AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! Here is chapter 35 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region. Well, it's time for another Second-Chance Contest, and I decided to add Grace to the mix. Let's say she's from Fallarbor Town, even though her hometown is not really mentioned in the anime. You may also recall Team Rocket selling gold and silver Poké Block with a custom paint job in the Pokémon: Advanced Challenge episode: "Pros and Con Artists." But in this case, I decided to have Taz sell Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Poké Block, making him think he used Golden Razz and Silver Pinap Berries, which he never uses. Hope you enjoy this one!
TEASER: Hillary plans to enter the Fallarbor Town Second-Chance Pokémon Contest and learns about combinations from another Coordinator named Grace. Meanwhile, Taz plans to sell rare Poké Block...but is it real or fake?
Chapter 35: THE FALLARBOR EQUINOX
(Music Cue: Advance Adventure: The Travels Continue (as heard in "Jirachi: Wish Maker"))
"All right, finally!" smiled Tristan as he and Hillary overlooked a little town at the top of a hill.
"Yeah, Fallarbor Town!" sniffled Hillary as she continued blowing her nose from one of the tissues Tristan handed to her earlier.
"Sounds like you still have that cold from the volcanic ash earlier, huh?" remarked Tristan.
"Yeah, but since we left the workshop, my allergies have been clearing up a little bit. Tell you what, why don't we head to the Pokémon Center and have dinner? Then I can register for the Contest and we can get a good night's sleep. And once we do, I can practice some of my attacks."
"Sounds good to me," replied Tristan. "What do you say, Pikachu? Are you ready to get to Fallarbor Town?"
Pikachu enthusiastically agreed.
"And Togepi's ready, too, aren't you, Togepi?" added Hillary.
Togepi trilled in agreement.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" smiled Tristan as he and Pikachu dashed off.
"Wait for me, guys!" called Tristan as she and Togepi ran after them.
Our heroes have finally made it to Fallarbor Town, site of Hillary's next Second-Chance Pokémon Contest. It's here that Hillary hopes to earn her second Ribbon.
(Music Cue: Kanto Title Card)
(Music Cue: Route 29 (full version))
"Mmm, that was a great dinner, wasn't it, Hillary?" said Tristan as he and Hillary entered the nearby Contest Hall.
"You said it," agreed Hillary. "Now, I'm gonna register for that Contest." And she started off for the front desk to do just that, but suddenly, she saw a young woman with dark red hair in two pigtails and a pair of orange earrings. Looks like she's entering the contest, too, she thought. Well, here goes nothing. And she approached cautiously. "Hello, are you here for the Contest?"
"Yes, I am," answered the woman. "Who are you?"
"I'm Hillary from New Bark Town in the Johto region," answered Hillary. "This is my Togepi."
Togepi trilled a friendly greeting to the woman.
"That's a cute little Togepi you've got there," smiled the woman. "I'm Grace. It's nice to meet you. Are you planning to use Togepi in the Contest?"
Hillary shrugged. "Well, I really haven't decided which Pokémon I want to use yet. You seem like you know what you're doing, though."
Grace made a funny face at Hillary's remark. Then she burst out into laughter. "Oh, come on!" she chortled. "I just go with the flow like any Coordinator does. But there is something to be said about using the right Pokémon...and, when it comes to Poké Block, the right ingredients.
"What do you mean by that?"
"When you make Poké Block, it's important for to use the right Berries for the Pokémon and the attacks you use. The Contest isn't until the day after tomorrow, so if you're interested, I can show you some of my Pokémon's attacks and you'll see what I mean."
"Yeah, I'm interested in that! Tristan and I would love to see it."
"Who's Tristan?"
"Oh, he's my older brother. We've been traveling together for a long time now."
Tristan, hearing his name, came forward with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. "Did someone call me?"
"There you are, Tristan," replied Hillary. "This is Grace, a Coordinator who will be competing in the Second Chance Fallarbor Contest. She's offered to show us some attacks and how she puts them to good use. Wanna see them?"
"Yeah, I'm up for that," agreed Tristan. "So, Grace, I see you and Hillary may face off in the Contest, right?"
Grace made another funny face and burst out into another gale of laughter. "Wow, what a deal! Me and Hillary facing off in the Contest? I don't even know if that's gonna happen!" She then regained her composure. "But all I know for sure is that we need to perfect our techniques so that we'll be fully prepared. I'm gonna get some sleep now, but I'll see you both in the morning." And so saying, she departed.
