November 9, evening.
The lakeside arena at Lake Valor.
The organizers had arranged a special welcome banquet for the Grand Festival starting the next day.
"There are so many people competing this time!"
Nando smiled. "I heard there are 108 people who collected five Ribbons."
Ash said in surprise, "That many..."
If they selected eight Trainers from the entire field as they did in previous Pokémon Contests, the competition would be fierce.
"Dawn!" A familiar greeting interrupted Dawn and Nando's conversation.
Dawn looked toward the voice. It was Zoey, who raised her index and middle fingers in a cool greeting.
Dawn excitedly ran up to Zoey. "Zoey, we finally get to see each other! I thought you wouldn't arrive until tomorrow!"
Zoey smiled. "I was getting Glameow and the others into shape in a clearing nearby, so I only just got here."
With Zoey there, Dawn spotted Kenny, Jessilina, Ursula, and the others one after another.
Zoey looked at Dawn with a smile.
"We promised we'd meet on the final stage!"
Dawn winked. "No problem!"
In the hotel suite provided by the organizers,
Dawn was giving her Pokémon a pep talk for the next day's competition.
"The Grand Festival starts tomorrow!"
Her Pokémon stood across from her, instantly growing excited at her words.
Buneary performed several backflips on the spot, while Pachirisu released blue lightning from its cheek pouches.
Piplup planted its flippers on its hips and puffed out its chest. "Piplup!"
Galarian Rapidash and Mamoswine raised their hooves together, then gently lowered them.
Togekiss gave its wings a gentle flap.
"Toge!"
(I'll do my best!)
"Woo~"
Dragonair circled overhead.
"Mi~"
The flames on Cyndaquil's back flared to life.
"Great! Everyone's full of energy!"
Smiling, Dawn took out a Ribbon, one that looked quite old.
"When I left home,