Episode 321: The Hoenn Grand Festival Part 3
Last time, Kairi had made the final 64 Coordinators in the Hoenn Grand Festival and had to complete the Main Competition Stage. She, May, Drew, Harley, Wolfgang, and other Pokémon Coordinators made it to the Grand Festival's top 32. Kairi was paired up with Wolfgang and May is against Harley. In this part of the story, we shall see who will win it and who will not.
It was now the finals of the Hoenn Grand Festival, everyone was watching closely as May and Harley were going on first as Kairi and her opponent were in the second battle.
"In accordance with Grand Festival rules the second round of contest matches will be double battles each with a five-minute time limit. Turn your attention to Stage One and the first battle between May and Harley," Vivian announced.
"Take him down, May," Kairi said. May took out her Pokéballs and threw them.
"Bulbasaur, Beautifly! Take the stage!" May called out. Her Bulbasaur and Beautifly both made their entrance.
"Now, for my little friends. Cacturne and Banette!" Harley called out as he chuckled. His Cacturne and Banette both made their entrance on stage.
"Harley, let's make this a fair battle, alright?" May asked.
"We have different definitions of 'fair'," Harley said.
"Let the battle begin!" Vivian announced. The clock began to run.
"Go, Banette! Screech, now!" Harley ordered. Banette makes a loud Screech, lowering their defenses. "And now, Cacturne! Bullet Seed!" Cacturne fires Bullet Seed and they make Bulbasaur and Beautifly dance as the seeds are aimed at their feet.
"Bulbasaur! Beautifly!" May exclaimed.
"Aw, come on, too much for you already?" Harley taunted.
"With that combination of Screech and Bullet Seed, Harley just put a major dent in May's points!" Vivian announced.
"Harley may have gotten a good start in this battle, if he isn't careful, his desire for revenge is going to cost him," the woman with the dark blue hair said.
"Bulbasaur! Vine Whip!" May ordered. Bulbasaur used Vine Whip to smack both of her opponents.
"Dodge that!" Harley called out. Cacturne and Banette both dodges Bulbasaur's Vine Whip. But the vines wrap around their ankles, much to Harley's surprise. "Too slow, too slow!"
"And now it's my turn! Beautifly! Silver Wind!" May ordered. Beautifly flapped her wings and unleashed Silver Wind. The attack struck them both. Cacturne took the heaviest damage due to its weakness to Bug Type attacks. Harley had lost a chunk of points.
"There's the Silver Wind from May's Beautifly that had an impact in the preliminaries. It's having an impact on Harley's points too!" Vivian announced.
"Okay! Release your Vine Whip now!" May ordered. Bulbasaur gets ready to use her Vine Whip on her opponents and takes them out on a spin. "Beautifly! Give 'em Silver Wind, one more time!" Beautifly gave them another hit from her Silver Wind, making Harley lose his points.
"May has taken the spin that Vine Whip started and accelerated it with Silver Wind! What a beautiful combination attack!" Vivian announced.
"Beauty and power combined," Athena said.
"Yes, remarkable," Suziko said.
"Those two are really in sync with this match," Contesta added.
"Harley's team is losing significant points! which means if he doesn't do something here pretty quick, he's going to lose all his points and turn zero before the clock runs out on him!" Vivian announced. Cacturne and Banette ended up being so dizzy from that Vine Whip and Silver Wind combo.
"Listen to me, come on! Snap out of it!" Harley called out to his Pokémon. Cacturne and Banette both regained their senses.
"Yeah, now let's finish them off," May said. Her Beautifly and Bulbasaur were in full agreement. "Bulbasaur! Hit 'em with your Vine Whip, one more time!" May ordered. Bulbasaur sends out Vine Whip to strike her opponents again.
"Banette! Use Torment!" Harley ordered. Banette glares right at Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur backs away and brings Vine Whip right back to her.
"What? Bulbasaur, what's going on?" May asked.
"How come Bulbasaur just stopped?" Ventus asked.
"Banette just used Torment. It forbids its target to use the same moves more than once in a row," Duke said.
"Looks like she can't use Vine Whip for a while now," Terra said.
"She'll have to come up with something new," Sora said.
"Now, Cacturne! Pin Missile!" Harley ordered. Cacturne fires Pin Missle from its spikes
"Throw Bulbasaur in the air, Beautifly!" May called out. Beautifly flew down to Bulbasaur, and the Seed Pokémon hopped on as the Butterfly Pokémon took to the sky. The missiles strike the ground.
"That was close. But May managed to pull off a stylish rescue!" Vivian announced.
"Oh yeah? Use Will-O-Wisp!" Harley ordered. Banette fires Will-O-Wisp and it strikes Bulbasaur and Beautifly in the sky. May had lost some points in that one.
"A direct hit from Will-O-Wisp and just like that, Harley shoots down May's Pokémon and her points!" Vivian announced. Beautifly kept flying as the Will-O-Wisp kept following her and Bulbasaur.
"Go, Bulbasaur! Petal Dance now!" May ordered. Bulbasaur fires Petal Dance right at the Will-O-Wisp and cancels them out. The whole stadium rains down Petal Dance.
"This is incredible! May turns the tide by raining down a beautiful Petal Dance over the field!" Vivian announced.
"You think so?" Harley asked, spitefully. "Cacturne! Pin Missile!" Cacturne fires Pin Missile right at the petals, taking them all down.
"Harley counters. Obviously not going down without a fight!" Vivian announced.
"Sorry about your pathetic little petal routine, my hated enemy. Now to finish you, May. And then, I'm going for Kairi," Harley said. Beautifly and Bulbasaur came in through the smoke. They were all surprised to see both of May's Pokémon were unharmed.
"Beautifly! Silver Wind! Bulbasaur! Razor Leaf!" May ordered. Beautifly and Bulbasaur unleashed a Razor Leaf and Silver Leaf combination and struck them both hard.
"Now that's a combo!" Wally said.
"I don't think she's ever combined those two attacks before!" Max said. Cacturne and Banette both ended up being knocked out, much to Harley's dismay.
