The registration hall was all aglow in hot pink and cream. Multitudes milled around, cameras flashing and screens hurriedly tapped to give consent while Pokédexes and contest identification cards were scanned to load competitor data into the Grand Festival's database. The rubber soles of Dawn's teal boots crunched over the marble floors, Empoleon swaggering in at her side.

Rosa, following after the duo along with the rest of the party, was not as confident. She pressed her paw pads against one another, eyes darting around the crowds. She swallowed thickly. ~Aren't you nervous?~ The fighting type's tail edged towards tucking between her legs, but resisted. ~There's so many people…~

"Huh? Oh, no need to worry." Dawn turned around, waving off Rosa's worries. "We're definitely going to win! Isn't that right, Empoleon?"

"Empo!" The steel type barely got his agreement out before he was pushed to the side.

Ember was there, already in Dawn's face. "Ugh, you're so cocky!"

"Well, I've kinda got a right to be," Dawn said, hand on her hip.

Beside her, Ash looked thoroughly pleased. Misty seemed a bit exhausted already, pinching the bridge of her nose. Brock, recalling what Ash had told him of Ember, got ready to possibly hold Dawn back from a fight.

"Tch. You and everyone else in this stupid Kanto contest circuit are just… awful!" Ember tossed her long red hair.

"You think she's considered she's a part of the problem?" Ash half-whispered to Empoleon.

The steel type crossed his flippers, nodding.

"What did you just say?!" Ember snapped.

Dawn, however, stepped back in front of her, blocking off the taller girl's view of Dawn's boyfriend. That protective streak was there, like always. "Hey! You're my rival, not his." She looked around Ember. "Speaking of his, him, and he, where's Quijote?"

Here, Ember seemed to stiffen up. She crossed her arms, nose up. "I dunno what happened after the Wallace Cup, but he got real weird about it and I can't put up with it! He turned into a total jerk! Real, like, piggy, you know?!"

Dawn recalled how Quijote had treated Ciara and balled her hand into a fist. "Yeah. I know."

As if on cue, Quijote appeared slightly in the distance. "Ember, my darling, please, let us cease this needless bickering! It is the eve of my win, and I need you at my side!"

"Your win?!" Ember snapped, glaring at Quijote. "I'm competing, too, you blockhead!"

Quijote grinned nervously. "O-Of course, Ember, but, aside from you and-oh, yes, Dawn, her, too-aside from the three of us, there's no real competition!" He shrugged. "Brendan isn't even here!"

Dawn raised a brow. "So, you think as long as you don't lose to the two of us, you'll be fine?" She scoffed. "Wow. You really didn't learn a thing."

"... I only lost to you and an apprentice of Wallace's. I'm quite good, I'm sure." Aware he'd been snuffed, Quijote wandered off to go register.

Ember watched him go before looking to Dawn. "... Thanks for going along with me."

Dawn shrugged. "Yeah, it's whatever. I don't have patience for disrespectful people, especially if they get… weird with it like Quijote does."

The redhead nodded, smiling a bit. "Right. Besides." She turned, flicking her hair behind her. "You may be a pest, but you're super talented! You deserve to lose to someone with some class, like me!"

As Ember walked off, Dawn sighed. "Uh-huh. Yeah, we'll see about that."

"... Well, that was weird." Brock lifted his bag higher on his shoulder. "Why don't you get signed up so we can go find a room to settle in for the Grand Festival?"

"Oh, right. Let's go."


Her friends waited on the sidelines while Dawn queued. Soon enough, she reached the front desk at the same time as a familiar face in another line.

"Yo! Dawn! Long time no see." He greeted her with a hand in his pocket, his Raichu clinging his shoulders and back.

Dawn grinned. "Ryan! How are you?"

He grinned. "Pretty good." He took his pokedex back after the registration was complete. "Made it with time to spare. Yourself?"

"Yeah, same." Dawn stepped to the side with him as they caught up. "My boyfriend Ash won this year's conference, so, you know, I've really gotta go for the gold, both 'cause it's what I want aaaaand I can't go letting him be the power part of this couple~!"

Ryan sighed, playfully shaking his head. "Dang… I hate to cause tensions in a happy couple, but I do gotta take that trophy for myself. He'll totally forgive you, right?"

