"Alright, let's give it a shot! Piplup!"
"Pipika!"
Even though Dawn was practically a bundle of nerves, she still nodded firmly.
After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — getting advice and feedback directly from Wallace himself.
Dawn agreed to perform with Piplup, and soon the four of them headed to a clearing by the shore of Lake Valor.
"Piplup, let's go!"
"Pip!"
Piplup was bursting with confidence.
"I'll be your opponent alongside Buizel then! Come on out, Buizel!"
"Bui! Bui!"
The moment Ash volunteered to battle Dawn, Wallace's eyes sharpened with interest.
After all, Steven had mentioned before — Ash already possessed the strength to shake even the Champion's throne.
Just how strong was Ash now?
Wallace was eager to see for himself.
"Perfect timing! Piplup, spin and fire Bubble Beam!"
"Pipi!"
Piplup leapt high and began spinning rapidly, unleashing a dazzling stream of bubbles as it spun through the air.
Wallace nodded in approval. Just from this one move alone, he could see that Dawn had put real effort into mastering Contest techniques.
The spinning Bubble Beam created an unpredictable attack pattern, weaving and swaying — making it extremely difficult for opponents to anticipate where the next strike would come from. It was a psychological attack as much as a physical one.
"Buizel, spin as well, and then use Aqua Jet!"
"Bui! Bui!"
Buizel spread its arms wide as a powerful jet of water enveloped its entire body — spinning wildly as it charged forward!
Using its twin tails like a propeller, Buizel adjusted its trajectory midair, dancing through the battlefield!
The spinning bubbles clashed against the spiraling Aqua Jet, but instead of slowing Buizel down, they enhanced the attack — leaving trails of shimmering water molecules in the air.
"Piplup!"
Buizel was clearly holding back. It wasn't about defeating Piplup — it was about performing.
And since it was a Water-type move, the damage to Piplup was minimal.
"Buizel, Water Gun!"
"Piplup, jump and spin to dodge!"
"Piplup!"
As the powerful stream of water blasted toward it, Piplup leapt into the air.
Just as the Water Gun was about to collide with it head-on, Piplup spun gracefully, using the air pressure created by the incoming attack to glide aside — a perfect, fluid dodge that showcased both agility and style.
"Let's do it again, Piplup! Bubble Beam!"
"Buizel, counter with Sonic Boom!"
BOOM!
The two attacks met midair and exploded in a dazzling burst of light and sound!
The sheer power behind the moves was evident to everyone watching.
Clap clap clap!
Wallace immediately applauded.
"Ash, Dawn, you two were fantastic! Especially you, Ash — I didn't expect you to have such talent for Contest battling! Buizel's spinning Aqua Jet truly surprised me."
"And Dawn, Piplup's spinning dodge and your control over Bubble Beam impressed me a lot too. Ash asked me to offer suggestions, but honestly, you've already grasped the technical side beautifully."
"You should focus more on bringing out your Pokémon's charm during performances. From what I saw just now, Piplup's spinning dodge shows great promise. So, why not come and participate in the Wallace Cup? I'd love to see you perform there!"
Wallace smiled warmly as he spoke.
"The Wallace Cup?"
Dawn blinked in surprise, finally snapping out of her awe at being praised by such a legend.
"Well, it's not exactly my personal tournament," Wallace chuckled, "but it's something similar. Winning at the Wallace Cup will earn you an officially recognized Contest Ribbon!"
He continued gently, "Also, have you been feeling a little tense lately? I can tell from how nervous you were during that performance. You need to spend more time relaxing and having fun with your Pokémon. The Contests are about both you and your Pokémon shining together, not just battling."
Wallace's advice was heartfelt.
But ultimately, it was up to Dawn herself to make the necessary changes — after all, her greatest rival was always going to be herself.
Wallace also invited Ash to participate in the Wallace Cup for fun — but Ash politely declined.
After all, his current strength was already on par with Wallace's, or even greater if you excluded his Pseudo Legendary Pokémon like Charizard. It wouldn't be fair for him to enter a Contest for beginners and intermediate trainers.
Wallace quickly realized his oversight and laughed it off.
However, Ash suggested an alternative: after the Wallace Cup ended, he and Wallace could have a special exhibition match — a beautiful, battle-style performance!
To his surprise and delight, Wallace immediately agreed!
It was a perfect idea — not only could he finally witness Ash's strength firsthand, but it would also serve as a spectacular finale to the Wallace Cup!
Thus, a brief but meaningful encounter ended with Ash, Dawn, and Anabel becoming friends with Wallace.
Wallace soon departed for urgent matters, while Ash and the others continued onward to Valor Town — a small city named after the nearby Lake Valor, and the location where the Wallace Cup would be held.
Now, they were taking a break at the Pokémon Center.
Suddenly, Ash's Pokétch vibrated — he received a text message.
It was from May!
May:
Ash! Ta-da! I'm coming to compete in the Wallace Cup too! I'm almost at Valor Town — can you pick me up at the harbor? I even brought some gifts for you guys! Oh, and I have a special guest with me too!
May was coming!
Ash's heart warmed with emotion.
He still remembered how she had set off alone to travel and grow stronger after their adventures together.
This silly girl… Ash could feel his heart racing a little.
And she mentioned bringing a special guest... who could it be?
Max?
Didn't seem likely...
"Hey, Dawn, Anabel — come with me to the harbor! A friend's arriving!"
Ash called out as he grabbed their hands and set off toward the harbor.
"Piplip!"
"Pi-ka!"
Piplup and Pikachu hurried after them, their little legs pumping furiously.
Toot toot!
The horn of a ferry echoed across the port as they arrived.
Perfect timing — the ship was docking!
At the stern of the ferry, three familiar figures stood waving.
"Hey, Ash! Anabel!"
"Ash, I'm here too!"
It was May, Brock, and Lucy!
Dawn suddenly felt a jolt of nervousness in her chest.
She hadn't expected to meet them under these circumstances!
This was May... the girl who had traveled through Hoenn and the Battle Frontier with Ash...
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T/N:
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