The sudden rain during the semifinals stopped almost as quickly as it had begun. To avoid catching a cold, many spectators hurried off afterward to change their clothes, sparing Mingyou from being completely mobbed.
Ogerpon, however, had become a sensation. With that adorable appearance and calmly overwhelming strength, it was hard for those Trainers not to fall in love. It probably wouldn't be long before all kinds of Ogerpon merchandise appeared.
(Mingyou: Yes! This is exactly what I wanted to see.)
In a park somewhere outside the venue, everyone gathered after the match. Ash had returned from having Nurse Joy heal his Pokémon, and rather than feeling down over his defeat, he was more fired up than ever.
"Let's battle again when we get the chance. Pikachu and I will get even stronger!"
"Pika!"
"Pon~"
You're welcome to challenge me anytime~
Ogerpon swayed from side to side, responding with a smile.
"But seriously, I can't believe Ogerpon was a Pokémon! We didn't notice all these days!"
Ash and the others gathered around Ogerpon, all wanting to reach out and give the Pokémon a pat, their faces full of eagerness to learn about an unfamiliar Pokémon.
Mingyou smiled calmly, then asked them, "The Junior Cup ends tomorrow. What are your plans afterward? Are you going back to Undella Town?"
"I'll spend another couple of days there, then head back to the Johto Region to prepare for the Grand Festival."
Dawn sounded reluctant to leave. They had finally gotten everyone together, but once she returned to the Johto Region, she would be traveling alone again. That was why she wanted to make the most of these next few days and keep making memories.
Ash smiled and said, "We're heading west to Opelucid City. Before competing in Vertress, we'll visit Iris's hometown, the