Dawn chuckled, playfully shoving Ryan's shoulder. "Uh, wow! You're really gonna take the trophy?!"

He winked, shrugging. "Haha, can't help it! Everyone's here to win, Dawn!"

Raichu, likewise, poked his tongue out at Empoleon. "Raaaaaichu!"

"Empo!" He'd face the electric type any time, any place.

Ryan and Dawn got so deep into their banter that it took the new arrival several moments to work up her nerve to get Dawn's attention. She first used one hand, which the bluenette ignored. Then, Ciara's patience snapped and she nearly slapped Dawn's shoulder.

"Ouch!" the coordinator yelped.

Ciara immediately fussed. "Ah! Sorry, sorry, you just weren't responding! I'm sorry!"

Realizing it was her friend-pupil, Dawn grinned, wrapping an arm around Ciara's shoulders. "Aw, no need to worry! Didn't hurt a bit! Guess you got your five ribbons, huh? Knew you could!"

Ciara grinned, excitedly balling her hands into fists. "Y-Yeah! I did really good! Whooped butt!" A pause. "I-I mean, not that I'm anything special…! My team worked hard! Um, not that no one else's did! Ah…"

The bluenette laughed. "No, no, keep that up! You should be confident!"

"Daaaaawn!" Larkspur, spotting the group, ran over, running into the older girl so hard she groaned upon impact. "Hey, hey, I got five ribbons!"

Dawn chuckled, hiding the fact that Larkspur had hurt her a little with his tackling hug. She patted his head, grinning. "Whoa, hey! Glad to hear it! I'm so proud of both of you!"

Larkspur beamed upon hearing this and Ciara giggled. Being younger than Dawn, both greatly looked up to her.

"Dawn?" Ash had wandered over alone, Pikachu staying back with Rosa in a less crowded part of the contest hall. "There you are, we were wondering - oh! Hey, Larkspur, Ciara!"

"Hi, Ash! Congrats on your win, man! It was all over the television!" Larkspur gave the conference winner a thumbs up.

Ciara nodded. "Yeah. You did good."

Ash chuckled. "Thanks, guys. Well, if you don't mind, I'm going to borrow Dawn. We're headed to get lunch."

Dawn tilted her head. "Actually." She put her hand atop her pupils' shoulders. "I think I'm gonna buy lunch for these two to celebrate. I'll catch up later, okay?"

Ash blinked. "Oh? Really? Well, alright." He waved. "See ya!"

Once Ash walked off, Dawn grinned down at the two. "Now… I know Empoleon's going to want some fish, but how do you two feel about that?"

"Oh, I could definitely go for sushi!" Larkspur chirped.

Ciara nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good."


Already on his fifth plate of raw fish fillets, Empoleon picked up another strip of the strange non-pokemon creatures. He decided he really liked these salmon ones!

Dawn, meanwhile, was eating something a little more substantial: tempura and rice! She smiled as she watched Larkspur and Ciara eat, a feeling invoked about like when Cyndaquil had first hatched and the first time she looked after Rosa by herself stirring in her heart. "So, Ciara, last we spoke… You and Kenny…?"

"You and Kenny?" Larkspur echoed, a bit of rice on his cheek as he looked at the lavender haired girl.

She squeaked, glasses slipping down her face. "O-Oh! Um, we went… and traveled a bit before he headed back to Johto… He, um… He caught a…" She hid her face a bit. "He caught a Growlithe."

"Aw," Dawn said approvingly. "That's good. He was nice to you, right?"

"Very." Ciara grinned.

"I did traveling, too!" Larkspur added, disrupting the mood. He grinned. "You'll see the fruits of my labor very soon, Dawn!"

She rolled her eyes, smiling good naturedly. "Oh? You gonna blow me away, Larkspur?"

"You bet! I know you like a good battle, so I'm gonna give you a great one!"

She blinked, somehow touched that Larkspur was trying to make her happy in the upcoming Grand Festival. She put a hand on her heart, cooing. "Aw… Larkspur!" She ruffled his hair again, grinning. "I'll do my very best when we battle, then!"

With that, their meal went on well, each talking about this and that that they'd done.

