Theo found a seat by the window and sat down. From there, he could see the surging crowd outside the venue.
Before long, the door of the contestants' waiting room was gently pushed open by a staff member. A notification sounded, accompanied by brisk footsteps.
"All contestants, please take note. The audience has fully entered, and the competition is about to begin."
The large screen hanging at the front of the waiting room suddenly lit up, clearly projecting the scene inside the arena.
The lighting around the venue had already been adjusted. Warm yellow and bright white lights intertwined, making the stage especially eye catching.
The audience seats were completely filled. Laughter and conversation rose and fell like waves, sweeping across the entire hall.
Suddenly, the camera shifted to the entrance at the side of the stage.
A familiar figure stepped out with light, lively steps, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the venue.
It was the host, Vivian.
Theo had just watched her hosting a Contest in Fortree City a few days ago and had assumed there would be a new face this time. To his surprise, it was still her.
Today, Vivian was not wearing the Pikachu themed outfit she had worn in Mauville City Contest. Instead, she wore a fiery red cropped top paired with a short skirt.
The fabric was embroidered with dancing flame patterns, bright and passionate, perfectly matching Fallarbor Town's proximity to Mt. Chimney.
Holding a microphone, Vivian walked to the center of the stage with a radiant smile. Her voice, transmitted through the speakers, filled the venue with its signature sweetness and energy.
"Hello everyone! It is great to see you all again. I am your favorite host, Vivian!"
As soon as she finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, accompanied by waves of cheers.
"Vivian!"
"Vivian, we love you!"
Vivian raised her hand with a smile, waiting for the cheers to settle before continuing.
"The Contest that all Pokémon Coordinators have been eagerly waiting for has finally begun here in beautiful Fallarbor Town!"
She paused briefly and raised her index finger with a playful gesture.
"As always, the top five winners of this competition will receive the prestigious Fallarbor Ribbon, bringing them one step closer to the Grand Festival!"
The applause grew even louder. Many contestants' friends and supporters waved cheering signs enthusiastically.
Vivian made another playful pause before continuing.
"However, this competition is quite different from previous ones.
Contestants must send out two Pokémon to cooperate in their performance. This greatly increases the requirements for coordination and move synergy.
What kind of dazzling performances will we witness? Let us wait and see!"
After explaining the rules clearly and concisely, Vivian turned slightly and gestured toward the judges' panel.
"Next, please welcome our judges!"
Three spotlights lit up simultaneously, illuminating the judges' seats.
The first to step onto the stage was Nurse Joy from Fallarbor Town.
She wore her signature pink uniform, with a crescent shaped meteorite brooch pinned to her chest. Small meteorite ornaments hung from her sleeves, lightly clinking as she walked.
Her gentle voice sounded warm and soothing.
"Welcome everyone to Fallarbor Town. I hope you all have a wonderful time here, and I wish all contestants the best of results."
Next came Mr. Sukizo, still dressed in his beige coat, wearing a kind and cheerful smile.
"Every Contest is something to look forward to. I hope this time there will be even more contestants who make me want to say 'Remarkable.' Good luck, everyone!"
Finally, a new face stepped onto the stage.
She wore thin framed glasses, a black cropped leather jacket on top, and dark cargo pants below. The pant legs were casually rolled up, revealing her slender ankles. Her hair was tied into a neat high ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face, adding a touch of casual charm.
Her cool and stylish outfit contrasted sharply with her sweet facial features, yet the combination was unexpectedly harmonious.
"This is Ms. Yumiko, the deputy director of the Contest Affairs Bureau!" Vivian introduced enthusiastically.
(TN: Didn't know if this is OC or not.)
"Ms. Yumiko not only has unique insights into Pokémon move techniques, but she is also a veteran Coordinator who has won the Grand Festival championship two consecutive times!"
Yumiko gave a slight nod toward the audience. Her movements were simple and decisive, with no unnecessary expression, yet she exuded a powerful presence.
As the three judges took their seats, the audience erupted into excited cheers.
Yumiko's fan group, in particular, waved glowing signs reading "Lady Yumiko is the coolest," shouting especially loudly.
From the discussions of the contestants around him in the waiting room, Theo learned more about Yumiko.
Her decisive personality, sharp and precise evaluations, combined with occasional glimpses of gentleness, created a charming contrast that had earned her countless fans.
Many people had even come to Fallarbor Town specifically to hear her live commentary.
"The judges are now in place!" Vivian's voice rang out again, filled with anticipation.
"Next, let us welcome our first contestant onto the stage, contestant number one, Michael!"
The spotlight instantly focused on the entrance of the contestant tunnel, drawing everyone's attention.
The Fallarbor Town Contest had officially begun.
One contestant after another stepped onto the stage.
Compared to the Contests in Mauville City and Rustboro City, the number of participants here was nearly half due to the higher entry requirements, but the overall level of skill was clearly much higher.
Most contestants had come well prepared and had a solid grasp of coordinating two Pokémon. Basic mistakes were rarely seen.
As one brilliant performance followed another, the enthusiasm of the audience was ignited like flames, and the waves of cheers grew louder with each act.
Soon, Vivian's sweet voice sounded once again.
"Next up is contestant number twenty eight, Grace!"
Under the spotlight, Grace stepped onto the stage in a light white off shoulder gown. The hem of her dress swayed gently with each step, her demeanor calm and composed.
She gave a slight bow to the audience.
"Please take care of me. My partners are Medicham and Gallade."
With flashes of red light, the two Pokémon appeared side by side.
Medicham brought its hands together, its gaze sharp and focused. Gallade bowed politely, its red eyes filled with concentration.
"Begin," Grace gave a soft command.
At her signal, Medicham moved first. Its figure blurred as it quickly rushed toward Gallade.
Ice Punch and Fire Punch were executed simultaneously.
One fist radiated piercing cold, while the other emitted blazing heat. Yet under precise psychic control, the two energies remained perfectly separated, without interfering with each other.
Gallade did not hesitate either. Its blade like arms glowed with blue and green light.
Aqua Cutter and Leaf Blade were unleashed at the same time, meeting Medicham's icy and fiery fists head on.
The clash of fists and blades created rippling waves of energy at the center of the stage. Though it appeared to be an intense battle, every movement was filled with delicate coordination.
Medicham's strikes always pulled back at the exact moment before contact, maintaining a perfect distance that highlighted the precision of their performance.
(End of Chapter)