"No! This can't be! Ah!" Harley exclaimed. Haley had run out of all of his points.
"It's all over for Harley. He now has zero points and so May moves on to the semi-finals!" Vivian announced as the crowd cheered. Brendan smiled as he clapped along with everyone else.
"Way to go, May. I knew you were going to beat the pants off that guy again," Brendan said.
"Come here, Beautifly, Bulbasaur. You two were just great today," May said. Harley calls back his fallen Pokémon and growls in anger.
"I'm out of here," Harley hissed. Kairi was having her match against Wolfgang as she and Angel walked by Harley.
"I can bet that you're happy that I lost, aren't you?" Harley asked.
"All I can say is you got exactly what you deserved out of it," Kairi said.
"What I deserve is to be on the top. And I'm going to enjoy watching you both lose!" Harley hissed spitefully.
"I hope you're in for disappointment, Harley, because that's exactly what you're going to get," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Our next battle is Wolfgang vs Kairi! Let's begin!" Vivian announced as the time started running. Kairi took out two of her Pokéballs and threw them.
"Volbeat, Illumise! Go!" Kairi called out.
"Mightyena and Weavile!" Wolfgang called out. Mightyena and Weavile have come out of their Pokéballs. Stars swirl around Mightyena upon entry.
"So Kairi's using her Volbeat and Illumise, huh? A couple of good choices," Zoe said.
"Yeah. They remind me of my mom and dad's Illumise and Volbeat," Davis said.
"And the Volbeat TK has and the Illumise Kari has," Cody pointed out.
"Kairi should have the advantage since Dark-type Pokémon are weak against Bug-type moves," Max said.
"You're right about that, Max. But I wouldn't count out Wolfgang just yet," Yugi said.
"Mightyena! Shadow Ball! Weavile! Ice Beam!" Wolfgang ordered. Both Pokémon unleashed their attacks at the two Firefly Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Kairi called out. Volbeat and Illumise dodged their attacks. Wolfgang has lost some of his points from the dodge.
"Mightyena and Weavile missed their targets completely, which is going to cost him a little bit of points!" Vivian announced.
"Illumise! Use Silver Wind! Volbeat! Use Signal Beam!" Kairi ordered. Illumise unleashed Silver Wind as Volbeat unleashed Signal Beam.
"I don't think so! Mightyena, Weavile! Feint Attack!" Wolfgang ordered. Mightyena and Weavile disappeared and landed a hit on Illumise and Volbeat. The successful hit from each one lands some damage to Kairi's points. "Feint Attack again!" Mightyena and Weavile land another hit on their opponents with another Feint Attack from each one of them. Kairi's points suffer for it.
"Illumise and Volbeat have taken hits from two combo Feint Attacks in a row, and it will cost Kairi her points!" Vivian announced.
"I've been waiting for this rematch, and now it's gonna happen! Mightyena! Giga Impact! Weavile! Icy Wind!" Wolfgang ordered. Mightyena rushes at the two Firefly Pokémon with Giga Impact. Wevile blew an Icy Wind, combining with Mightyena's Icy Wind.
"Weavile's Icy Wind has collided with Mightyena's Giga Impact, creating a unique combination of power!" Vivian announced.
"A unique combination of coolness and toughness," Athena said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"A very creative use of two moves," Contesta said.
"Dodge it! Quickly!" Kairi called out. Volbeat and Illumise quickly dodged Mightyena's attack. It was a close call for them. "Illumise! Use Sweet Scent!" Illumise unleashed Sweet Scent all over the battlefield. The sweet-smelling scent has captivated Mightyena and Weavile.
"Ah, Illumise pleases not only Weavile and Mightyena, but it also affected me and the judges," Vivian announced.
"A pleasant smell," Contesta said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"It smells just like I'm in a field of wildflowers," Athena said.
"Volbeat! Charge Beam! Illumise! Dazzling Gleam!" Kairi ordered. Volbeat fires a Charge Beam as Illumise unleashes Dazzling Gleam. The two attacks have created a rainbow-colored beam of electric energy. Mightyena and Weavile were both struck, dealing some heavy damage due to their weakness to Fairy-type moves. And it has taken out a huge chunk of Wolfgang's points.
"Volbeat and Illumise have combined Charge Beam and Dazzling Gleam, creating a rainbow beam! Very beautiful!" Vivian announced.
"Very colorful," Athena said.
"Remarkable," Suziko said.
"I could never expect less from these two Firefly Pokémon, especially when they're in perfect sync with one another," Contesta said.
"We're at the one-minute warning!" Vivian announced.
"Way to go, Kairi!" Karen cheered.
"I honestly didn't expect Charge Beam and Dazzling Gleam to be used that way," Izzy said.
"Me neither. It was awesome," Takato said.
"And it was beautiful," Serenity added.
"Kairi just has to stay ahead of Wolfgang and she'll win this," Mai said.
"Mightyena! Shadow Ball! Weavile! Metal Claw!" Wolfgang ordered. Mightyena fired Shadow Ball as Weavile came at Illumise with Metal Claw.
"Weavile is coming right for Illumise with that Metal Claw!" Vivian announced.
"Volbeat! Signal Beam!" Kairi ordered. Volbeat dodged Mightyena's Shadow Ball and fired a Signal Beam, hitting Weavile and knocking it out.
"Weavile is now unable to battle, and that means Mightyena is against two opponents at once!" Vivian announced. Wolfgang calls Weavile back.
"Giga Impact!" Wolfgang ordered.
"Dazzling Gleam and Signal Beam!" Kairi ordered.
Volbeat and Illumise unleashed their two chosen attacks and landed a hit on the Bite Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage, and ended up being knocked out with 35 seconds remaining.
"We were almost at the 30-second warning, and the winner is Kairi and her fabulous Illumise and Volbeat!" Vivian announced. The two Firefly Pokémon flew right towards Kairi and hugged her.
"Volbeat, Illumise, you were both wonderful out there," Kairi said.
"Volbeat," Volbeat said.
"Mise," Illumise said.