As the meal ended, the group headed back to the Pokemon Center.

"Oh! One last thing…" Ciara pulled out a pokeball. "Charm Up!"

Larkspur was in awe. Dawn nodded in approval.

"I finally talked it over with Vulpix, and we decided to let her evolve into a Ninetales!"

"That's wonderful!" Dawn added. "You'll do great with her."

"Yeah, well, you better not rely on Sunny Day, because me and my grass types are gonna give you heck!" Larkspur barked. "... Seriously, she looks good. You guys'll do well."

Ciara smiled softly. "Thank you. Well, I really should get settled in," Ciara excused herself, lingering towards the elevator, just short of the residential corridors. "I've been on my feet all day; I think I could use a short nap. What about you, Ninetales?"

"Nine~!" The lavender-furred pokemon cooed, nuzzling into her trainer's hand. Conserving energy was probably for the best, right now.

"I'm going to find my room, too," Larkspur agreed. "It's on the third floor. What about you two?"

"The second," Ciara replied.

"I'm on the ground floor," Dawn added. "I guess I'll see you guys later!" She winked, raising a hand to salute her friends before starting down the hall. "Come on, Empoleon!"

"See you!"

"See you soon!"

It wasn't long before Dawn came across Ash, Misty, and Brock, standing towards the end of the hallway.

"There you are!" Ash waved. "We've been waiting for you guys."

"Some of us like to take our time when we chow down," Dawn teased. "You could've just set up without me."

"Not quite," Brock replied, leaning against the wall. "You're the one with the room key."

"...Oh. Right." Embarrassed, Dawn jogged towards the group, ready to fix her mistake. "Well, no need to worr- ah!" Yanked back abruptly, Dawn shrieked, finding herself immobile.

"Hey, Lil' Punk, you made it!" A young man, decked out in black and green had captured Dawn in a headlock, giving the smaller coordinator a noogie. "I didn't see you at sign-up, you know? Don't be hiding out from the crowd!"

"I… told you…!" Dawn growled, flailing helplessly in Maddox's hold, "...to knock that off!" Her hands swung out to reach for his face, in what looked like a feeble attempt to claw his eyes out.

"Just who are you supposed to be?" Brock butted in.

Misty was next, already patting a flexed bicep in an attempt to intimidate. "What's the big idea!?"

"Hey, you! Man!" The rebel pointed at Ash, his jaw hanging slack. "You're this year's Conference Champ! I knew I saw something in you!"

"That's me! The name's Ash," Ash boasted, smugly folding his arms behind his head. He quickly gave up his bravado to lean in, gesturing to Dawn. "But, hey, maybe you should…"

"It took me half an hour to get my hair looking this good," Dawn hissed, shoving her palm into Maddox's cheek.

Maddox ignored them both. "Taking on the league and winning with a Pikachu… that's cool. Really sticking it to the man! You're hot shit, Ash. you too, Pikachu!"

"Uh… thanks?" Ash scrunched his nose, exchanging a glance with his partner. Was Pikachu being insulted?

"Piiika." Pikachu frowned, crossing his arms. Maddox was trying to praise them, but that definitely sounded like an insult.

Dawn, meanwhile, was trying to wriggle herself free. "You're really starting to piss me off!"

Empoleon squawked, taking it upon himself to fire a Hydro Pump. "Em-pol!"

Hydro Pump blasted Maddox, freeing Dawn from his grasp before he was thrown against the wall, totally soaked. The jet ceased, allowing the coordinator to slide down to the floor.

"Ugh… Empoleon!" Dawn scolded, checking out her water-logged locks. "Thanks, but that was a little overboard."

"Pol!?" Empoleon's jaw dropped. But… but… he'd been trying to help her! "Emp-Empoleon!"

"Please. He deserved it for being such a knucklehead." Misty huffed, looking down upon Maddox.

"You got me there," Maddox laughed. His leather jacket was soaked, and his mohawk was subdued, but whatever. It's all good.

Silence fell upon Dawn and her group. Who just accepted a diss like that?

"My bad, Dawn. Just wanted to check in on you, know? Get the rundown. Your pokemon are ready, right?"

