By the time May and the others had hurried through the city and finally reached the Pokémon Contest venue, panting for breath, they could see Xia You from far away, leaning against the wall beside the entrance with a cold drink in hand, leisurely sipping it!
"Huh?" May, who was in the lead, froze. "Mr. Xia You? Weren't you behind us? How did you get here first?"
No sooner had she spoken than she saw a Dragonite slowly walk around the other side of the wall, holding a huge ice cream and licking it with an equally blissful expression!
At the sight, Ash practically jumped into the air behind her. "So you rode Dragonite here? That's so sneaky!"
"What do you mean, sneaky?" Xia You raised his head. "That's called making good use of a Pokémon's abilities! It's your own fault you didn't think of it. Anyway, the check-in deadline is almost here. May, you'd better hurry inside."
May knew time was running short too. She nodded to Xia You and went straight into the lobby, ignoring the sweat on her forehead.
Ash and the others filed in behind her, but before they entered, Xia You handed each of them a cold drink.
"I bought these for you. Remember to catch your breath before drinking them, or your lungs won't be able to take it."
Slateport City's Pokémon Contest venue stood in a plaza in the city center.
It was a hexagonal, domed building resembling an old-fashioned circus, except that instead of a tent, it was a five-story building!
A large crowd had already gathered outside. They were all spectators who had come to watch the performances. Although the starting time had clearly been set for one in the afternoon, their enthusiasm remained undiminished, bringing them here early to soak