"Kairi won!" Naminé said.
"Yay!" Mirei said, having Seth clap his little hands.
"Wolfgang almost had her, but she turned it around as fast as the end was coming," JP said.
Wolfgang called his Mightyena back and walked up to Kairi.
"I gotta hand it to ya, Kairi, you're even better than I remember. You deserve to win after that display you pulled on me," Wolfgang said.
"Thank you, Wolfgang. You were great, too," Kairi said.
Meanwhile, the woman with the dark blue hair was watching the match closely and she smiled to herself.
"Not bad," the woman with dark blue hair said.
After her battle, Sora and the rest approached her. Everyone was voicing their own opinions on how well she battled.
"We're very proud of you, honey," Yuta said.
"The way you had your Pokémon working together like that was a sight to beheld," Mirei said.
"Thanks, mom, thanks, dad," Kairi said.
"Your parents are right, Kairi," May said, walking up. "You were amazing out there."
"I appreciate it. And you were, too. The way you put Harley in his place was a satisfying thing," Kairi said.
"Well, he had it coming," May said.
"Eevee," Angel agreed.
Just then, the woman with the dark blue hair approached Kairi.
"Congratulations on your victory, you two. I was very amazed by your display," the woman with the dark hair said.
"Thanks," May said.
"We appreciate it," Kairi said.
"Hey, aren't you Henrietta, the Coordinator with the Mismagius?" Aqua asked.
"Yes. I've been watching your careers as Pokémon Coordinators ever since Lisia approached you the first time. You both have been displaying impressive displays," Henrietta said.
"You're very kind, Henrietta. And the best of luck to you," Kairi said.
"And you as well," Henrietta said. She took her leave as she was about to have her battle.
Speaking of which, she has let out her Mismagius and a Kantonian Persian. They overpowered a Togekiss and a Grumpig. The battle ended with 15 seconds remaining. Drew has earned his victory as he uses his Butterfree and Masquerain against a Dustox and a Sudowoodo.
In the next round, Kairi goes on first and she sends out Plusle and Minun against a Vaporeon and a Kirlia. Drew has sent out Roselia and Butterfree against a Magmar and Piloswine. Henrietta sent out a Froslass and a female Meganium against an Obstagoon and a Quagsire. And finally, May is taking on Anthony. He sends out Swalot and a Pinsir.
"Now there's only four of them left," Téa said.
"Yeah, but only one of them is going to go home with that Ribbon Cup," Rei said.
"Yeah, the match-ups are being decided," Yugi said.
The computer has set up Kairi against Henrietta and May against Drew.
"Oh, boy," Lyra said.
"May's up against Drew," Max said.
"I thought something like this would happen. May went up against Drew during her first Contest and Drew has beaten her," Riku said.
"Yeah, that's true, Riku, but May has come a long way since then, so it might be the same way as last time," Naminé said.
"She's right, Riku. May worked hard to make it to the finals, so we're about to see how much her hard work has paid off," Rei said.
The moment has come as May and Drew have each taken their position to begin the battle that was long since coming.
"Welcome back to the Hoenn Grand Festival! We are now down to four Coordinators left for the Hoenn Grand Festival. We have Drew from LaRousse City, Henrietta from Hearthome City, May from Petalburg City, and Kairi from Pallet Town. And now, the next match is about to begin! The next battle in the semi-finals will be Drew vs May!" Vivian announced.
"This should be a good match," Takato said.
"You think May is gonna do better than the last time?" Naminé asked.
"I believe so. May has been training hard like a Pyroar tamer from the circus," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"And if I know May as well as I think I do, I know May has wanted to go up against Drew ever since the Slateport City Pokémon Contest," Brendan said.
"May will give it her best, I'm sure of that," Caroline said.
"Let's go! Swablu, Combusken! Take the stage!" May shouted as Combusken and Swablu both came out at once. Drew has taken out his own Pokéballs and he has thrown them.
"Roselia, Flygon! Let's go!" Drew shouted as Roselia and a Flygon emerged from inside, ready to battle.
"A Flygon!" Max said.
"I think it was a secret weapon Drew had hidden for a long time," Matt said.
"I'll say. That Flygon looks very strong. I would say just as strong as my Flygon," Ken said.
"Or mine," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Looks like you brought along a new friend, Drew," May said.
"I specifically raised this Flygon for this festival and this battle, May. You get to face it in its very first appearance," Drew said.
"Then we better make a pretty memorable one," May said.
"Here we go! Let the battle begin!" Vivian called out as the clock starts running.
"Alright, Petal Dance, Roselia!" Drew ordered. Roselia unleashed Petal Dance. The flower petals swirl around. "Flygon!" The Mystic Pokémon flew through the swirling flower petals.
"So Drew opens by blanketing the stage with a beautiful Petal Dance, and then launches his attack!" Vivian announced.
"Quick, Swablu! Dragon Breath!" May ordered. Swablu blew a Dragon Breath, hitting Flygon.
"May quickly counters by using a Dragon Breath!" Vivian announced.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut!" May ordered.
"Dodge it now!" Drew called out. Combusken rushes at Flygon, intending to uppercut the Mystic Pokémon. Flygon dodges at the last second and falls to the ground.
"Get up, Combusken," May said. She looked up and she was almost blinded by the sight of Flygon in the sun. Drew just grinned.
"I hope Combusken's okay," Max said.
"Drew's good at the open stage format, and it looked to me that he knew how May was going to counterattack him," Riku said.
"Yes, he's certainly a very good Trainer, huh. And I don't expect he's the type who's going to go easy on someone who's down," Caroline said.
"Flygon! Flamethrower! Roselia! Use Solar Beam!" Drew ordered. Roselia has fired a powerful Solar Beam due to the brightness of the sun and Flygon fired Flamethrower.
"Drew's unleashing a powerful double attack!" Vivian announced.
"No time to dodge. Fire Spin! Dragon Breath!" May ordered. Combusken fired Fire Spin as Swablu fired Dragon Breath, blocking their opponent's attacks. Drew was surprised by what he had witnessed.
