"Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Dawn has certainly delivered a massive surprise today! With Shaymin making its debut in a Contest performance and reaching this level of polish—there's no doubt at all that Miss Dawn and Shaymin must have trained relentlessly behind the scenes, perfecting their coordination and finesse!"
These words didn't come from just any commentator…
They came from Wallace himself!
Yes, that Wallace—the Champion of the Hoenn League and one of the world's top Coordinators. Normally, someone of his stature wouldn't need to step in and make such public commentary, no matter how impressive a performance was.
But Ash knew the real reason. Wallace was doing this as a favor—to him.
He knew how close Dawn was to Ash and clearly didn't mind giving her some extra praise in the spotlight.
"Of course, it's a shame Miss Zoey didn't win," Wallace continued, "but the level of care, training, and synergy she shares with her Pokémon is absolutely top-tier. In a competition like this, only one can claim the title—but I firmly believe Miss Zoey will one day reach her goal too, as long as she continues to strive forward!"
A textbook professional statement—exactly what you'd expect from a Champion used to speaking for the League. And yet… it hit home.
Zoey's heart, though disappointed, began to feel a lot lighter.
She turned to Dawn and gave her a warm, genuine smile before stepping forward.
The two girls reached out and shook hands, their mutual respect flowing clearly.
"Dawn, your progress is incredible. I'm completely convinced. But I won't stop either. You've surpassed me for now… but next time, it's my turn to catch up!"
"Absolutely, Zoey. Let's both keep pushing each other forward!"
Roooaaaar!
Thunderous applause erupted once again, louder than ever.
"Zoey's amazing—she never gives up!"
"Dawn's the best! She really did it!"
Fans of both Coordinators were thrilled to see this level of sportsmanship and camaraderie between two rivals at the peak of their field.
"And now," the ever-enthusiastic hostess Marian declared, "please welcome Wallace, Fantina, Contesta, Sukizo, and our lovely Nurse Joy, who will now present the winner's trophy… to Miss Dawn!"
Excitement swept the venue as the closing ceremonies began. Wallace said a few inspiring words, followed by Dawn's brief but heartfelt remarks.
"Miss Dawn," Wallace announced proudly, "becoming a Top Coordinator proves you've already taken a massive step forward in your journey. Now, all of us are eagerly waiting to see you shine in the Grand Festival of Top Coordinators… just like your mother once did. You have the potential to become not just a Top Coordinator—but the best among them!"
The best of the best.
That was the ultimate goal of nearly every Coordinator in the world.
With Wallace's blessing, the Contest's Grand Celebration finally drew to a close.
Later that night, Dawn returned to the private inn Ash had rented out—Zoey was there too. The whole group celebrated their hard work and victories with laughter and cheer.
Even Johanna, usually composed and reserved, couldn't help but get swept up in the joyful atmosphere and joined in the fun.
...
The next morning, bright and early…
Wallace showed up, this time to speak with Ash directly.
"Ash, care to guess why I'm here?" he asked, smirking as he reached out and flicked the brim of Ash's white hat.
"I'm guessing Steven asked you to pass along a message—about Mega Evolution?"
Bullseye.
Wallace looked stunned for a moment, then gave a sheepish grin.
"Can't you at least pretend you don't know, let me have the joy of the big reveal?"
"Please. You're not Cynthia."
"Ugh, forget it! There's no talking to you!"
Dropping the teasing, Wallace's tone turned serious.
"Mega Evolution has now officially been greenlit for simultaneous implementation across Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. Regular Trainers will be able to apply for access through Pokémon Centers or regional research institutes."
Ash nodded. That aligned with what he'd expected.
"Kanto and Hoenn gave full support thanks to Oak, Steven, and Devon Corp. But I didn't expect Sinnoh to approve so quickly."
"That's thanks to your ties with both Cynthia and your honorary role as a Pokémon Ranger," Wallace said with a knowing look.
However…
"Unova and Kalos aren't on board," Wallace continued. "Their League officials are protesting the current distribution model. They're pushing back hard against Devon Corp and the Six-Firm Consortium, demanding a larger cut of the distribution rights."
"And what's more…"
"They're saying that once you finish the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh… someone from their side will officially challenge you."
Ash's eyes lit up—not with worry, but with excitement.
This was exactly what he wanted!
The Butterfly Effect was happening again. Because of everything he'd done and changed, the Lily of the Valley Conference had drawn attention from not just Sinnoh—but all five major regions!
Executives, Elite trainers, and top officials from Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos would all be gathering on Lily of the Valley Island.
Ash could feel his blood boil in anticipation.
Let them come. Let's see who truly stands on top!
___
After seeing Wallace off—and bidding farewell to Johanna—Ash received several video calls.
The first came from Misty.
"Ash, guess where I am right now!"
She grinned through the screen as her image came into focus. Misty was clearly out at sea.
Behind Ash, both Anabel and Dawn instinctively stepped back just a little, giving the screen some space.
"You heading on another journey?" Ash asked curiously.
"You dummy! My three sisters finally returned, so I'm free to leave the Cerulean Gym. Now that you're headed to the Sinnoh League, I'm coming in person to cheer you on!"
Misty struck a victory pose.
There was one thing she didn't say aloud: I missed you.
With the Gym finally off her shoulders, she couldn't wait to rush to his side.
"That's great," Ash replied. "How about May? You two still in touch? If you're coming, she probably will too, right?"
Off-screen, May quickly waved her hands, shaking her head furiously.
Misty, keeping her cool, smiled sweetly.
"Nope. May's busy with the Johto Contest Circuit. She won't be able to come."
Ash nodded, a little disappointed.
Too bad May wouldn't be able to see his big moment.
Soon after, Ash received more calls—from Tyson in Hoenn and even Gary himself.
Both of them confirmed they'd be attending the Conference to support him.
Though surprisingly… not a word from Professor Oak yet?
No matter.
Ash, along with Dawn and Anabel, wasted no time.
With the Grand Festival behind them, it was finally time to head for the grandest stage of all—
The Sinnoh League. Lily of the Valley Island, here we come!
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T/N:
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