Tristan and Hillary were feeling rather perplexed.
"What was that all about?" wondered Tristan.
"Who knows?" replied Hillary. "But she seems to be able to stir up a laugh when we say something that tickles her fancy."
Pikachu and Togepi were left feeling confused.
Early the next morning after a good night's sleep, Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi all had a nice breakfast and met up with Grace outside the Contest Hall.
"Morning, guys! Sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," answered Tristan.
"Indeed," added Hillary.
"That's great, because now I'd like to introduce my Medicham to you. Medicham, come on out!" Grace took out a Poké Ball and tossed it in the air.
(Music Cue: Hoenn Elite Four Battle (as heard in "Pros and Con Artists"))
A gray humanoid bipedal Pokémon emerged from the white light that shot out of it; it had red and yellow adornments, had a bulb on top of its head, and appeared to be practicing yoga.
"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Hillary as she scanned it with her Pokédex.
"Medicham, the Meditate Pokémon. Medicham is able to harness psychic powers through yoga. Being at one with nature, it can make itself vanish completely."
"Whoa, that's amazing!" gasped Hillary.
"Show them your Ice Punch!" instructed Grace.
Medicham floated into the air made icy fists and thrust them to the left, the right, and then up.
Little icy sparkles danced around Medicham as it floated about in the morning sky.
"Wow!" remarked Tristan. "I've never seen Ice Punch used that way before!"
"Now, follow it up with Psychic!" commanded Grace.
Not missing a beat, Medicham twirled around and around as it began to glow in a light blue aura. Then it slowly came down lower and lower until it landed safely on the ground, and when it did, it gracefully took a bow.
"Ice Punch and Psychic are really great to mix together, as you can see," explained Grace. "In other words, you can make two different attacks into a combination."
A combination? thought Hillary. No wonder Grace is so good. That means I need to create a combination of my own as well. And I'll come up with one that works best for me!
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's Secret Strategy (Hoenn))
Elsewhere in Fallarbor Town, Taz was preparing another dastardly scheme out of sight of the general population. "Those losers think they have to use Berries to make good Poké Block," he snickered. "But I have a plan to make a quick buck." And he took out some Poké Block that he just purchased and placed it on the ground. Foist, all's I gotta do select a Poké Block to paint. Then select a rare color from one of these paint buckets. And lucky me, I've got three! Check 'em out: Ruby and Sapphire. And to just make things more interesting, I've got Emerald paint. Now let's get to woik." And he painted all the sides of each and every Poké Block a different so-called rare color. Some he painted ruby, others sapphire, and the rest emerald. Then he used a blow dryer to quickly dry the paint off. "Ah, poifect. Now I just need to find a gullible customer. Ah, here comes one now!" And he quickly disguised himself as an old Poké Block expert as the customer approached. "Ah, welcome. Dr. Crock and his cronies have been chased out of town by some of his enemies, so he asked me to take over."
"Oh, I've heard of that place," fumed the customer. "It was operated by that nasty Team Rocket, who scammed us all out of money."
"True, but honesty is my middle name," replied the disguised Taz. "I'm Dr. Block, the new owner of this Poké Block shop. I've made Poké Blocks for Pokémon and Coordinators the world over for nearly 40 years now."
"Wow, 40 years? Incredible!" The customer seemed impressed. Then he said, "Well, talk is cheap, so I need you to get me some Poké Block that'll really make my Pokémon a champ and fast."
"No problem. Just check these babies out. Oh, gang! Come on out and show this customer what I mean, okay?"
(Music Cue: Team Rocket's 7th Change (full version as heard in "The Case of the K-9 Caper"))
The disguised Taz's Magmar, Electabuzz, and Poliwrath all appeared, but didn't seem mean at all.
"What's going on with that Magmar, Electabuzz, and Poliwrath over there?" asked the customer.
"Oh, they're just acting cool, tough, and clever," answered Taz, "which is exactly what your Pokémon can be if you want to try the secret recipe I just invented."
"What recipe is that?"
