Pokémon (Kanto Adventure)

Chapter 17: Paige Takes Center Stage

The sun shone brightly over Cerulean City, the air buzzing with excitement for the Pokémon Contest taking place that day. As they approached the Cerulean Pokémon Contest Hall, Paige felt a whirlwind of emotions. She was excited, but the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering like crazy.

"I can't believe today's the day!" Paige exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as they neared the entrance.

"Just remember to breathe, Paige," Dylan said, trying to keep the mood light. "You've got this!"

Carson nodded, smirking. "Yeah, and if all else fails, just throw some cool moves with your Pokémon. That always impresses the judges!"

As they stepped inside the Contest Hall, the atmosphere was electric. Colorful banners hung from the ceiling, and trainers bustled around, preparing their Pokémon for the contest.

"I'll be right back!" Paige declared, racing toward the registration counter, her heart pounding in anticipation.

At the counter, a friendly lady with a bright smile looked up from her paperwork. "Hello! Are you here to register for today's contest?"

"Yes!" Paige replied, practically bouncing on her toes.

"Great! May I see your Hall Pass so I can scan it to register you?" the lady asked.

"Absolutely!" Paige said, beaming as she fished the Hall Pass out of her bag and handed it over.

The lady scanned the pass, her eyes flicking to the screen. "Alright, you're all registered!"

"Thank you so much!" Paige exclaimed, her relief evident as she turned and sprinted back to Dylan and Carson.

"Did you get registered?" Dylan asked, a grin spreading across his face.

"I did! I'm officially in the contest!" Paige announced, her excitement bubbling over.

Carson gave her a playful nudge. "Told you it would be a piece of cake!"

As the trio gathered their thoughts and excitement, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"Paige! Is that you?"

Turning around, Paige's face lit up as she recognized the cheerful coordinator approaching. "Janice! It's so good to see you again!"

Janice grinned widely, her enthusiasm infectious. "I've been working really hard since Route 3, and my Pokémon have gotten even stronger! I'm looking forward to competing against you in the finals!"

Paige beamed back, a spark of friendly competition igniting in her eyes. "I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun!"

Just then, another coordinator burst into the conversation, her energy palpable. "Hiya, everyone! I'm Becky! I'm so excited to meet you all!" She waved her arms animatedly, almost losing her balance.

"Hey, Becky!" Carson said, raising an eyebrow at her exuberance. "Nice to meet you!"

Becky's eyes sparkled. "I'm from Pallet Town! And guess what? My mom is Shalonda, Professor Oak's secretary!"

Paige and Dylan exchanged surprised glances. "Really? It's a pleasure to meet you!" Dylan said, smiling. "I didn't know Shalonda had a daughter!"

"Yeah! I always wanted to be just like her," Becky gushed, practically bouncing on her feet. "I'm super excited to see all the Pokémon and meet new friends!"

"That's awesome! I can't wait to see what you bring to the contest," Paige said, feeling a wave of camaraderie with her new acquaintances.

As the group continued to chat and share their experiences, they were unaware that Team Misfits lurked just outside the Contest Hall, peering in through the window while trying to remain incognito in their disguises.