Ash's elimination didn't dampen his spirits. After all, despite loudly declaring his participation in Kanto's first-ever Pokémon Contest, Ash's real ambition was the Pokémon League. This was just a fun detour.
He quickly bounced back, cheering up his somewhat disappointed Pikachu. "Don't worry, Pikachu—we'll do better next time!"
Pikachu's drooping ears perked up instantly. Scrambling onto Ash's shoulder, he pumped his tiny fists energetically and cried, "Pika!"
...
Meanwhile, the preliminaries continued.
"Milotic, [SAFEGUARD]!"
On stage, as Milotic's Trainer gave the command, a dazzling rainbow glow enveloped the Pokémon. Known as one of the most elegant Pokémon suited for contests, Milotic's sheer beauty and graceful technique immediately captivated the audience.
With a gentle sway of its exquisite tail, Milotic radiated vibrant waves of color across the hall. Anyone touched by this shimmering aura felt their fondest memories awakened from deep within.
The judges unanimously raised their signs in approval.
"That's enough, Milotic." Unlike Gardevoir's dazzling duo, Milotic and her Trainer Nami exuded a gentle, understated charm. Without flaunting their beauty further, they quietly ended their performance.
"So gorgeous!" Misty, standing beside Ash, gazed longingly at Milotic, eyes sparkling with admiration. As a Water-type Gym Leader, she desperately wanted one for herself.
"You know," Brock chimed in, "they were selling Milotic's pre-evolution, Feebas, back in Cerulean City."
Misty huffed indignantly. "That was just a marketing scheme! I bought ten Feebas, and not one evolved!"
"Yeah…" Brock nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard Feebas evolution conditions are notoriously strict—no one's fully figured them out yet."
Ray Chu shrugged lightly. "Miss Nami is right over there. Why not just ask her? Maybe she has some special training method."
Misty's eyes lit up eagerly, but before she could move, both her and Ray Chu's names were called to the stage. They were in different groups but performing simultaneously, and hurriedly rushed forward.
"This is my partner!"
Ray Chu didn't bring out Lala, his melodic Jigglypuff, but rather his Shiny Farfetch'd.
"Oh, a rare Shiny Farfetch'd, quite distinctive! It certainly fits the Contest spirit," remarked the judges appreciatively.
But uniqueness alone wouldn't cut it—Dapple needed to showcase a talent. Without a special skill, even a Pokémon as unique as a Shiny Farfetch'd couldn't pass, unless it possessed beauty equal to Milotic's.
Naturally, the talent Ray Chu had chosen was—cooking.
"It's your time to shine, Dapple!"
Dapple nodded solemnly, carefully pulling ingredients from a basket behind her and arranging them on the table with almost religious reverence.
The next instant, Dapple whipped out her leek at lightning speed, slicing ingredients into the air. They danced gracefully, landing perfectly arranged on the table—mesmerizing viewers without a moment's dullness.
With ingredients prepped, Dapple nodded to Ray Chu, calling out clearly, "Fetch'd!"
"Let's go—[HAMON-POWERED HOT POT]!" Ray Chu stepped forward, heating the soup base with controlled Hamon, instantly enriching its aroma and flavor. Paired with Dapple's expertly prepared ingredients, they would craft an exceptional delicacy: molecular gastronomy!
In another blur of motion, Dapple tossed the ingredients methodically into the boiling pot, her leek occasionally stirring and seasoning with precise elegance. Finally, she slapped the lid shut dramatically.
Indeed, the dish prepared by Dapple was none other than her specialty stew—a dish perfectly suited for trainers journeying across the Pokémon world.
Simple, relatable, and heartwarming—that was the very theme of their cooking performance.
"Charmander, it's your turn!"
Though the venue lacked conventional cooking methods like stoves or induction cookers, Pokémon had long been integral to everyday tasks in this world. It made perfect sense to have a Charmander cook the food.
A lively Charmander materialized from a Poké Ball's flash, giving Ray Chu an enthusiastic nod. Opening its mouth, Charmander unleashed pure, clean flames beneath the pot, expertly adjusting its heat according to Ray Chu's commands.
"I can't wait to taste a Farfetch'd's cooking…" murmured a judge from another group, casting envious eyes toward Ray Chu's performance. With a dark expression, he glanced back at the blank-faced Psyduck still attempting to mime, and bitterly declared, "Rejected!"
Meanwhile, a tantalizing fragrance wafted from the pot, swiftly permeating the entire hall. Countless spectators followed the irresistible aroma, expressions hungry with anticipation.
The same thought crossed many minds simultaneously: A cooking Farfetch'd… I want one too!
In the stands, Brock shook with awe. "This Farfetch'd's culinary skill… it's terrifying!"
Only Brock—trainer, caretaker, and chef—recognized the extraordinary skill displayed in those fleeting moments. Even he felt thoroughly outclassed; they were worlds apart.
Thanks to Charmander's diligent flames, just five minutes later, the pot lid shook vigorously, signaling the stew's completion.
"Far!" Dapple swiftly signaled Charmander to cease the flames. With a rapid, decisive slash of her leek, she flipped open the lid—and a golden glow surged forth, flooding the entire hall like the roar of a legendary dragon.
"The food—it's glowing!"
"They say only the most delicious dishes radiate that legendary golden glow… Mom, today I witnessed a legend…"
Throughout the venue echoed countless sounds of swallowing. Merely the aroma was enough to trigger a mouthwatering hunger, stirring appetites even among those who'd recently eaten.
Soon, the judges in charge of Ray Chu's group were each handed a bowl of fresh stew.
"Honestly, the scent alone is enough to let you pass. But as a professional judge and food critic, I must honor the skill and hard work of Chef Farfetch'd…I humbly accept!"
A fortunate judge lifted his spoon, savoring the fragrance with blissful contentment.
The smell took him back to childhood, recalling dishes lovingly prepared by his mother. How long had it been since he visited home? After this contest, he resolved to return and once again taste his mother's cooking.
"Such nostalgia…" he murmured, raising the stew to his lips…
---
T/N: mmmm yummm
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