Ep 26. Getting the Pre-Contest Titters

Ash and his friends are now on their way to Lake Valor for the upcoming Pokemon Contest. May is eager to compete and win, but she's also nervous about the competition. To help her calm down and focus, she seeks the advice of her fellow coordinators.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is up to no good again, attempting to steal Pikachu and any other valuable Pokemon they come across. Ash and his friends manage to avoid them for the most part, but they still have to be on their guard.

As they approach Lake Valor, they encounter a group of trainers who are also taking part in the contest. Among them is Dawn, a new character who is eager to prove herself as a top coordinator.

As they all settle in at their accommodations, May begins to feel the pressure of the upcoming competition. She tries to practice her routines, but she can't seem to get them just right. She becomes increasingly anxious and worried that she won't perform well.

In an effort to help her relax, her friends take her out on a leisurely bike ride. They stop at a nearby hot spring, where they all take a relaxing soak. May begins to feel a bit better, but she's still uneasy about the contest.

Later on, the group heads to the Contest Hall to watch the other contestants perform. May watches nervously as Dawn takes the stage and wows the audience with her skills. She becomes even more anxious, feeling like she won't be able to compete with such talent.

To try and help her calm down, her friends take her to a nearby port town. They explore the local market and enjoy some local cuisine. May starts to loosen up a bit, but she's still worried about the upcoming contest.

As the day of the competition approaches, May continues to practice and refine her performance. Her friends offer words of encouragement and support, trying to boost her confidence.

On the day of the contest, May takes the stage and performs her routine. She stumbles a bit at first, but she soon finds her stride and puts on a fantastic show. The audience cheers her on, and her friends are thrilled to see her do so well.

In the end, May doesn't win the contest, but she's happy with her performance. She's proud of what she's accomplished and happy to have made new friends along the way.

As they all prepare to leave Lake Valor, Team Rocket makes one final attempt to steal Pikachu. But Ash and his friends are ready for them, and they manage to thwart their plans once again. With that, they all say their goodbyes and set off on their next adventure.