The First Round – Performance Review!

The first contestant stepped onto the grand stage of the Kanto Pokémon Contest Festival, sending a wave of excitement through the audience.

Their Pokémon of choice? A Rapidash!

"Rapidash, use Flare Blitz!"

With an intense neigh, Rapidash stomped its front hooves against the ground, igniting a brilliant, swirling blaze. Flames surged upward, forming a heart-shaped fireburst above the Pokémon. The majestic creature then dashed through the fiery emblem, its body enveloped in golden flames, highlighting its power and grace.

"Wooow! That's the legendary speed of Rapidash in action!" Lillian, the contest MC, exclaimed. "The shimmering flames accentuate its powerful physique, making for a dazzling spectacle!"

The audience erupted into cheers as Rapidash concluded its performance, its hooves still glowing with embers.

Back in the waiting room, May clenched her fists, watching the performance on screen.

"That was incredible… Kicking things off with such a strong performance puts a lot of pressure on the next contestants."

Solidad, standing beside her, smiled reassuringly. "Just relax, May. Treat this like any other Pokémon Contest."

May took a deep breath. "Thank you, Solidad. I'll do my best!"

Meanwhile, over at the water-stage, a different kind of performance was unfolding. A trainer had chosen Seaking for their act, showcasing dazzling water-based moves. Unlike the main stage, the water arena had a different host—none other than Team Rocket in disguise!

James and Meowth played their roles professionally, while Jessie (introducing herself as Jessilina) enthusiastically commented on the performances.

Ash, watching from the stands, smirked. Those guys again, huh?

Despite their past as troublemakers, Team Rocket had, in many ways, become part of the journey—unintended comedic relief and, occasionally, even helpful allies.

But soon, the time arrived for a highly anticipated contestant to take the stage.

"Our next performer is a promising young Coordinator from Hoenn—May!"

The camera zoomed in on May as she ran onto the stage.

"Go, Blaziken!"

With a powerful cry, the fully evolved Fire-type landed gracefully in the center of the stage.

"May's Blaziken has evolved! This should be interesting," Drew remarked from the waiting room. He crossed his arms, keenly observing May's performance.

The contest was about showcasing a Pokémon's natural beauty and abilities, not just raw strength. And when it came to Blaziken, its defining feature was its powerful legs—the very foundation of its incredible combat prowess.

May held up a frisbee.

Taking a running start, she hurled it high into the air. The crowd followed its ascent, watching as it reached the very top of the contest hall.

"Now, Blaziken—Jump and show them your power!"

With a single leap, Blaziken shot into the air, soaring dozens of meters with incredible agility.

"Use Blaze Kick!"

Blaziken's leg ignited in roaring flames as it executed a powerful downward kick, striking the frisbee mid-air!

The impact sent Blaziken into a perfect freefall, its body elegantly cutting through the air. The flames surrounding its leg flickered dramatically as it landed in a crouch, sending a small burst of dust into the air.

For a brief moment, there was silence… and then—

Thunderous applause!

"That was fantastic!"

"The power! The precision! What an impact!"

"Amazing work from May and her Blaziken!"

The judges shared enthusiastic comments, and it was clear May had impressed them.

But the competition wasn't over yet.

The next contestant took the water stage—and it was none other than Solidad!

"Come forth, Lapras!"

Solidad tossed her Poké Ball high, allowing her Lapras to descend from the air, landing exactly in the center of the pool.

A massive splash erupted, sending water soaring in all directions! The airborne droplets glistened under the contest hall's lights, creating a breathtaking scene.

And then—

"Lapras, use Sheer Cold!"

A chilling wave of energy burst from Lapras's body. The airborne water froze instantly, forming crystalline arcs of ice that extended outward from the center of the pool!

A mesmerizing, shimmering ice sculpture spread through the air, sending a cool, crisp breeze over the entire stadium.

The entire contest hall fell silent in awe. Even the other contestants stood frozen—both literally and figuratively—as they watched the magnificent display unfold.

Ash leaned back in his seat, nodding slightly.

May has grown a lot, but… Solidad is on another level.

As an elite Coordinator, Solidad's skills weren't just about performing beautiful moves—she combined strategy, timing, and environmental influence into a single, awe-inspiring display.

Even in traditional Pokémon battles, she had the strength of a top-tier Gym Leader.

May clenched her fists again, but this time, it wasn't from nerves—it was from determination.

She was ready.

And this was only the beginning of the contest.

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