The streets of Doll Town were adorned with colorful ribbons and balloons, and various doll decorations were displayed at the entrance of every shop.
Ash looked up at the giant banner floating in the air, which read: "Welcome to the 25th Doll Festival Celebration."
"Wow, it's so lively here!" Xiao You jumped up excitedly, and Sylveon cheerfully circled at her feet.
Brock was flipping through the tourist guide in his hand: "According to the introduction, Doll Town is famous for making exquisite dolls.
During the annual Doll Festival, girls can enjoy a 70% discount on purchases, while boys..." His voice suddenly deepened, "...have to pay double the price."
"What?! That's too unfair!" Ash's eyes widened, and Pikachu puffed out his cheeks in agreement, "Pika Pika! (Exactly!)"
"Those are the rules of the Doll Festival," a familiar voice came from behind them.
The trio turned around and saw Xiao Xia pushing two shopping carts full of goods, followed by Jessie, who was pushing even more items.
"Xiao Xia!" Ash exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Of course I'm here for the Doll Festival!" Xiao Xia's eyes sparkled, "This is the only time of year I can buy so many good things at such a cheap price!"
Jessie proudly displayed the items in her shopping cart: "See? These are limited edition Team Rockets merchandise! They usually sell for 5000 League Coins, but today they're only 1500!"
Xiao You curiously leaned closer: "You bought so many things..."
"Of course!" Xiao Xia and Jessie replied in unison, then glared at each other.
Just then, the mall's broadcast announced: "Attention customers, registration for the Doll Festival Queen Contest is about to begin in the Central Plaza.
The winner will receive a complete set of precious dolls handmade by a master from Doll Town!"
Xiao Xia and Jessie's eyes lit up simultaneously.
"A whole set of dolls!" Xiao Xia exclaimed.
"And they're made by a master!" Jessie excitedly clenched her fists.
Xiao You was also intrigued: "That sounds amazing! What are the contest details?"
Brock quickly consulted the guide: "The first round is a kimono display, and the second round is a 3v3 Pokémon battle."
"I'm participating!" Xiao Xia immediately declared.
"Hmph, the Champion will definitely be mine!" Jessie retorted, unwilling to be outdone.
Xiao You hesitated for a moment, then turned to Ash: "Ash... can I borrow your Pikachu for a bit? I only have Ivysaur and Sylveon..."
Ash readily nodded: "Of course you can! Pikachu, you have to help Xiao You well!"
"Pika! (Leave it to me!)" Pikachu jumped onto Xiao You's shoulder and affectionately rubbed her cheek.
And so, Xiao You, Xiao Xia, and Jessie all signed up for the contest.
The first round of the competition took place on a beautifully decorated stage, with dozens of contestants showcasing various kimonos in succession.
Xiao You chose a light pink kimono with a cherry blossom pattern, making her look sweet and lovely; Xiao Xia wore a wave-patterned aqua blue kimono, complementing her identity as a Water-type Trainer; Jessie, surprisingly, wore a black and red kimono in Team Rockets' colors, exuding a powerful aura.
"Now, contestants, please show your charm!" the host announced.
Xiao You took a deep breath and gently spun around; Ivysaur gracefully swayed its Vine Whip at her feet, while Sylveon leaped and traced a sparkling arc in the air.
"So beautiful!" Ash, in the audience, couldn't help but exclaim.
Brock nodded: "Xiao You's kimono choice suits her temperament very well."
When it was Xiao Xia's turn, she confidently walked to the front of the stage, a Starmie rotating above her head, refracting colorful light.
Finally, Jessie struck an exaggerated pose, and a Weezing behind her spewed purple smoke, creating a unique visual effect.
After the judges' scoring, Xiao You, Xiao Xia, and Jessie all successfully advanced to the second round of battles.
"That's great!" Xiao You happily hugged Pikachu, "We made it to the second round!"
Xiao Xia walked over and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Xiao You.
However, I won't hold back in the upcoming battle."
"Me neither!" Xiao You replied firmly, "I'll give it my all!"
Jessie snorted from the side: "Hmph, enjoy your joy now, because the Champion is destined to be me, Jessie!"
The competition adopted an elimination system; Xiao You first faced two ordinary Trainers.
With the tacit cooperation of Ivysaur and Sylveon, she easily won.
At the same time, Xiao Xia and Jessie also defeated their opponents.