"Here's what I'm talking about, good fellow...this!" And the disguised Taz took out a box with the three so-called rare Poké Block. "They're my Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Poké Blocks." And he explained what they were. "The Ruby Poké Block instantly increases your Pokémon's coolness; the Sapphire Poké Block instantly increases your Pokémon's toughness; and the Emerald Poké Block instantly increases your Pokémon's cleverness. And you can have any of the three for the unbeatable price of...well, 85 cents or so!"
"Coolness, toughness, and cleverness? I'd love to get my hands on them all, but how can I pick just one? What Berries are in these Poké Blocks?"
"Well, I've wandered the four corners of the planet to find these ingredients, which are Gold Razz Berries and Silver Pinap Berries, which are almost impossible to find under normal circumstances, but you have to find them ready to ripe at just the right moment on top of one of the highest mountains far, far away from here."
"Really?" The customer was really getting excited. "I'd enjoy having a Poké Block with those ingredients in it."
'My friend, today's your lucky day, because for two days only, I have a special Poké Block sale where you can get all three rare colors in one Poké Block, which increases all three stats simultaneously! No extra charge."
The customer, all-unknowing, was ecstatic, and bought it without a moment's hesitation. Then he darted off, telling his friends about the so-called unbeatable deal he just got.
Taz snickered evilly at the small fortune he just made. "That was fun. That sucker doesn't know that the Poké Block I made were custom-painted to look rare," he whispered. "And if everybody else in this town is as gullible as that loser was, I'll make a fortune in no time. And that means...Money, money, money, money, money!"
Magmar, Electabuzz, and Poliwrath all agreed with him excitedly.
"Okay, it's time to practice," announced Hillary.
"What Pokémon are you planning to use, Hillary?" asked Tristan.
"I know Pichu's had some experience before," replied Hillary, "but I'd like to give some of my other Pokémon a chance, too." Then she thought and said, "I know! Squirtle can help me!"
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle (as heard in "Poké Block, Stock, and Berry"))
Squirtle, eager to please, leaped up and landed neatly next to Hillary.
"Squirtle seems happy with your decision," remarked Tristan. "After all, it is your Number One partner."
"You bet it is. Okay, Squirtle, ready to go to work?"
Squirtle gave a hard nod.
"Squirtle, spin and use Bubble!"
Squirtle spun around and around, unleashing a barrage of cute bubbles from its mouth, scattering them all over.
"Ooh, that Bubble attack looks pretty!" remarked Tristan. "If Hillary makes the right move, she could score some serious points in tomorrow's Second-Chance Contest!"
Pikachu and Togepi cheered Hillary on enthusiastically.
"Now, try shooting them all down with Water Gun!" instructed Hillary.
Squirtle did as told and unleashed a blast of water from its mouth; unfortunately, Water Gun proved to be too strong, for it not only blasted all the bubbles it made, but it also blasted Tristan, Pikachu, and Togepi, too.
"Oh, no!" cried Hillary as she and Squirtle rushed over to them.
"Well...that was all wet," grumbled Tristan. And he was, too.
So were Pikachu and Togepi.
"Oh, you're all soaked to the skin! Sorry about that. I guess I was so psyched about getting my second Ribbon that I forgot about showing off the appeal of my Pokémon." And she bent her head low and gave a sad sigh.
"Don't be discouraged, sis," Tristan assured her as he helped dry himself, Pikachu, and Togepi off. "It's all just a matter of using the right attacks to make the combination work, like Grace said."
"Well, I know I'm on the right track with Bubble, but what other attack can I do to attract the audience's attention without getting them wet?"
"Why don't we think about it, and then you can practice some more?"
Tristan may be right, but I'm running out of time, thought Hillary. I need to figure out a way to make the best combination work without fail.
Grace was watching a short distance away. I hope Hillary can work something out, she thought as she walked back to the Pokémon Center with Medicham.
(Music Cue: A Future Hope (full version))
That night, Hillary was staring out over the Pokémon Center's balcony toward the night sky. She gave another sad sigh as she thought about the upcoming Contest.
"Can't sleep, can you?" said Tristan as he walked over to her.
Hillary shook her head. "I've been thinking about what Grace said earlier today, but I just can't seem to figure out the right move I need to make my combinations for Squirtle work."
"I know you'll figure something out, Hillary," Tristan assured her.
"Why?"
