1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 55: Fourth Ribbon

Tapu Village looked less frightening in daylight after the Ghost trial, though the ruined stones still carried their old silence. The path from the trial site felt colder behind us than ahead of us, and I kept noticing how Lillie stayed close to my side. Mimikyu's Poké Ball rested quietly with the others, but its loneliness still felt fresh in my hand.

The quiet broke when we reached the open space near the village center. Colorful Contest banners had been tied between poles, and a temporary stage stood where the road widened. Workers adjusted lights, children carried flower baskets, and the air filled with the busy sound of people trying to make a broken place feel alive for one afternoon.

Then I saw Mom waiting there.

She stood near the registration table with a clipboard in one hand and a smile already forming before I called out. I did not care how many journeys I had taken or how many Leagues I had entered. Seeing her waiting in a faraway place still made the road feel warmer.

"Mom," I said, hurrying toward her.

She hugged me first, then pulled Lillie in with the same warmth. "There you are. I heard the Ghost trial was today, and then I heard the Contest staff needed help in Tapu Village. I thought I might find you here if Alola's timing behaved itself."

Lillie smiled against her shoulder. "It is good to see you again."

Selene stared at the banners, then at the stage, and her nervousness arrived all at once. "Wait. This is today? I knew the next Contest was coming, but I did not know it would be set up this quickly."

Mom turned to her with bright interest. "Then this is perfect timing. You have three ribbons already, right? One more today would make four, and after that you would only need one before the Ribbon Cup."

Selene's Brionne stepped beside her, flippers pressed together with determined elegance, "We have practiced enough to stand on that stage."

Selene looked down at Brionne and breathed out slowly. "You sound more confident than I feel."

"You do not have to feel ready before you begin," Mom said. "Sometimes you become ready because your Pokémon believe you are already walking with them."

I noticed another ribbon case on the judging table, smaller and shaped differently from a Contest ribbon. Mom followed my gaze and smiled like she had expected the question. "And you, Ash, are on the judge list today. The Alola Inaugural Ribbon committee still needs experienced Trainers to help judge the first Contest season properly."

I blinked. "So I am not entering?"

"Not today," Mom said. "You will earn your fourth Inaugural Ribbon by judging fairly, giving useful comments, and helping the new Contest circuit grow. Selene gets the stage. You get the judge's seat."

Rosa grinned at me. "That means you cannot accidentally steal the spotlight by battling too hard."

"That is exactly the point," I said. "Selene, this is your Contest."

Selene swallowed, then nodded. "Then I will make this fourth ribbon count."

Mom looked toward the stage, where the staff were placing four colored markers along the front edge. "This Contest matters more than people may realize. Alola is still learning what a ribbon journey can feel like. Selene's progress gives other young Trainers a path to imagine."

Selene's eyes widened. "That sounds heavier than I expected."

"It is not meant to crush you," Mom said. "It means your courage is useful beyond yourself. When people see you try, they understand that the Contest stage belongs in Alola too."