Victory!
It was inevitable.
After all, neither Roman nor Kylie were real, professional Pokémon Trainers.
They simply owned Pokémon, that's all.
Their interest in battling was mostly casual—and it served as clever promotion for their Seven-Star Restaurant.
"We won! That's amazing, May! Our teamwork was incredible!"
Dawn cheered as she jumped up in excitement.
May smiled brightly and looked toward Ash.
Ash, ever since I started traveling alone, I've been working so hard—I've already achieved so much!
Both Misty and I have been doing everything we can to catch up to you!
May knew very clearly just how amazing Ash had become.
That's why neither she nor Misty ever held any resentment toward each other, even though they both liked him.
People with true charm naturally attract others.
And now, May could clearly feel it—Dawn was starting to look at Ash the same way she once had.
Although Dawn herself might not even realize it yet... she was already falling for him.
After May and Dawn's match, it was Anabel and Lucy's turn.
With Anabel already at near-Elite Four strength—and Lucy not far behind—winning this kind of exhibition match was a given.
Before long, the whole group was feasting on the luxurious cuisine of the Seven-Star Restaurant.
And honestly?
Even though Ash had Master-level cooking skills, the chefs here were outstanding in their own right.
Every true master had their unique strengths, and the dishes here had their own special flair—flavors so exquisite they could rival anything Ash or Brock could cook.
After eating their fill, everyone lounged around, chatting happily.
Their Pokémon were also lying around the table, blissfully full and content.
Later, Ash led everyone to check in at a luxury hotel—money wasn't an issue anymore, after all.
May then went to register for the Wallace Cup, and the rest of the afternoon was spent honing techniques and sparring.
Since Ash and May hadn't seen each other in so long...
Naturally, that night became... memorable.
The next morning, bright and early, everyone headed to the Lakeside City Arena.
The grand Wallace Cup was about to begin!
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"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Wallace Cup—a stunning contest organized personally by Mr. Wallace, the superstar Coordinator!"
Marian's lively voice echoed through the stadium.
"Today, we have three esteemed judges joining us. Now, let me introduce a man who's been a Gym Leader, a Champion, and a Top Coordinator—please give it up for Mr. Wallace!"
The moment Marian finished, the stadium exploded into thunderous cheers.
Splash!
Suddenly, in the middle of the water arena, a gigantic whirlpool burst into life!
"Miiiruuu~ Milaaa~!"
A Milotic!
It soared upward in a swirling water dragon, lifting Wallace onto the stage in the most extravagant and dazzling entrance imaginable.
Wallace then gave a graceful speech, officially opening the Wallace Cup.
And just like that, the grand Wallace Cup officially began!
The first contestant to perform was—May!
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"Squirtle, let's go! Take the stage!"
May threw her Poké Ball, which she had decorated with Heart Stickers.
The moment Squirtle appeared, heart-shaped sparkles burst out, surrounding it with a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Squirtle waved its signature wavy tail charmingly, creating an adorable first impression that immediately drew gasps of admiration from the crowd.
Today, May had chosen to wear a cute dress, making her look even more radiant and endearing.
(Of course... last night's "events" might have had something to do with that extra glow.)
"Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!"
"Squirtle, Squirtle~!"
Squirtle tucked into its shell and spun rapidly across the water stage, dancing and gliding with breathtaking grace.
"Perfect! Now Squirtle, jump high into the center—and use Aqua Tail!"
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle launched itself from the center of the arena, bursting out of its shell midair—its head facing downward and tail facing up.
Its Aqua Tail bloomed out in a stunning, radial pattern, like a blossoming flower.
The little Squirtle wiggled its wavy tail adorably, highlighting its most charming feature!
"Finish it off with a landing!"
Everything was unfolding just as May had planned.
Squirtle landed with a powerful, elegant strike—smacking its Aqua Tail onto the surface.
Then, from right behind Squirtle, May pointed toward the sky as Squirtle shot a small Water Gun upward.
The tiny water droplets, catching the rays of the morning sun, formed a shimmering miniature rainbow—enveloping May and Squirtle in a dreamlike glow.
The crowd roared in applause!
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"Outstanding stage control and technique! Truly impressive!"
"I love it! So cute!"
"Squirtle's wavy tail is its signature feature—and May showcased it perfectly!"
"Using the water and sunlight to create a rainbow effect... it's like something out of a fairy tale!"
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First contestant of the day—and already May had earned unanimous praise from all three judges and Wallace himself!
Overjoyed, May walked gracefully off the stage.
"What a mesmerizing first performance by Miss May! Now, let's welcome our next contestant!"
Marian's enthusiastic voice rang out again.
The second contestant—who had been waiting excitedly—stepped onto the stage with his Vulpix.
After that, performances flowed one after another:
Horsea, Cloyster, Slowpoke—each bringing their own flair to the stage!
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"And now, please welcome the next contestant—"
"Hi everyone! I'm the sweet and dazzling rising star Coordinator—Jessilina!"
(Yes—you guessed it—Jessie.)
She's here.
And she's charging in with her usual reckless style!
"Go, Wobbuffet! Use Counter—on me!"
"Soo-naaa~!"
Without hesitation, Jessie charged straight at Wobbuffet!
Following the command, Wobbuffet unleashed a Counter—and sent Jessie rocketing straight into the sky like a comet!
In short?
One word: chaos.
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T/N:
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