"Because I believe in you, and so does Squirtle. Remember, you need to believe in yourself the way Squirtle believes in you. You and Squirtle have been partners since before we went to the Orange Islands together, and one key reason you've gotten this far is because you have Pokémon who believe in you and care for you the same way you do for them."
Hillary thought about what Tristan just told her. Then she smiled. "Thanks, Tristan, I needed to hear that. And you know what? Practice or no practice, I will find my own combination and make it work, and when I do, I'll win that Ribbon tomorrow."
"Yeah! That's the spirit, sis!" replied Tristan excitedly.
Squirtle, hearing Tristan and Hillary's conversation walked over to her.
"Hi, Squirtle, come on up," smiled Hillary as she knelt down.
Squirtle leaped into her hands and looked out at Fallarbor Town in the distance.
Everyone could feel the soft, gentle breeze as the moon and the stars shone overhead.
"You know, this night is so refreshing, it's making me feel relaxed," remarked Hillary. "And Squirtle, I'm very lucky to have a friend like you to share it with. If it hadn't been for you, and Tristan, of course, I wouldn't be where I am today. So thank you."
Squirtle was a little confused, but gave a happy reply as it embraced her.
Hillary hugged it right back.
"Why don't we get a good night's rest?" suggested Tristan. "And then you can prepare for the Contest. I have a feeling that Grace will be a tough opponent to beat."
"You're right," agreed Hillary. "A good night's sleep will be what we all need." So saying, Hillary followed Tristan and Squirtle back inside the bedroom.
Then everyone closed their eyes and fell fast asleep.
(Music Cue: Wandering Togepi (as heard in the Japanese version of "Pikachu's Summer Vacation"))
The next morning, Taz was still at it, selling rare Poké Block that was actually painted to look rare. "That's right! Come one, come all! Lots of rare Poké Block in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald colors, all made from Gold Razz Berries and Silver Pinap Berries! Coolness, toughness, and cleverness are all enhanced with these babies, so come on and give those things a try!"
Magmar, Electabuzz, and Poliwrath all stood and did a special pose right next to him.
Customers, hearing the disguised Taz's voice, came by the score, eager to get their hands on the so-called rare Poké Block.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Togepi arrived a moment later.
"Hey, look, Tristan, there's a Poké Block shop!" said Hillary. "And it says that Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Poké Block are available to give to your Pokémon, enhancing their coolness, toughness, and cleverness. Maybe I can give some to Squirtle!"
"You know, sis, I have a funny feeling that this place isn't legit."
"What do you mean?"
"I just think something's not right with this Poké Block shop."
Hillary considered her brother's words. Then she said, "Well, if you think there's something wrong, could you help me prove it on my own?"
"Sure, but how?"
"Why don't you pretend to act like another customer in line and ask what happened when the time is right?"
"Okay."
"Here, hold Togepi for me." And Hillary hurried over to the shop, little realizing that it was run by her old nemesis Taz.
Tristan just stood there and said to himself, "I don't know if I'd want to buy any of that Poké Block. I just hope Hillary knows what she's doing."
Pikachu and Togepi agreed with him.
"Excuse me," said Hillary to a passing Trainer. "Is that shop really great?"
"Oh, yes, it's the best," answered the customer. "Dr. Block here sells Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Poké Block, which are all made from Golden Razz Berries and Silver Pinap Berries."
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect (full version))
When Taz saw Hillary approaching, he began to panic. Oh, no, it's that nosy kid! he thought. Then he quickly regained his composure, believing Hillary would be as gullible as the rest of the customers. "Ah, welcome, young lady! I'm Dr. Block. We have some great Poké Block here! Wanna try some?"
"Yes, please, Dr. Block!" answered Hillary. "I'd like to have one Ruby Poké Block for enhancing my Squirtle's toughness."
"Well, then, why don't you send out your Squirtle, and we can get started?" suggested Taz.
"Okay, come on out, Squirtle!" called Hillary as she took out her Poké Ball.
Squirtle emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"What's going on, Tristan?" asked Grace as she arrived.
"Hillary's about to get one of those rare Poké Blocks," answered Tristan.
"Now, hold on," warned Grace. "You two should know by now that you can't rely on shortcuts to get you the results you want. You have to use proper ingredients to make Poké Block the right way. I remember telling the same advice to my friend May and all the other Coordinators who came here not too long ago."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry, Grace," Tristan assured her. "I'm sure Hillary will figure something's up all on her own."