"Wow, what an awesome display! With a massive Fire Spin and Dragon Breath combo, Combusken and Swablu have reversed Drew's double attack! And just like that, May surges back into the lead again!" Vivian announced as May has taken out some of Drew's points.
"Well done, May," Drew said.
"She's making a comeback!" Sora T said.
"All she's gotta do is make sure she stays that way before the timer reaches zero," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Combusken! Use Fire Spin on Flygon!" May ordered. Combusken fired her Fire Spin at Flygon.
"Flygon! Use your Sandstorm, now!" Drew ordered. Flygon uses Sandstorm to block Combusken's Fire Spin and then dissolve.
"Swablu! Use your Disarming Voice on Roselia!" May ordered. Swablu unleashed Disarming Voice right at Roselia.
"Dodge that and climb on Flygon!" Drew ordered. Roselia jumps out of the way of Swablu's Disarming Voice and lands on Flygon's back.
"Drew manages to escape unharmed, and May's points suffer for it," Vivian announced.
"His Flygon isn't only tough, but fast, too. I've got to bring it to a stop, somehow," May said.
"We're down to one minute remaining!" Vivian announced.
"Swablu! Use Dragon Rush!" May ordered. Swablu charges with great force while surrounded by purple dragonish energy. Swablu flew faster than Flygon, so she lands a successful hit onto Flygon, making Roselia fall off.
"Dragon Rush. And a fast one, too," Tai said.
"It should deal some heavy damage on Flygon since Dragon-type Pokémon are weak against Dragon-type moves," Izzy said.
"You think it might have shaken him up a little?" Tommy asked.
"Well, none of us were expecting it to happen, so it had to a little," Izzy said.
Drew was completely caught off guard by how fast and strong it came. May just grinned to herself.
"Wow, that was fast and it was. Swablu! Use Dragon Rush again! Combusken! Jump!" May ordered. Combusken jumped on Swablu as she flew fast.
"No, you don't! I'm not falling for that again! Flygon! Use Flamethrower!" Drew ordered. Flygon was about to fire Flamethrower at May's Pokémon, hoping to cause some heavy damage, but Combusken jumped off and landed on Flygon's back, much to Drew's surprise. Swablu beans Flygon, making the Mystic Pokémon flinch from the attack. "What the?!"
"Did Flygon just flinch?" Tristan asked.
"Of course. Dragon Rush has a 20% chance to make an opponent flinch," Max said.
"And it looks like Swablu has earned that 20% chance," Ryo said.
"Combusken! Fire Spin!" May ordered. Combusken fired Fire Spin into Flygon's face. It takes down Drew's points in the process.
"So much for Drew's comeback! Flygon has unleashed a Fire Spin in the face! Drew's points go down for it!" Vivian announced.
"Roselia! Stun Spore!" Drew ordered. Roselia sprinkles Stun Spore right towards Combusken and Swablu.
"I don't think so! Combusken! Grab Swablu by the feet!" May called out. Combusken grabs Swablu's feet, and the Cotton Bird Pokémon flies up, carrying the Young Fowl Pokémon.
"Swablu takes Combusken upwards and narrowly avoids Roselia's Stun Spore!" Vivian announced.
"Combusken! Fire Spin! Swablu! Dragon Breath!" May ordered. Combusken and Swablu fired Fire Spin and Dragon Breath, combining into one attack and struck both Roselia and Flygon. Both Roselia and Flygon have taken damage from the weakness of which type each attack had. Roselia and Flygon landed on the ground, injured and exhausted.
"Combusken and Swablu are combining their attacks into one, dealing some serious damage on Roselia and Flygon! And we're almost out of time!" Vivian announced as the clock read 10 seconds.
"It's over for Drew," Sora said.
The clock runs out.
"Time's Up! The winner is May who will be moving on in the final round!" Vivian announced.
The spectators were quiet for a moment, but they all cheered and applauded both May and Drew for the intense battle. They were all chanting May and Drew repeatedly.
"I don't believe it. I did it. I actually beat Drew," May said. She hugged both Combusken and Swablu tightly. "Thank you both. I'm so very proud of you."
Drew called back his Roselia and Flygon and he just smiled and flipped his hair.
"Not bad, May. I guess you do have what it takes to be a Top Coordinator after all. You didn't even need a Keyblade to do that," Drew said.
Over to Harley, he just grits his teeth in anger.
"Dammit! She actually beat Drew after he had her in the corner! But I can at least get some enjoyment watching Henrietta take Kairi down and make her cry in front of everybody," Harley said before he chuckled to himself.
"Up next should be Kairi," Karen said.
"Yeah, but Kairi's opponent isn't going to go easy on her, that's for sure," Duke said.
"After seeing her in action, there's no doubt about it, Duke. I just hope Kairi will last more than a minute against her," Riku said.
"I think we're about to find out," Kari said.
A few moments later, Kairi and Henrietta came out, both ready to begin their battle.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're about to begin the semi-final round of the Hoenn Grand Festival! It's Kairi versus Henrietta! Both of these fabulous Coordinators have come all this way, so the winner will be taking on May in the final battle!" Vivian announced.
"Hey, Kairi, show me everything you've got," Henrietta said.
"I won't," Kairi said. She took out two Pokéballs and threw them. "Roserade, Gardevoir! Go!" Her Pokéballs opened as Roserade and Gardevoir came out. Henrietta took out her two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Mismagius, Meganium! I choose you!" Henrietta called out. Her Pokéballs opened and her Mismagius and Meganium emerged from inside and prepared to battle.
"A Meganium and a Mismagius," Téa said.
"Doesn't look good for Kairi since Mismagius is a Ghost-type Pokémon," Henry said.
"Yeah, and it doesn't look good for Henrietta since Roserade is a Poison-type," Koichi said.
Sora took out Gallade's Pokéball and opened it.
"Why are you letting your Gallade out, Sora?" Ash asked.
"I think Gallade should watch the battle since Gardevoir is out there," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Lade," Gallade said.
