Pokémon: Ash's New Journey

"Banette, use Thunderbolt!"

Indeed, Harley had spent a considerable amount of time teaching his Banette Thunderbolt and Thunder to counter May's Squirtle specifically.

While Jessie felt a pang of disappointment that May hadn't chosen Squirtle, she quickly realized that Thunderbolt could work just as well against her Blaziken.

"Blaziken, let's show them your jumping ability! Jump high into the air and use Blaze Kick!"

"Blazi!"

Banette unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, its crackling energy impressive. But Blaziken's greatest strength lay in its extraordinary jumping power and leg strength!

As soon as Blaziken leaped into the air, flames engulfed its legs, blazing with intense heat.

"There it is! Blaziken's signature high jump! Look at that height—unbelievable! Can Jessie's Banette find a way to avoid Blaziken's Blaze Kick?"

Even Lillian, the announcer, was awestruck by Blaziken's incredible leap.

"What's going on?! How can it jump so high? That's got to be against the rules! Banette, dodge! Dodge now!"

Jessie, caught completely off guard, panicked.

In Pokémon Contests, a trainer's coordination with their Pokémon is crucial. Unfortunately, Jessie's coordination with Banette was nonexistent—after all, Banette belonged to Harley, not her. Jessie was merely issuing commands.

As Jessie fumbled, Banette became confused, acting on pure instinct. In a desperate attempt to evade the incoming Blaze Kick, Banette lunged sideways.

But Blaziken adjusted midair, delivering a swift sideways kick!

Direct hit! Banette was sent flying, and Jessie's score began to plummet.

The results of May and Blaziken's intense training were now on full display.

"Counterattack, Banette! If close combat won't work, attack from a distance! Use Will-O-Wisp—now!" Jessie shouted.

Harley, watching from the stands, seethed with frustration. May's Blaziken wasn't just any ordinary Pokémon; it had been equipped with Charcoal, enhancing the power of its Fire-type moves to a whole new level.

May's voice rang out confidently. "Blaziken, let's show them what real Fire-type moves look like! Use Fire Spin!"

"Blazi!"

Banette released a ghostly array of blue flames, but Blaziken's powerful Fire Spin spiraled forth, enveloping the ghostly Will-O-Wisps.

Instead of dispersing, the Will-O-Wisps became part of the Fire Spin, adding an ethereal blue glow to its fiery brilliance.

The audience gasped in amazement at the mesmerizing display.

"This is what makes Pokémon Contests so exciting! Blaziken has turned its opponent's attack into an enhancement for its own move!" Lillian exclaimed.

Banette's score dropped further. In contests, the more dazzling your performance, the more your opponent's score declines—even without a direct hit!

"Unbelievable! That idiot Jessie is ruining everything!" Harley muttered furiously. He had never anticipated May's Combusken would have evolved into a Blaziken.

Banette was in a dire situation. Blaziken's overwhelming power and speed left it with little chance to recover.

"Banette, use Thunder! Give it everything you've got!" Jessie yelled.

Though Banette managed to break free from the fiery vortex with Thunder, it was too late. Blaziken had already closed the distance.

A flaming fist descended—Fire Punch!

Banette was struck with tremendous force and sent flying across the stage.

The judges' buzzers rang out as Banette hit the ground, completely incapacitated.

"And that's it! Banette is unable to battle!"

Lillian announced the results, her voice echoing throughout the arena.

"What a rare outcome in a contest! Jessie's Pokémon is out of commission before the score reaches zero!"

With the match over, Jessie stood frozen in disbelief.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Mulberry City Pokémon Contest and the recipient of their fifth ribbon badge is May!"

Thunderous applause erupted, filling the arena with deafening cheers. The crowd's excitement reverberated in waves, celebrating May's hard-earned victory.

Jessie slunk offstage, devastated. Even with such a powerful Pokémon at her disposal, her opponent had been far stronger.

From the stands, James and Meowth exchanged a look. They knew Harley would undoubtedly vent his frustrations on Jessie later, but as good teammates, they resolved to comfort her first.

Harley, meanwhile, stormed out of the venue in a fit of rage.

Back onstage, the three contest judges applauded May's extraordinary performance.

"Congratulations, May! With this ribbon, you've secured your place in the Grand Festival. I can't wait to see how you'll shine on the grand stage!" said Mr. Contesta, chairman of the Pokémon Fan Club.

Nurse Joy added with a warm smile, "May, the Grand Festival will be held at the Indigo Plateau in one month. I won't be able to attend, but I know you'll do great!"

"Thank you all! I'll do my best!" May replied, her voice brimming with gratitude.

As she received her fifth ribbon, May's heart swelled with pride and excitement. Her next challenge awaited—the Grand Festival at the Indigo Plateau!