"Well, duh!" Dawn stood up, flicking her doused bangs, before turning to Misty and Brock. "Maddox, here, has beaten me twice, before now. But this time, we'll make you and your team see stars!" She beamed, challenging her rival with fiery eyes and a 'victory' gesture.

"That's cool, man! Totally cool." Maddox stood up. "Don't lose that fire. Let's rock the festival from top to bottom!" The punk turned on his heels, making his exit.

"Well, he's… sportsman like, if nothing else," Brock muttered. What a strange guy.

"Weirdo," Misty added.

"Well, sounds like you two are gearing up for a hell of a rematch, right?" Ash clapped a hand on Dawn's shoulder.

Turning to Ash, Dawn beamed. "You bet!"


"Wow! We're looking at a heck of a crowd, tonight! With those seats filled, I hope I'll be hearing lots of enthusiasm, over the next few days!"

Lilian Meridian stood in the middle of one of Indigo Plateau's gigantic contest halls, met with roaring applause from all around. The full house made itself heard with clapping, whoops, and cheers, illuminated under the arena's rotating spotlights. Night had fallen, offering the light of the moon and stars to the opening ceremony.

"That's what I like to hear!" The MC whooped, turning on her heel to face each corner of the stadium, at least once. "Because, I know our coordinators and their pokemon are prepared to perform their hearts out, and give us a real show! But, first, we'll be getting a sneak preview, courtesy of my co-host for this event!" Twirling out of the very center of the stage, marked by the button of a pokeball, Lilian gestured to where she'd just stood.

"Let's give a nice, loud welcome, to Top Coordinator Marina!"

The drawn circle in the center caved in, sliding aside, as if to reveal some secret underneath. But, no chance was left to get a closer look, as roaring waters burst from the center of the stage.

Glistening under the many spotlights, mist lingered in the air, dispersing from the initial burst, until the culprits were visible.

A Feraligatr stood where Lilian had been, posing gracefully on one foot, with his many fangs bared in a toothy grin. Sitting atop the water type's back was none other than Marina!

The aqua-haired idol struck a dramatic pose atop her starter, with her legs crossed and a hand held high above her head - in fact, that hand supported another pokemon - an elliptical pink puff of a creature, with a puffy tuft of fur on her head, framed by two long ears. Most notably, it gazed upon the crowd with huge, round green eyes.

It was Marina's Wigglytuff!

Clamoring, enthusiastic applause rolled in for the trio, whether it be excited cheers or swooning admiration. They remained completely composed, waving to their admirers as true performers did.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone~!" Marina winked, quickly gaining a footing atop Wani-Wani's scaly hide. Leaping off of the pokemon, she landed gracefully, giving Pink the opportunity to slowly hover down, barely touched by gravity.

"I'm loving all that enthusiasm! You really brought your biggest smiles for this event, didn't you!?" Allowing herself a brief pause for the replying cheers, Marina looked to her two pokemon. She exchanged a nod with each. "In that case, I think we'd better show our appreciation! What do you guys think?"

"Tuff!" Pink squeaked, crouching before lunging towards Wani-Wani, hovering over the water type.

"Let's see your Aqua Tail, Wani-Wani!"

"Feral!" Feraligatr pointed his tail skyward, twisting it into a clockwise spin. A potent current followed, gushing into a spiral of water that scooped Wigglytuff into its current.

"Wiggly~!" Wigglytuff cooed, waving her arms with joy, as she was escorted towards the sky on what basically amounted to a twisting, backwards waterslide. Her buoyant physique allowed her to be juggled by Aqua Tail, spinning as the current peaked

"Thanks so much~!" Marina cheered, before snapping her fingers. "Now, Pink, it's your turn!"

"Wiggly~!" Pink tucked her arms in, balanced atop the barely visible tip of Aqua Tail. She suddenly threw her paws outward, cooing with joy. A vibrant pink mist was summoned, whipped into an airborne spiral around the fairy type. The magical current carried her higher, prompting carefree laughter from the pokemon.

Deafening cheers from all around told Marina that the performance had gone off without a hitch. Smiling widely for all to see, she dipped into a bow.

That was the cue for Feraligatr to cease, and mimic his trainer. Pink landed soon after, bowing beside her trainer.


"Check it out! What was that move!?" Ash drew his Pokedex from his jacket, pointing it towards the stage.