"How do you know?"
"Trust me. Nobody knows my sister like I do."
"Here you go, young lady," smiled the disguised Taz as he handed the so-called rare Ruby Poké Block to her.
"Thanks a lot," replied Hillary. "Ready to try this Poké Block, Squir..." But before she could finish her sentence, she noticed something. "Hey, wait a minute. What's this pink color on this Ruby Poké Block? Hey, Squirtle, could you please give this Poké Block a light watery sprinkle?"
Squirtle, who was happy to oblige, shot out a teeny-tiny stream of water from its mouth, just dampening the Ruby Poké Block.
But what Hillary saw next made her gasp, for the Ruby color dripped off. That Ruby Poké Block was a fake! she thought. I have to step in and take Dr. Block by surprise before these Coordinators get scammed! When nobody was looking, she snuck away behind a nearby tree. "Squirtle, give those Poké Blocks a Water Gun, but don't let it be too heavy."
Squirtle nodded and fired a gentle stream of water from its mouth at the Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Poké Blocks.
Sure enough, the so-called rare colors were washed away, revealing Poké Blocks that were in regular shades of pink, blue, and green.
"Don't forget, these Poké Blocks are made from these rare Golden Razz and Silver Pinap Berries. Use those to make awesome Poké Block like this here!"
"Hey, Dr. Block, what happened to the rare Poké Block here?" asked Tristan when he and Pikachu came up.
Taz shrugged. "Why, nothing a little paint can't fix. AAAAH! My rare Poké Block! It's ruined!"
(Music Cue: Ash's Decision to Fight! (Decision))
"Listen, everyone!" shouted Hillary when she came up. "This Poké Block shop is a scam! This con man is just trying to cheat you all out of your hard-earned money! The evidence is right here!"
That did it. All the Coordinators became hopping mad when they saw the exposed Poké Block.
"Yipes!" exclaimed Taz. "The jig is up!"
"You told us that these rare Poké Blocks were Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald!" accused one.
"And you said you used rare Berries, too, when you just painted them to look rare!" added another.
"You tricked us!" put in a third.
"I want my money back!" finished a fourth.
All the Coordinators began shouting at the disguised Taz at once as Grace walked up to Tristan.
"See, Grace? What did I tell you? Hillary figured it out all on her own," said Tristan.
Grace just smiled, for Tristan proved her right.
Suddenly, a loud boom shook the shop so much that there was nothing left of it but dust.
(Music Cue: Groudon, Kyogre, & Rayquaza Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of AG003: "Petalburg Gym! VS Vigoroth"))
Seconds later, a loud cackle was heard from an Electabuzz-shaped hot-air balloon.
"Who is that?!" exclaimed Grace.
"That's Taz," answered Tristan disdainfully. "He follows Hillary and me everywhere we go, and I'm sure he's up to no good...again."
Pikachu angrily agreed.
"Ugh!" grumbled Grace. "I haven't seen anybody this despicable since seeing Team Rocket not too long ago."
"Hey, Taz! What are you doing here?!" demanded Hillary.
"Hello, girly! Sorry to break up the fun, but now I have to run," smirked Taz. "But first, I have some prizes to claim!" And he pressed a button on his remote control.
Several mechanical hands were launched from Taz's balloon, grabbing Pokémon from several nearby Coordinators, much to their alarm, including Hillary's Squirtle!
"Squirtle!" cried Hillary. "Give back the Pokémon, Taz!"
"No way, pal!" replied Taz rather smugly. "I made the poifect clutch move, and now I'll take these babies out for a spin!"
When Squirtle heard the word 'spin,' it withdrew its arms, legs, and head into its shell. Then it spun around and around, going faster and faster as it did so.
"That does it!" said Grace firmly. "I won't just stand by and watch everyone's Pokémon get taken away from this madman! All right, Medicham, use..."
"Hold on, Grace," interrupted Tristan. "Look at Hillary's Squirtle."
And sure enough, as Squirtle spun faster and faster, it managed to break free of its bonds and crushed every single mechanical hand, freeing everyone else's Pokémon in the process.
"Squirtle!" exclaimed Hillary as she caught it safely in her hands. "Are you okay?"
Squirtle nodded happily.