Sensing Gallade, Gardevoir turned and saw the Blade Pokémon next to Sora. Gallade wished the love of his life the best of luck while battling.
"Begin!" Vivian announced as the clock started running.
"Meganium! Energy Ball! Mismagius! Dazzling Gleam!" Henrietta ordered. Meganium and Mismagius fired their attacks at Gardevoir and Roserade.
"Gardevoir! Use Psychic!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir uses Psychic to block Meganium and Mismagius's attacks.
"Meganium and Mismagius makes a start with Energy Ball and Dazzling Gleam, but it seems to hit a snag with Gardevoir's Psychic! And it just cost Henrietta some of her points." Vivian announced as Henrietta's points went down by a little.
"Roserade! Magical Leaf on Mismagius!" Kairi ordered. Roserade unleashed Magical Leaf and sends it right at the Magical Pokémon.
"Mismagius! Ominous Wind!" Henrietta ordered. Mismagius summons an eerie ghostly Wind and blows the leaves away.
"Mismagius blows away Kairi's Magical Leaf and cuts her points!" Vivian announced as Kairi's points goes down.
"Gardevoir, Roserade! Magical Leaf!" Kairi ordered. Roserade and Gardevoir fired a combo Magical Leaf and sent them right at Mismagius and Meganium.
"Roserade and Gardevoir are sending out a combo Magical Leaf!" Vivian announced. Mismagius and Meganium are struck by the leaves, dealing a blow to Henrietta's points.
"Meganium! Energy Ball! Mismagius! Shadow Ball!" Henrietta ordered. Meganium and Mismagius fired their attacks at Gardevoir and Roserade.
"Dodge it!" Kairi called out. Roserade and Gardevoir Dazzling Gleam on Mismagius! Roserade! Solar Beam on Meganium!" Kairi ordered.
"Meganium! Solar Beam to block Roserade's! And Mismagius! Use Ominous Wind on Gardevoir!" Henrietta ordered. Meganium fired her own Solar Beam and blocked Roserade's Solar Beam as Mismagius unleashed Ominous Wind and struck Gardevoir. Kairi's points had taken a hit.
"Henrietta is giving Kairi a run for her money! It looks like it's going to be over very quickly for her," Vivian announced.
"Gardevoir! Use Moonblast!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir unleashed Moonblast and sent it to Mismagius.
"Shadow Ball!" Henrietta ordered. Mismagius sent it at Gardevoir's Moonblast and collided with each other, resulting in an explosion.
"It looks like Kairi and Henrietta are going neck to neck as this battle seesaws in each other's favor!" Vivian announced.
"You're doing better than I thought you would, Kairi. Let's see if you're willing to keep going!" Henrietta said in her thoughts.
"One minute warning!" Vivian announced.
"Mismagius! Ominous Wind!" Henrietta ordered.
"Roserade! Use Petal Blizzard!" Kairi ordered. Roserade spins around and he unleashed flower petals, blowing in the ghostly wind. "Gardevoir, Roserade! Magical Leaf at Mismagius!" Roserade and Gardevoir fired Magical Leaf at Mismagius, knocking it out.
"Mismagius is unable to battle!" Vivian announced. Henrietta calls her Mismagius back.
"Meganium! Solar Beam!" Henrietta ordered. Meganium fired Solar Beam and sent it at her two opponents.
"Gardevoir! Use Psychic and send it back!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir uses Psychic to deflect Meganium's Solar Beam. The beam strikes the Herb Pokémon, dealing some serious damage.
"We're down to less than 30 seconds left! It's not looking very good for Henrietta!" Vivian announced.
"Meganium! Leaf Storm!" Henrietta ordered. Meganium unleashed a hurricane of leaves and it struck Gardevoir and Roserade on the mark.
"It looks like Henrietta is pushing back with 15 seconds left!" Vivian announced.
"Gardevoir! Psychic!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir unleashed a powerful psychic blast, sending the leaves back at Meganium, dealing loads of damage. "Poison Jab, Roserade!" Roserade came at Meganium with his two hands giving off a purple glow. Roserade lands a strong jab, taking down more of Henrietta's points as the clock runs out.
"Time! And the winner is…" Vivian announced. It turns out that Kairi had a little more than Henrietta did. "...Kairi! She will be advancing to the final stage and face May!" The spectators all cheered as Henrietta calls back her Meganium and smiled. Kairi hugs Gardevoir and Roserade.
"You battled wonderfully, my friend. You have earned your rest," Henrietta said.
"You were both great out there," Kairi said. Henrietta walked up to Kairi and smiled.
"Congratulations, Kairi. Battling you made me remember what it felt like. I actually had fun battling you," Henrietta said.
"Thank you, Henrietta. It was enjoyable battling you, too," Kairi said
Kairi and Henrietta shook hands. Harley growled in anger at the sight.
"I don't believe it! Even Henrietta wasn't couldn't bring her down! This isn't right!" Harley exclaimed in anger.
"Our final battle will begin momentarily. Before it begins, I would like to say it has been a thrill and honor to guide you all through the wonderful world of Pokémon Contests!" Vivian announced.
"This is it. The final battle," Rui said.
"Yeah, and only one of them will be walking home with that trophy," Bakura said.
"This should be good to watch," Mai said.
Over to Kairi, she looked over to Angel.
"You ready for this, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee," Angel nodded.
"Let's give May our best," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel said.
Over to May, she sighed to herself, knowing it was the battling she's been waiting for.
"May, are you nervous?" Drew asked.
"I was nervous when I was just starting out, but now, I'm just overwhelmed. And I know Kairi's feeling the same way," May said.
"How can you be certain?" Drew asked.
"Well, we both made a promise that neither one of us would go easy on each other when it came down to the two of us, and it looks like I'm about to keep my promise to her," May said.
"Sounds like a promise worth keeping. Just trust your Pokemon, and you'll do just fine," Drew said.
"Thanks, Drew. Well, here I go," May said as her legs carried her to the battlefield, knowing what was coming.