"The semifinals are about to begin!" the host announced loudly, "Featuring contestant Xiao You against contestant Jessie!"
Jessie swaggered onto the battleground: "Little kid, it's not too late to surrender now!"
Xiao You responded fearlessly: "Let's let our battle do the talking, Miss Jessie!"
"Battle start!"
"Go, Arbok!" Jessie threw out a Poké Ball.
"Ivysaur, I choose you!" Xiao You sent out her partner.
"Arbok, use Poison Sting!"
"Ivysaur, block it with Vine Whip!"
Arbok spewed a dense volley of Poison Sting, but Ivysaur swiftly swung its Vine Whip, knocking all the Poison Sting away.
Xiao You seized the opportunity: "Now, Razor Leaf!"
Sharp leaves cut through the air, accurately hitting Arbok.
Jessie gritted her teeth: "Darn it! Arbok, use Wrap!"
Arbok quickly wrapped around Ivysaur, but Xiao You was prepared: "Ivysaur, use Sweet Scent!"
A sweet, cloying aroma emanated from the flower bud on Ivysaur's back, and Arbok's movements noticeably slowed.
Xiao You seized the opportunity: "One last attack, Solar Beam!"
The accumulated energy burst forth instantly, and Arbok was directly knocked out.
"Arbok is unable to battle!" the referee announced.
Jessie reluctantly recalled Arbok: "Hmph, it was just luck! Go, Lickitung!"
"Ivysaur, come back and rest," Xiao You recalled Ivysaur, "Pikachu, it's your turn!"
"Pika!" Pikachu energetically jumped onto the field.
"Lickitung, use Lick!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge!"
Pikachu's entire body glowed with electricity, dodging Lickitung's attack at an astonishing speed.
Xiao You seized the moment: "Now, Thunderbolt!"
A dazzling golden lightning bolt descended from the sky, directly hitting Lickitung.
Jessie's Lickitung swayed a few times and then collapsed.
"Lickitung is unable to battle!"
Jessie's forehead broke out in a cold sweat: "Darn little kid... It all comes down to you, Weezing!"
"Pikachu, can you still go on?" Xiao You asked with concern.
Pikachu nodded firmly: "Pika Pika!"
"Weezing, use Sludge!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge, then Iron Tail!"
Pikachu once again displayed astonishing speed, not only dodging the poison attack but also quickly approaching Weezing, its tail glowing with a metallic sheen, striking Weezing heavily.
"Weezing, use Self-Destruct!" Jessie suddenly shouted.
"Oh no! Pikachu, quickly retreat!" Xiao You exclaimed.
But it was too late; Weezing erupted in a huge explosion.
After the smoke cleared, Pikachu stood swaying, while Weezing had already fallen to the ground.
"Weezing is unable to battle, contestant Xiao You wins!" the referee announced.
"That's great!" Xiao You happily hugged the tired Pikachu, "You were amazing!"
Jessie reluctantly recalled Weezing: "Hmph, consider yourself lucky!" She then huffily left the field.
After a short break, the finals were about to begin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Doll Festival Queen Finals are now starting! Featuring contestant Xiao You against contestant Xiao Xia!"
Xiao Xia walked onto the field with a smile: "Xiao You, I didn't expect us to meet in the finals."
"I'm also really looking forward to battling you, Xiao Xia," Xiao You said seriously.
"Battle start!"
"Go, Starmie!" Xiao Xia was the first to send out a Pokémon.
"Ivysaur, I choose you!" Xiao You once again sent out her starter partner.
"Starmie, use Water Gun!"
"Ivysaur, use Synthesis to boost your defense!"
The stream of water impacted Ivysaur, but its enhanced defense meant it only took minor damage.
Xiao You seized the opportunity: "Now, use Vine Whip to grab it!"
Two Vine Whips quickly wrapped around Starmie.
Xiao Xia remained calm: "Starmie, Rapid Spin!"
Starmie spun rapidly, breaking free from the Vine Whip's restraint.
Xiao You frowned slightly: "Then... use Razor Leaf!"
Sharp leaves flew out again, but Xiao Xia was prepared: "Starmie, use Light Screen to defend!"
A transparent barrier blocked all the leaves.
Xiao Xia counterattacked: "Now, use Psychic!"
The powerful Psychic impact caused Ivysaur to retreat in pain.
Just at this critical moment, the flower bud on Ivysaur's back suddenly bloomed with dazzling light.
