The Grand Festival Begins!
Time was running short—only one day remained before the start of the Kanto Grand Festival. The anticipation was electric.
That evening, Ash and his friends received some unexpected guests. Anabel, Brock, and Lucy had all arrived to support May in her biggest competition yet.
Brock and Lucy had rushed over as soon as they settled their responsibilities at Pewter Gym and the Battle Pike. As loyal friends, they wouldn't miss the chance to cheer May on in person.
Even Max, May's little brother back in Hoenn, had sent his support through a call, relayed via their mother, Caroline. May was a little disappointed that her parents couldn't be there in person, but she understood—Norman had his Gym Leader duties to attend to.
Anabel, now free from her duties as the Tower Tycoon, gave Ash an amused look.
"Ash, at this point, I've run out of words—you're just too amazing," she teased, flashing him a knowing smile.
Brock, ever the ladies' man, immediately caught the subtle shift in Anabel's expression.
This girl's got it bad for Ash.
Ash only smirked and shot Brock a look that said, You get it.
Before they could continue their conversation, a familiar green-haired boy approached their table.
May immediately tensed. Drew.
The presence of her longtime rival stirred something in her—anticipation, determination, and a hint of nerves.
"You actually came, May," Drew said coolly, flicking his signature green locks aside.
May clenched her fists, standing her ground. "Of course! And this time, I won't lose to you!"
Drew smirked. "I wouldn't expect anything less. But don't think it'll be easy to beat me."
With that, he turned and left just as swiftly as he had appeared.
A Dark Presence
Just as the group thought they could relax, a single black rose fell onto their table.
Ash's reflexes kicked in instantly. He caught the flower, only to discover it was rigged with a cheap prank mechanism—a coiled spring meant to startle them.
His sharp gaze immediately scanned the area. He didn't need to guess.
"Alright, Green Hat, stop hiding," Ash called out, his tone laced with boredom.
"Pika!" Pikachu narrowed its eyes and followed Ash's gaze.
A cloaked figure hesitated, then stepped forward. Harley.
Even in disguise, his dramatic, over-the-top presence was impossible to miss.
Harley had been hoping to rattle May before the competition, but his plans were falling apart fast.
Before he could even open his mouth, Ash stood up, his eyes gleaming with quiet authority.
"Listen, Harley. If you show up tomorrow dressed like that, I guarantee you'll regret it."
Harley's smug expression wavered. There was something in Ash's voice—an unmistakable confidence backed by overwhelming strength.
Ash wasn't just a trainer anymore. He was a champion-level powerhouse.
Harley shuddered involuntarily.
"Y-You... You're such a bully, Ash Ketchum!" he muttered before spinning on his heel and storming away.
Brock sighed. "Man, that guy never changes."
Just then, another unexpected guest arrived.
" Solidad?" Brock blinked in surprise.
Solidad, the top-ranked Coordinating Ace, had arrived.
Her presence alone sent a ripple through the group. Ash studied her carefully—she was a true top-tier Coordinator.
Even with all of May's growth, Ash knew this would be her biggest challenge yet.
May, however, didn't shrink back. Instead, a fire lit in her eyes.
She knew this tournament wouldn't be easy. But she was ready.
The night passed in anticipation. And then—
The day arrived.
The Kanto Grand Festival at Indigo Plateau had begun!
The grand stadium was packed to capacity—a sea of eager spectators, buzzing with excitement.
The lights dimmed. The stage lit up. And in the center stood the ever-enthusiastic Lilian.
"Good morning, everyone—both here at Indigo Plateau and those watching from home! I'm Lilian, your host for today!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Ash, Misty, Brock, Lucy, and Anabel all took their seats in the stands, ready to watch May take the stage.
Lilian continued.
"This year's Grand Festival has a total of 270 contestants! But only 64 will advance past the first round!"
The first test?
A solo performance round. Each Coordinator's Pokémon would get just one move to showcase their mastery.
"The top 64 scorers will move on to the tournament rounds!"
The camera zoomed in on the dazzling Grand Festival Ribbon Trophy, its golden glow shimmering under the lights.
"And now, let's get started! Coordinators and Pokémon—show us your brilliance!"
The competition had officially begun.
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