Kairi and May stood next to each other as Vivian was making the announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is it! The moment that you've all been waiting for! The final round of our fabulous Hoenn Grand Festival! To my left is Kairi from Pallet Town, and May from Petalburg City! Both of these young Coordinators have come so far to make it this far, and now we're about to see which one will be named Top Coordinator and win the Ribbon Cup!" Vivian announced.
"Kairi, I'm looking forward to this match. I'm not going to go easy on you because we're friends," May said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, May. Just throw everything you got at me and I'll do the same," Kairi said. "May the best trainer win."
"Likewise," May said, giving a high-five and getting into position.
"Now we have a display of sportsmanship and what looks like friendship between the two of them. It doesn't look like even friendship is going to slow these girls down! Now, will the competing Coordinators please choose their Pokémon?" Vivian asked. Kairi took out a Pokéball and looked over to Angel.
"You're up, Angel!" Kairi said.
"Vee!" Angel said as she entered the stage.
"You're going in, too, Gardevoir!" Kairi called out. May took out her two Pokéballs and threw them.
"Combusken, Beautifly! Take the stage!" May shouted. Her Pokéballs opened as Combusken and Beautifly emerged from inside the Pokéballs, ready to battle.
"Let's begin the final match!" Vivian announced as the clock started running.
"Angel! Start up with Swift! Gardevoir! Magical Leaf!" Kairi ordered. Angel and Gardevoir unleashed their chosen attacks at Combusken and Beautifly.
"Beautifly! Silver Wind!" May ordered. Beautify flapped her wings and blew the stars and multicolored leaves away, cutting some of Kairi's points.
"May makes a very good start by using Silver Wind to blow away Kairi's Swift and Magical Leaf!" Vivian announced.
"Combusken! Fire Spin on Angel!" May ordered. Combusken fired Fire Spin at the female Eevee, landing a hit on her.
"And now, Combusken is making good use of its Fire Spin against Kairi's Eevee!" Vivian announced.
"Angel! Quick Attack on Combusken! Gardevoir! Moonblast on Beautifly!" Kairi ordered. Angel ran towards Combusken and lands a hit as Gardevoir unleashed Moonblast and struck Beautifly on the mark. May's points begins to go down.
"Combusken! Quick Attack on Gardevoir! Beautifly! String Shot on Angel!" May ordered. Combusken charges at Gardevoir as Beautifly spewed String Shot at Angel.
"Dodge it!" Kairi called out. Angel and Gardevoir dodged Combusken and Beautifly's moves.
"That seems to be close! Eevee and Gardevoir managed to avoid Combusken's Quick Attack and Beautifly's String Shot! That'll cost May some of her points!" Vivian announced.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut on Angel! Beautifly! Aerial Ace on Gardevoir!" May ordered. Combusken uppercut Angel as Beautifly dashed at Gardevoir, dealing some damage.
"May isn't fooling around here! Let's see how Kairi will respond," Vivian announced.
"Angel! Use Headbutt on Beautifly! Gardevoir! Dazzling Gleam on Combusken!" Kairi ordered. Angel headbutts Beautifly as Gardevoir shot Dazzling Gleam at Combusken. May's points go down.
"And Kairi pushes back with Headbutt and Dazzling Gleam!" Vivian announced.
"Not bad, Kairi. Are you ready for this? Combusken! Fire Spin! Beautifly! Silver Wind!" May ordered. Combusken and Beautifly unleashed a Fire Spin and Silver Wind combo, sending them right towards Angel and Gardevoir.
"No time to dodge, so Psychic!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir uses Psychic to block the combo, but it was too much for Gardevoir to block.
"What a close shave! Gardevoir is holding that Fire Spin and Silver Wind combo by the skin of its teeth, but I don't think even Gardevoir knows how long it'll hold on!" Vivian announced.
"Angel! Use Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired Swift at May's two Pokémon, taking advantage of the distraction. The stars strikes Combusken and Beautifly, taking down May's points.
"Combusken, push hard as you can!" May called out. Combusken pushes more power onto her Fire Spin, making it bigger and stronger. It became too much even for Gardevoir to hold on, so she and Angel were struck by the searing flames.
"Combusken pushed back, giving some more power to its Fire Spin! It was enough to overpower Gardevoir's Psychic and then land a heavy blow to Eevee and Gardevoir!" Vivian announced as Kairi's points went down even more.
"Wow, May is really giving it to Kairi," Kris said.
"Well, May has gotten so much better since day 1, so May knew Kairi wasn't going to be easy to take down. I know that from watching her battle in the Poké Maiden Tournament," Karen said.
"And it looks like Kairi wants to put May's strength to the ultimate test," Rei said.
"We're down to 3 minutes left on the clock with May in the lead!" Vivian announced.
"Nice job, May. I can tell you've been working hard at that," Kairi said.
"Lots of practice, Kairi. Glad I was able to impress you," May said.
"You have. But it's not over yet," Kairi said.
"You're right, it's not. Let's keep going. Combusken! Use Peck on Angel! Beautifly! Aerial Ace on Gardevoir!" May ordered. Combusken gave Angel a couple of pecks as Beautifly dashed at Gardevoir, landing a hit.
"Gardevoir! Magical Leaf! Angel! Use Swift! But spread it all over the battlefield!" Kairi ordered. Angel and Gardevoir unleashed Swift and Magical Leaf all around the battlefield. Everyone was watching in awe at the sight.
"Eevee and Gardevoir have covered the entire battlefield with Swift and Magical Leaf, turning the entire battlefield in a spectacle of colors!" Vivian announced.
"Moonblast!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir forms Moonblast in her hands and she threw it into the air.
"Get ready, you two," May said.
"Angel! Iron Tail!" Kairi ordered. Angel jumped in the air and swings her tail, hitting the glowing pink orb. The orb flew at Combusken and she took some heavy damage from the blast.
"Eevee made very good use of that Iron Tail by giving Gardevoir's Moonblast an extra kick!" Vivian announced.
"How was that, May?" Kairi asked.
"Not bad," May said.
"Quick Attack!" Kairi and May ordered. Angel and Combusken rushed at each other and matched each other speed for speed.
