May had finally won her fifth ribbon at the Gardenia Contest. Oddly enough, Brock decided to sign up for the contest. The reason why; to impress Yuma, a Pokémon Breeder and a former winner of the Grand Festival. That reason was quite obvious to the others. In the end, May had won her last ribbon and Brock was heartbroken when Yuma decided to have a young girl named Mollie as her student. The others didn't know how to cheer him up from this kind of loss.
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At the moment, the gang was taking a break in a clearing where Brock was making lunch, Ashlyn and Alain were training for the Battle Tower and May and Max were playing with the Pokémon.
Soon enough, lunch was served, and everyone started eating.
"By the way, May, Max, how are your new Pokémon doing?" Ashlyn asked.
"Well, Fidough likes helping out Mom in the kitchen. Quaxly also helps with the house chores as well." May replied.
"Pawmi and Oshawott like relaxing in Dad's greenhouse." Max added.
"Mom also told me that Poppilio seemed to be interested in doing contests." May informed.
"Really?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yeah, Mom showed a few videos of my contests to her. Poppilio tried doing a small performance for my parents." May replied.
"So you think you might let her perform in the Grand Festival?" Alain questioned.
"I want her to observe first before I think she should do a contest." May decided.
"That's a good decision." Ashlyn said.
"Brock, what about Kwalf and Lechonk?" Max asked.
"They enjoy spending so much time with all my siblings. Lechonk has actually helped out a lot with berry finding for my siblings as well." Brock replied.
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After lunch was over, the gang decided to do some training. May wanted to be prepare for the Grand Festival. May decided to train with Bounsweet, Espurr and Fennekin. By the end of training, the three had evolved into Steenee, Meowstic, and Braxien. For Max's Pokémon, Espurr evolved into Meowstic, Croconaw evolved into Feraligatr, and Quilava into Typhlosion. For Alain, Abra evolved into Kadabra, Natu into Xatu and Slugma into Magcargo. Brock's Dweble evolved into Crustle. Fuji also evolved into Magmar.
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It was then time to head out again. They want to reach the Pokémon Center in Cremini Town where the Battle Tower is. Ashlyn and Alain were excited for that. Suddenly, Ashlyn sensed three familiar auras nearby. Three annoying auras.
"Tesla, Thunderbolt!" Ashlyn pointed at where Team Rocket was.
Tesla launched her attack at Team Rocket's location. Somehow that caused an explosion, and the trio was sent flying into the air.
"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" The trio screamed as they disappeared into the sky.
DING!
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With Team Rocket blasted off, the gang continues on their way to Cremini Town, the Battle Tower's location.
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Pokémon Caught: Shiny Arcanine (Sonia)(F), Magmar (Fuji)(M), Hisuian Zorua (Yuki)(F), Sprigatito (Fleur)(F)