"This is... evolution!" Xiao You exclaimed in surprise.
In the light, Ivysaur's body gradually grew larger, finally evolving into Venusaur!
"That's amazing, Venusaur!" Xiao You was overjoyed, "Use Solar Beam!"
The newly evolved Venusaur accumulated energy, and a beam of light, many times more powerful than before, directly struck Starmie.
Xiao Xia's Starmie fell to the ground.
"Starmie is unable to battle!"
Xiao Xia recalled Starmie and said admiringly: "Perfect timing for an evolution.
Then... Go, Gyarados!"
A giant Gyarados appeared on the field, letting out a deafening roar.
Xiao You took a deep breath: "Venusaur, come back and rest.
Pikachu, I need you on the field again!"
"Pika!" Pikachu once again energetically jumped onto the field.
Xiao Xia smiled slightly: "Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge!"
Pikachu transformed into a golden lightning bolt, easily dodging the high-pressure water jet.
Xiao You seized the moment: "Now, Thunderbolt!"
The Electric-type move, which was four times super effective against Gyarados, directly hit it.
Gyarados fell without even a chance to struggle.
"Gyarados is unable to battle!"
Xiao Xia's eyes widened in surprise: "Wow, Pikachu's Electric-type moves are incredibly effective against Gyarados!"
Xiao You smiled sheepishly: "These are moves that Ash's Pikachu is particularly good at."
"Looks like I need to get serious," Xiao Xia took out her last Poké Ball, "Go, Blastoise!"
The giant Blastoise landed heavily on the ground.
Xiao You looked at the somewhat tired Pikachu: "Can you still continue, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded firmly.
"Blastoise, use Skull Bash!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge, then Iron Tail!"
Pikachu once again displayed astonishing speed, but this time Blastoise's Skull Bash suddenly changed direction and still grazed Pikachu.
"Pika..." Pikachu was knocked back a few steps.
Xiao Xia pressed her advantage: "Blastoise, use Hydro Pump!"
"Pikachu, quickly use Quick Attack!"
At the last moment, Pikachu accelerated again, but this time its speed was noticeably slower, and it was grazed on its hind leg by the Hydro Pump.
"Pikachu!" Xiao You cried out in distress.
Pikachu struggled to stand up, giving Xiao You a determined look.
Xiao You suddenly had an idea: "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the ground!"
A lightning bolt struck the ground, kicking up a large amount of dust that obscured their vision.
Xiao Xia became alert: "Blastoise, watch your surroundings!"
As Blastoise looked around, Pikachu had already quietly circled behind it.
Xiao You shouted: "Now, maximum power Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glowed with a dazzling metallic sheen, striking Blastoise heavily on its back.
Blastoise roared in pain, swayed a few times, and finally fell.
"Blastoise is unable to battle! The match is over, contestant Xiao You wins!" the referee announced loudly.
The entire venue erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Xiao Xia walked over and said sincerely: "Congratulations, Xiao You.
Your command was truly excellent."
"Thank you, Xiao Xia," Xiao You said gratefully, "That was a wonderful battle."
The host walked onto the stage: "Now, please welcome our Doll Festival Queen, contestant Xiao You, to the stage to receive her award!"
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Xiao You walked onto the podium.
The mayor of Doll Town personally handed her a complete set of exquisite dolls: "Congratulations, Miss Xiao You.
This is our Doll Town's most precious doll set."
"Thank you!" Xiao You happily accepted the prize.
Just then, a famous celebrity Trainer walked over: "Miss Xiao You, I'm a fan of yours! May I ask for your autograph?
In exchange, I can give you my complete set of signed photos."
Ash whispered from the side: "Wow, this is a rare opportunity!"
Xiao You looked at the doll set in her hand, then at the expectant Xiao Xia and Jessie, and suddenly made a decision: "Thank you for your kindness, but I've decided to keep these dolls.
I'm going to send them back to my home in Pallet Town so my family can also share in this joy."
The celebrity Trainer was a little disappointed but still respected her choice.
Xiao Xia walked over and patted her on the shoulder: "That's the real Xiao You."
As the sun set, the Doll Town celebration continued.
Xiao You hugged Pikachu, watching the postman carefully pack the precious doll set, a happy smile on her face.
"Today was a perfect day, wasn't it, Pikachu?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu happily rubbed her cheek.