Training Day

Today it was time for Ash and Dawn to start practicing for the Pokemon contest being held in Jubilife City. Ash decided to use his female Aipom for this contest. His female Aipom really liked Pokemon contests and when Ash thought about what Pokemon to use his female Aipom wanted to take part in it.

"Hey Dawn, before we start practicing." Ash said. "What are the rules for the Pokemon contests here in the Sinnoh Region? I mean, are you allowed to use a different Pokemon in each round of the contests or do they have to be the same?"

He didn't know what the contest rules in Sinnoh were yet.

"At the Pokemon contests you can use a different Pokemon for the appeal round and battle round and you are allowed to use the same Pokemon for both rounds." Dawn answered. "Oh and there's another thing you need to know Ash. Here in the Sinnoh Region coordinators dress up for the Pokemon contests."

"Do they?" Ash asked. "I'll have to prepare an outfit when we get to Jubilife City."

"Before you practice though." Brock said. "You better see what moves your Piplup, Burmy and Ariados know. Once you see what moves your Pokemon know it's easier to practicing with them."

So Dawn took her Pokedex out to check out her Piplup, Burmy and Ariados. Piplup knew Pound, Growl, Bubble, Water Sport, Peck, Bide and Bubble Beam. Burmy was female and she knew Protect, Bug Bite, Tackle, Hidden Power and String Shot. Ariados was male and he knew Bug Bite, Poison Sting, String Shot, Scary Face, Leech Life, Night Shade, Shadow Sneak, Fury Swipes, Sludge Bomb and Psychic.

"That's pretty good for your first three Pokemon Dawn." Brock said.

Dawn was happy with the results too.

Now it was time for practice. Ash's female Aipom knew Scratch, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Tickle, Fury Swipes, Swift, Focus Punch, Bounce, Water Pulse, Shadow Claw, Attract, Double Team and the egg move Double Slap. Ash's male Aipom knew the same moves.

"Okay Aipom, ready to practice for your first Pokemon contest?" Ash asked his Pokemon.

Aipom was more than ready.

As for Dawn, she had decided to use Piplup in the appeal round and Ariados in the battle round. Burmy felt a bit left out because she wasn't going to be in the contest. But Dawn promised her she could be in the next Pokemon contest. Right now Dawn practiced with Piplup. She decided for the appeal round Piplup should spin around using Bubble Beam; this would create a large ring of bubbles and a lot of sparkles when the bubbles burst. Unfortunately while trying it out Piplup became dizzy while spinning and the bubbles went out of control. Dawn and Piplup tried again, but Piplup became dizzy again and the bubbles went everywhere too. Things weren't going well for Dawn at the moment.

After witnessing everything, Ash spoke up.

"The best thing to do Dawn." He said. "Is to have Piplup practice spinning without getting dizzy first and then start practicing the moves."

"Ash is right Dawn." Brock added. "Remember figure skaters and dancers start practicing the spinning without getting dizzy first before practicing the tricks."

"You're right." Dawn admitted.

So Dawn decided to have Piplup practice his spinning. But Piplup ended up getting dizzy in the end; he was having trouble on his first day of contest training.

*Meanwhile...*

Team Rocket was planning where to obtain great Pokemon for Giovanni.

"Okay, so which Pokemon should we first collect for the boss?" Meowth asked.

"Personally we should gather up a flock of Starly." James said.

"Starly?" Jessie asked.

James showed the others a picture of Starly and it's evolved forms Staravia and Staraptor.

"Mm I like the look of Staraptor." Jessie said.

"Staraptor is one of the fiercest flying type Pokemon next to Fearow." James said.

"Well let's make Starly our first capture." Meowth said.

"Okay then." James said. "I'll use my Roserade and Vileplume to lure Starly out and Jessie you use Weavile and Cloyster to knock them out with a ice type move."

Jessie liked the idea and the trio got to work.

*Back with the gang...*

Dawn and Piplup were still having trouble with spinning without getting dizzy.

"Oh dear." Dawn said. "Maybe Piplup and I should try something else for the Pokemon contest."

Piplup felt down because he was failing a lot. Just then Ash's Piplup started to speak.

"What's up with your Piplup Ash?" Dawn asked.

"My Piplup says that he will have a workout with your Piplup Dawn." Ash said. "Since my Piplup is stronger than your Piplup, he can help a bit."