"Hey, was that a new attack you just used? That was Rapid Spin, wasn't it?"
Squirtle gave another happy nod.
But Taz wasn't happy at all. In fact, he was furious. "Hey, you! How dare you steal back what I stole foist! All right, youse guys, go get 'em!"
(Music Cue: Hoenn Elite Four Battle (as heard in the Japanese version of AG056: "Heat Badge! Win the Blazing Battle!"))
On Taz's command, Electabuzz, Magmar, and Poliwrath jumped out of his balloon and proceeded to pounce on Hillary.
"Hillary, look out!" warned Tristan.
"Go, Squirtle!" shouted Hillary, and tossed it up into the air.
Squirtle charged at the three Pokémon as they came closer and closer.
"Water Gun, now!" ordered Hillary.
Squirtle unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth at the three Pokémon, scoring direct hits on them and sending them flying into Taz in his balloon, despite their combined weight.
"Augh! You're crushing my spleen!" groaned Taz.
"Wow, that Squirtle sure is something!" remarked Grace.
"If you think that's great, just wait till you see what comes next," replied Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi were watching the action eagerly.
"Now use Bubble!" instructed Hillary.
Squirtle unleashed rounds of little cute bubbles from its mouth at Taz's balloon, surrounding it so it wouldn't go anywhere.
Then all the bubbles combined into one big bubble that enveloped the balloon in its tracks.
"Hey, what is this?!" demanded Taz. "We can't get out of this thing!"
"Perfect, Squirtle!" commended Hillary. "Now, wrap it up with Rapid Spin!"
Squirtle nodded, withdrawing its face and limbs into its shell. Then it spun around and around, faster and faster, flying toward the balloon as it went. Then with a huge impact, it burst the bubble and Taz's balloon, sending it, Taz, and his Pokémon skyward.
"Hey, my bubble!" cried Taz. "You boist it! We'll remember this!"
DING!
Squirtle happily landed in Hillary's arms, and together, they embraced and danced jubilantly.
Everyone applauded them for that magnificent performance and for saving their Pokémon.
"That was super, Squirtle!" commended Hillary. "That Rapid Spin was just the combo we needed! How would you like to enter the Contest with me?"
Squirtle was delighted, for it knew Hillary would always be there for it since it first met her in Kanto.
Hillary then walked over to Grace and Tristan.
"I have to admit it, Hillary. You and Squirtle were really amazing together," remarked Grace.
"It's all thanks to the advice you gave me on combinations," replied Hillary.
Grace made a funny face and gave a hearty laugh. "Oh, come on. You're putting me on! But seriously, you were really great. Just remember the things you learned about combinations and you'll be fine. Just don't expect me to go easy on you in the Contest."
"The only thing I want you to do is to give it your all. And we'll do the same. Right, Squirtle?"
Squirtle agreed excitedly.
That afternoon at the Contest Hall, everyone was anxiously waiting for the Second-Chance Contest to begin.
"Well, this is it, guys," said Tristan to Pikachu and Togepi. "Let's all cheer really loud for Hillary, okay?"
Pikachu and Togepi eagerly agreed.
(Music Cue: Opening Title 1999-2001 (as heard in "Fighting Flyer with Fire"))
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and out stepped a familiar woman wearing a pink dress, carrying a microphone as she went. It was Vivian. "Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to the Fallarbor Town Second-Chance Pokémon Contest!" she announced as a spotlight shone on her. "I'm your master of ceremonies, Vivian Meridian, and I'm looking forward to what this Contest has to offer!"
The audience cheered and applauded with excitement.
"Please give a warm welcome to our contestants as they make their way to the stage! And...here they are!"
Hillary, Grace, and several other Coordinators walked onto the stage as the audience cheered excitedly.
"Go, Hillary!" shouted Tristan.
Pikachu and Togepi cheered with him.
Hillary turned to Grace and said, "Well, this is it. Let's give it our best out there and may the best Coordinator win."
"My thoughts exactly, Hillary," agreed Grace.
And together, they both shook hands.
And so, the Second-Chance Pokémon Contest is about to begin! Having found a combination for her Squirtle, Hillary enters the competition with high hopes. But will the combination be her graceful way to victory, especially against Grace and her Medicham? Time will tell, so stay tuned as our heroes' journey continues on!
TO BE CONTINUED...