12. The Sevestar Prince Darker Version

Chapter 30

(Flashback)

In the climactic final rounds of the Hoenn Grand Festival, Ash stands on the Contest field, his opponent a girl with striking green hair. Her presence briefly reminds him of Wallace, the Hoenn Champion, but he pushes the thought aside as they await the announcer's words.

"The final match between Red Satoshi and Reisa Mikuri is about to commence. Trainers, please release your Pokémon."

Reisa selects her Feraligatr while Ash surprises everyone by choosing to send out Feebas. Gasps of astonishment ripple through the audience, but Reisa remains composed, deep in thought. Ash senses the pressure weighing on her and inquires, "Is something bothering you?"

She offers a reassuring response, "Oh, it's nothing."

With the timer set, the battle begins. However, as the contest unfolds, Feraligatr steadily gains the upper hand, dealing damage to Ash's contest bar while Feebas struggles to keep up. The tension in the arena builds as spectators watch the fierce showdown.

Amidst the battle, Ash encourages his Feebas with heartfelt words, "Feebas, I believe in you. Become the star you admire." As his words fill the air, Feebas undergoes a remarkable transformation and evolves into a stunning Milotic. Reisa, his opponent, becomes visibly worried as she witnesses the change.

Despite her best efforts, the pressure and anxiety get the best of Reisa, causing her to make rash decisions. Realizing her impending defeat, she gently recalls her Feraligatr, approaching Ash with a forced smile and extending her hand for a handshake. "That was a great battle," she acknowledges. "I'm glad I got to face you."

Ash reciprocates the gesture, shaking her hand. However, he senses something amiss in her demeanor.

Alice exclaims with excitement, "You did it! You've won the Grand Festival!"

Flora chimes in, marveling, "It's truly spectacular. Who would have guessed that a Feebas could evolve into a beautiful Milotic during the match?"

"Yeah, it's incredible. But the method to evolve Feebas is closely tied to Contests," Ash explains as they stroll past the changing rooms. Suddenly, they hear the sound of someone crying, prompting them to exchange worried glances. "What's happening?" Flora inquires.

"Somebody's crying. But why?" Alice wonders aloud, and Ash suggests, "We should check it out."

Upon entering the room, they discover Reisa, the runner-up of the Grand Festival who lost to Ash in the final match, sitting at the table with tears streaming down her face. Ash immediately recognizes her as his opponent from the final rounds and remembers that ever since his victory, she has been putting on a forced smile on stage.

Ash places a comforting hand on Reisa's shoulder and asks with genuine concern, "Reisa, right? Are you okay?"

Reisa looks up at Ash through tear-filled eyes and whispers, "Red Satoshi... I just wanted some time alone. I'm sorry if I came off as rude."

Concern etches Ash's face as he asks, "What's troubling you? Is it because you lost to me that you're feeling this way?"

Reisa shakes her head quickly, denying, "No, it's not your fault. It's just... it's just..." Her voice breaks again as she struggles to articulate her feelings, "This is my seventh time competing in the Grand Festival."

The revelation startles the group, realizing the depth of Reisa's experience and skill in Contests. Reisa continues, her voice trembling, "I always come so close... but I falter in the finals every time... I've disappointed my father... my brother... my cousin... I'm a disgrace to my family..."