Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 59: Ribbon Cup

A week later, Undella's sea looked brighter than it had any right to look.

The Unova Grand Festival Hall stood close enough to Cynthia's villa that the ocean air still reached the entrance, but the building itself belonged to a different world. Banners hung from white columns. Screens showed past Contest highlights. Coordinators crossed the plaza with polished Poké Balls, ribbon cases, and nervous smiles.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs with my own ribbon case in my hand.

Five ribbons. One final stage.

Dawn looked up at the hall with open curiosity. "So this is the Unova Grand Festival Hall. It sure looks different from the one in Valor Lakefront."

"Of course," I said, trying to sound steadier than I felt. "And I am going to win my fifth Ribbon Cup."

Alice gave me a small smile. "That sounds like you."

Pikachu sat on my shoulder, cheeks sparking with excitement.

Pikachu's meaning came warm and proud. "Ash says win. Ash also breathes."

"I am breathing," I muttered.

Eve heard me and raised an eyebrow. "Barely."

Before I could answer, Hilbert's voice called across the plaza.

Hilbert called loudly, "Ash! Guys! You're here!"

Hilbert and Hilda hurried toward us. Hilda carried a polished ribbon case, while Hilbert waved as if he were greeting us at a normal town square instead of the biggest Contest stage in Unova.

We rushed to meet them, and Hilda's eyes widened when she saw Dawn and Luke.

"What are you two doing here?" Hilda asked. "It has been a while!"

Dawn laughed. "We came to Unova for a vacation and the Junior Cup Tournament. So you are attending the Grand Festival?"

"Hilda is," Hilbert said. "I am accompanying her."

Hilda elbowed him lightly. "You are also my emotional support audience."

"You probably did not forget about me, did you?"

Reisa stepped from behind one of the banner stands with a familiar smile. She looked calm, polished, and ready in the way strong Coordinators always seemed ready before a stage.

"Reisa!" Dawn said, smiling brighter. "It has been a while."

"Same here," Reisa answered. "How are your Contests going? I heard from my cousin Lisia that you are in Hoenn."

"They are really different from Sinnoh," Dawn said. "But no need to worry."

Reisa turned to me, her smile sharpening into challenge. "Since we are both in the Grand Festival again, I hope you know I am not the same opponent you faced in Johto."

"We will see about that," I said.

Cilan pressed a hand over his heart. "A reunion dish with rivalry, elegance, and sea breeze. A perfect opening flavor."

Iris leaned toward Golly. "He is going to say things like that all day, is he not?"

Golly answered without looking up from the schedule. "Almost certainly."

Inside, the backstage halls were crowded with Coordinators, Pokémon, assistants, and monitors showing the main stage. The announcer's voice echoed through the hall, bright enough to make every whisper feel like part of the show.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Unova Grand Festival! This year's special guest is the famous idol, Nancy!"

The screen changed to a smiling girl in performance clothes. For one second, I did not understand why my heart jumped.