"It looks like Combusken and Eevee are sizing each other up with their speed! And it looks like they're evenly matched in that department!" Vivian announced.
"Beautifly! Silver Wind on Gardevoir!" May ordered. Beautifly flapped her wings and sent it right at Gardevoir.
"Dodge it, Gardevoir!" Kairi called out. Gardevoir dodged Beautifly's Silver Wind just by jumping. She lands on her feet behind the Butterfly Pokémon.
"A narrow escape from Beautifly's Silver Wind! What does Gardevoir plan to do next?" Vivian asked.
"Dazzling Gleam!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir unleashed Dazzling Gleam and sent it over to Beautifly.
"Dodge it, Beautifly!" May called out as Beautifly dodged just in time. "Aerial Ace!"
"Dazzling Gleam again!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir unleashed another Dazzling Gleam and it lands a hit on the Butterfly Pokémon. She has been knocked out.
"And Beautifly is unable to continue battling! It's two against one in this battle!" Vivian announced. May calls Beautifly back inside.
"Okay, Combusken, I know you can handle two Pokémon at once, so we won't let Beautifly's efforts go to waste. Are you ready to keep going?" May asked. Combusken nodded. "Great! Fire Spin on Gardevoir!"
"Psychic!" Kairi ordered. Gardevoir tried to use Psychic on Combusken, but the Young Fowl Pokémon was too quick as she fired Fire Spin and it struck her on the mark.
"Combusken was too speedy for Gardevoir to counterattack!" Vivian announced.
"Sky Uppercut!" May ordered. Combusken uppercuts Gardevoir, knocking her out.
"And now it's Gardevoir who is unable to battle! Now it's a single battle! We have only a minute remaining on the clock!" Vivian announced. Kairi calls Gardevoir back inside.
"A minute is all we need," Kairi and May said in their thoughts.
"Combusken! Peck!" May ordered.
"Headbutt!" Kairi ordered.
Combusken was about to peck Angel when she headbutted the Young Fowl Pokémon in the gut.
"Peck again!" May ordered. Combusken tries again, but lands a successful Peck this time.
"Angel! Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired Swift at Combusken, landing some hits on her opponent. Combusken endured the hits from the stars.
"Combusken is taking damage from Eevee's Swift, but it's still standing on its feet, refusing to go down!" Vivian announced.
"Look at that. Both of our daughters are hanging on out there," Yuta said.
"Yes. She gets more amazing each time I watch," Caroline said.
"The way I see it, this match could go either way for them," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Combusken! Sky Uppercut!" May ordered.
"Quick Attack!" Kairi ordered. Angel and Combusken rush at one another. They both collide with each other, but Angel lands a hit on Combusken. "Iron Tail!" Angel swings her tail at the Young Fowl Pokémon, hitting her. Combusken struggles to keep going.
"Combusken is struggling to keep going, but there's only 30 seconds remaining!" Vivian announced.
"Combusken, I know you can do this. I have absolute faith in you," May said as Combusken's body emits a red aura.
"Looks like Combusken's Blaze kicked in," Brendan said.
"That means Combusken's Fire-type moves will become even stronger than before," Terra said.
"Pikachu," Thor said.
"Okay, May, if you got some fire left in your spirit, then let it out now," Kairi said.
"Fire Spin!" May ordered. Combusken unleashed a much more powerful Fire Spin and sends it right towards Angel.
"Combusken has unleashed a tremendously hot Fire Spin! I wonder how much heat Kairi's little Eevee can handle?" Vivian asked.
"Angel! Dodge it! Quickly!" Kairi called out. Thinking quickly, Angel uses her tail as a spring and jumps out of the way before Combusken's Fire Spin could get to her. "Headbutt!" Angel lunges her head forward and lands a hit onto Combusken. It does a number on May's points.
"Looks like a miracle presented itself as Eevee dodged that Fire Spin and lands a Headbutt, but we have 10 seconds left!" Vivian announced.
"Sky Uppercut!" May ordered. Despite being tired from all the injuries she received, Combusken rushed for Angel, intending to finish her off.
"Swift!" Kairi ordered. Angel fired Swift, dealing some more damage on Combusken. The clock ran out of time.
"And time's up! The winner of this battle and this year's Hoenn Grand Festival is Kairi!" Vivian announced as the spectators cheered for both Kairi and May.
"No way. May lost," Max said.
"Well, she gave it her best shot," Tai said.
"Yeah, she did. It was a close one," Wally said.
May helps her Combusken on her feet and she sighed.
"I guess, it's all over," May said.
"Yes, but you gave it your best. And everyone here knows it," Kairi said.
"I may not have won, but I had a blast battling you," May said.
Drew was impressed by how much effort May was able to put in.
"Way to go, May. You made it to second place; and that's even farther than I have gotten," Drew said.
"I don't believe it! All these people are cheering for May even if she hasn't won?! Is there no justice?!" Harley exclaimed.
Kairi stood with Vivian, May and Drew as Kairi was presented the Ribbon Cup.
"Congratulations, Kairi, for your victory in the Grand Festival! You will go down in history as your name will be among the previous winners for years to come!" Vivian announced. Lisia places her hand on Kairi's shoulder.
"Kairi, seeing out there brought back a lot of memories. You and your Pokémon should be proud of the effort and work you put in," Lisia said.
"Thank you," Kairi said.
Harley scowled as he witnessed Kairi had received the Ribbon Cup.
"You're all invited to the closing ceremonies at the park tonight. So from the main Stage here in Slateport City I bid you farewell!" Vivian announced.
That night, Kairi and May sat with the rest of the female Keyblade wielders as the Hoenn Grand Festival came to a close.
"Hard to believe I came so close to becoming Top Coordinator, but it slips from my fingers," May said.
"It might be over, but I think it'll only be the beginning of something new," Xion said.
"You're right. I might start over again," May said.
"Are you upset that Kairi won the Grand Festival instead of you, May?" Lyra asked.
