. I knew you could do it," Brendan said.
"That was the best Mega Kick I've ever seen. Combusken, you're the absolute best," May said. May and Combusken hugged each other. May along with Combusken and Munchlax stood before the judges to retrieve her third Ribbon.
"May, that was a hard-fought Contest and you've earned this Chrysanthemum Ribbon 100%! And thank you, Mr. Contesta for making the presentation," Lillian announced.
"Now, I have two more to earn," May said.
"And now, the sun sets for Chrysanthemum Island and this great Pokémon Contest! We'll see you next time! Next stage!" Lillian announced as the crowd cheered.
Shortly after the Contest, Kairi, May, Brianna, and Angel stared out to the ocean.
"You were great! Really great! I can see why Mr. Drew has total respect for your talent!" Brianna said.
"That means a lot to me, Brianna," May said.
"You definitely earned your victory in the Contest, May. And because of you, Combusken has grown so much stronger," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Sorry you didn't earn your fifth Ribbon, Kairi," May said.
"Don't apologize, May. I still have plenty of time to earn my fifth Ribbon. So, I'm not in any hurry," Kairi said.
"When I do win my first Ribbon, I'll then tell Mr. Drew how I feel," Brianna said.
"Hey, girls," Sora said as the group approached the three girls. Sora and Brendan each had a bouquet for their significant others. "I know you didn't win the Contest, but you definitely deserve it."
"How sweet of you, Sora," Kairi said, taking the bouquet.
"Here you go, May. I would feel the same way even if you have lost," Brendan said.
"Thanks, Brendan," May said, blushing. She gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek. Brianna blushed, but she sees Drew with them.
"Oh, no! It's Mr. Drew," Brianna said, going behind May.
"So, Drew, what did you think of my battling skills?" May asked.
"I'll admit, I had my doubts, but you didn't give up. You didn't give up during the Hoenn Grand Festival, so you've gotten so much stronger since then. Good job," Drew said.
"Okay, who are you and what did you do with the real Drew?" May joked. Drew approached Brianna.
"Your name is Brianna, right?" Drew asked.
"Um, yes," Brianna said, still blushing.
"You were good. Very good. It's obvious you raised your Vibrava well. It's hard work making it all the way to Flygon, but you'll do it," Drew said.
"Gee, thanks! I'll work extra hard!" Brianna said before she fainted in a swooning manner. Rei caught her.
"I got you," Rei said.
"Well, May, you have two more Ribbons to earn, so good luck," Drew said.
"Thanks, I guess," May said.
"Well, I'll be off. See ya," Drew said, taking his leave.
"Well, he doesn't seem so stuck up like he was the last time," Chase said.
"Yeah, but he's right about one thing. May has two more to earn, so she'll have to work hard to earn them," Sora said.
"You're right, Sora. I'll do my best," May said.
Now that May has earned her third Contest Ribbon, she has two more Contest Ribbons to earn. May felt lucky to have support from her friends, but even that won't be enough for her to achieve her goal. She'll have to put a lot of effort into it, and so does Kairi. We will end it here for now.