The Road to our Destiny

Chapter 53

It is early on the second day of the Indigo Grand Festival, and Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Bonnie, Clemont, Grace, Brock, Holly, May, Max, Dawn, and Piplup are walking from the Pokemon Center to the Main Stage stadium after having breakfast. Serena, May, and Dawn lead the group with smiles on their faces as they eagerly head to the next round of the competition.

"Hmmm, I feel so rested," May says as she stretches her arms.

"Tell me about it. I feel so energized after a good night's sleep on a comfy bed," Dawn says.

"Piplup," Piplup says cheerfully.

Serena nods in agreement and says, "I can't wait to continue competing in the festival. The way I feel right now, my Pokemon and I can handle anything."

"Be careful with what you say, Serena," Grace warns. "You only just made it to the first round."

"That's right. You still have a way to go," Brock says. "There's one more appeal round to get through."

"She can do it. I believe in her," Ash says confidently.

"Pika, Pika," Pikachu says with a smile.

Serena turns her head to give Ash an appreciative smile before she looks away as her cheeks begin to heat up. Dawn, May, and Holly smirk at their honey blonde friend before the auburn-haired woman looks at Brock, confused.

"So, there are two rounds during the appeal stage?" She asks.

"Yep. In the second round, coordinators can use from one to three moves to impress the judges," Brock says. "After that, the judges pick which sixteen coordinators will move on to the battle stage and send the other forty-eight home."

"Wow, so only sixteen of the three hundred and fifteen people who are competing will make it to the battle stage?" Holly says, shocked. "That sounds rough."

"Yeah, but my big sister can handle it. She made it the semifinals during the last Indigo Grand Festival," Max says proudly.

"And Serena is a wonderful performer. One to three moves is all she needs to wow everybody," Bonnie boasts cheerfully.

"Agreed. I think Serena's going to make it to the next round without any problems at all," Clemont says.

"Thanks, you two," Serena says with a smile.

"Hey, what about me? Do I get any special support?" Dawn complains.

"Sure, I'll do that," Holly says, giving the blunette girl a wink. "We Sinnoh ladies oughta support each other, so show them how it's done in our region, Dawn!"

"That's better," Dawn says with a grin.

"Piplup," Piplup

The group enters the stadium, and so Serena and May hug Grace and Max respectively before they and Dawn and Piplup head to the waiting room while everyone goes to find seats in the stands. The three girls and Piplup find a bench to sit on together while they wait for the next round to begin with the other sixty-one competitors.

"So, do you guys know what Pokemon you're going to use for this round?" May asks.

"I sure do," Serena says, smiling.

"I have a couple of ideas," Dawn admits.

"If you still have a couple options, then you might want to pick one fast," Solidad suggests, walking toward him. "You never know when it might be your time on stage."

May nods and asks, "So do you already have your Pokemon decided for this round?"

"I sure do," Solidad answers. "And so does he."