"If I was anything like Harley, I might be, but it doesn't bother me at all since Kairi is my friend, and she deserves the title," May said.
"I would think the same way if it was you who won, May. You have what it takes to be a Top Coordinator, and your performing and battling skills are all the proof you need," Kairi said.
"Now all that's left is the Hoenn Pokémon League. Sora and Brendan have been waiting for a long time to get this far," Leaf said.
"And we wouldn't miss it for the world," May said.
"We know Kairi will be there for Sora," Kris said.
"And we all know you'll be there for Brendan of course, May," Kairi said. May blushed at the mention of her crush's name.
"Y-Yeah," May blushed.
"Don't you think it's about time you and he finally got together?" Lyra asked.
"She's right. We know you have it bad for Brendan," Xion said.
"We've seen it when you and Brendan protected each other whenever we were under attack," Leaf said.
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that you two would make a very cute couple," Kris said.
"You're right. I do want to tell Brendan my feelings for him, and he's been there for me when I needed it. What really moved me is when Brendan stood up to Harley for me. So, I'll do it. I'll tell Brendan my feelings," May said.
"Atta girl!" Leaf said.
"You shouldn't have a hard time finding him. He's with the rest of the guys," Lyra said.
"Marill," Marill said.
"Brendan?" May asked, making Brendan turn to see her.
"Hi May," Brendan said blushing.
"Say, you don't mind if I take Brendan with me, do you, Sora?" May asked.
"I don't mind. I think I'll go join up with my cousin and his friends. You go and talk," Sora said, taking off.
"So, May, why bring me here?" Brendan asked curiously.
"I just wanted us to be alone," May admitted. "You remember when we first met?"
"Yeah, I do. It was when your dad brought you over to my place. It's hard not to remember," Brendan said.
"I told you that you were cute and you blushed up a storm. And then, we started to play together," May said.
"Yep. Also when we got our first Pokémon at the same time is something I can really value more than any Gym badge," Brendan said.
"Really?" May asked.
"Yeah. The day we became Trainers is a day I will always mark as the best day ever. It's because we got to share it together," Brendan said.
"I'm happy that you think so, because I'm thinking the same thing. And I was happy that you supported me when I decided to become a Pokémon Coordinator," May said.
"Well, because it was your way, not mine. And watching Kairi in that first Contest is pretty much how it started," Brendan said.
"Did you mean that you said that it's better to have me as a friend than a rival, Brendan?" May asked.
"Of course I do. Our paths might have been different, but our goals are the same. Sora, Wally, and I have the Hoenn Pokémon League in Ever Grande City. And I plan to go to the top," Brendan said.
"Then, I'll be there to support you," May said.
"Really? Thanks," Brendan said.
"Sora has Kairi's back just like she has his. Because of one thing," May said.
"What?" Brendan asked. May was a little nervous, but she had to finally let it out.
"The thing is, Brendan. I love you," May finally admitted. Brendan blushed as he was happy. "I have loved you ever since we were little. I thought I should finally tell you."
"That's how I felt about you, May. I love you too," Brendan said. May smiled affectionately.
"So, if you want, we could go on a date in Ever Grande City when I don't have a battle, right?" Brendan offered.
"Anytime," May said. She pressed her lips on Brendan's lips. He returns the kiss when he wraps his arms around May's shoulders. Unknown to them, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Wes, Rui, Michael, Lisia, Zinnia, Wally, Drew, Harley, Tai, Davis, Takato, Takuya, Yugi, their groups, and the Pokémon were watching them. Caroline was crying some tears of joy, having to see her daughter now has a boyfriend. Harley was only watching in disgust. He just gags by opening his mouth, sticks out his tongue and points to his uvula.
"How long were you standing there?" Brendan asked.
"Just at the kiss," Max said, in a teasing manner.
"Took you two long enough," Kris said. Brendan and May booth blushed. Caroline hugged her daughter tight.
"I am so proud of you, May! You have yourself a loving boyfriend! Next thing you know, you two will be getting married and have loads of babies!" Caroline cried happily. Brendan and May blushed like crazy.
"Mom!" May exclaimed.
"It's way too soon for that!" Brendan said. Wally walked up to Brendan with a smile.
"I gotta admit that I am happy for the both of you. I mean it," Wally said.
"Thanks, Wally," May said.
"Now that you two are an official couple, that's going to mean you're going to have quite a future together," Rei said.
"You think so, Master?" May asked.
"I do. In the morning, we will have to depart for Ever Grande City since you two have a Pokémon League tournament to participate in," Rei said.
"Right," Sora and Brendan said.
"But for now, we celebrate," Rei said.
"Yeah, you celebrate. I'm going to go to bed and wake up from this nightmare," Harley spitefully said as he walked off. He huffed. "Well, I hope I can compete against those two again, because I'm so going to make them cry when we're in the same Contest." He grinned.
Unknown to him, Vanitas stood up on a tall building and watched Harley walk away.
"Hatred and jealousy will be your undoing if you allow yourself to be soaked in darkness," Vanitas said.
On the next morning, Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, Rui, Michael, Max, Lisia, Zinnia, Rei, and the Pokémon stood before Kairi's family and Caroline. Yugi, his friends, and the DigiDestined have already taken off, but they'll meet the Keyblade wielders over to Ever Grande City for the opening ceremony.
"Are you sure you can't join us?" Kairi asked.
"We're sure, hun," Mirei said. "We have so much to do back in Pallet Town."
"Also, we have to make sure the Ribbon Cup makes it home okay," Yuta said.
"That makes sense. We'll be seeing you back home,"Kairi said.
"You too," Yuta said.
"Bye-bye, Seth. Your big sisters will be seeing you when we get home," Kairi said. Xion smiled as the baby cooed at them.
"Be a good boy, Seth," Xion said.
"Anyway, mom, we'll be off with them," May said.
"Of course, dear. I'm hoping that you have a safe journey," Caroline said.
"We'll be careful," May assured his mother.
With that said, the group bid farewell to the adults and set off on their way for Ever Grande City. Now that the Grand Festival was over and done with, there was only one more arena to attend to.