"Misty Terrain: A Fairy type move. It protects Pokémon on the ground from status conditions, and halves damage from Dragon-type moves temporarily."

"Awesome… pretty cool, huh, Pikachu?" Ash beamed at his partner. Learning about new moves was exciting - and, they'd put it to good use!

"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu agreed with shimmering eyes. Misty Terrain was so pretty!

"Oh, how beautiful~! That Feraligatr is just darling!" Misty swooned, linking her fingers together. One could practically spot hearts in her eyes. "And that Wigglytuff…! They're so talented!"

"Marina's really something else," Dawn admired, linking her fingers more subtly in her lap. "Pink looked like she was having so much fun! And Wani-Wani had great control of Aqua Tail… she's really great at bringing out her pokemon's charm!"

"I'd have to agree with you."

"Ah!" Dawn startled, practically jumping out of her seat. A chill ran down her spine - where had that come from!? Her head turned back and forth, scanning for the source of the voice.

"Right back here, darling." Behind Dawn sat a middle-aged woman, with thick, dirty blonde hair, and porcelain skin, showing just a hint of wrinkles framing bold hazel eyes. A navy-blue coat and a red scarf kept her looking rather inconspicuous.

"Glenda!?" Dawn whirled around, wide-eyed. "I didn't even see you… I don't think I saw you registering, either!"

"I just got in. I try not to bring much attention to myself; that focus goes to my pokemon." The coordinator returned her focus to the stage, where Marina was back to riling up the crowd. "She's an idol, but she manages that, well enough."

"Wait, you just got here?" Ash echoed, sparing a concerned glance at Glenda. "Then you missed the cut-off for registering, right!?"

"A lady never reveals her secrets," the woman curtly replied. She kept her eyes on the stage.

Dawn and company exchanged glances, at a loss for words.

"What's her deal…?" Dawn muttered.

"Dawn?"

"Yes!?" Dawn panicked, sitting straight-up.

"I hope you've taken your preparations seriously?"

Dawn recalled the elder woman's own advice, and her lips curved into a coy smile. "You'll have to see for yourself, on stage."

For the first time of the night, Glenda showed a hint of a small, approving smile of her own. "Happy to hear my words of wisdom have taken hold."

"Dawn's really confident," Brock noted, crossing his arms. Tension was really beginning to build, at the Indigo Plateau.

"Yeah, I'll say…" Ash trailed off, sounding almost absent. She was so sure of herself… It was actually kind of hot.

Catching onto the zombie-like smile on his trainer's face, Pikachu rolled his eyes.

"A-ah!" Ash yelped, quite literally yanked from his trance. By the ear, no less. "Hey!"

"You heard Glenda - don't distract Dawn!" Misty scolded.

"I didn't say anything!" Ash complained, pulling away from his friend's iron grip. He quietly nursed his sore earlobe, brushing it with a finger. That stung.

"The look on your face said enough."

Dawn was only barely aware of the spat going on beside her. Wrapping up her chat with Glenda, she returned her eyes to the stage. Marina had shown her stuff.

It was time for Dawn and her pokemon to take the spotlight!


A refreshing summer breeze rolled through the woods, on the perimeter of the Plateau. The wind's gentle whistle rustled leaves and branches, gathered close around a small clearing beyond the foliage.

The occasional distant 'bang' rung in the distance, under the night sky. Many coordinators were using their last hours of preparation to their fullest.

Among those coordinators was Dawn. Brushing soot out of her blue bangs, she kept her eyes on her pokemon. "Good one, Rura! But, your timing was a little bit off… try to make sure that both paws hit the ground at the same time, okay?"

~It's fine, I tell ya!~ The Zorua huffed, his nose turned up. ~I nailed it!~

"You did," Dawn agreed, crouching down to level with the Zorua. "Buttt, I'm sure you really wanna show Kanto your best, right? Let them see what you're really made of?"

~Hmmmm.~ The fox maintained a low, stubborn growl, before perking up. ~Y'bet I do! I'm gonna dazzle 'em!~

"Then, let's give it another try!" Dawn encouraged, pumping a fist.

~Heck yeah!~ Rura yipped, poising himself to give his new move another try.

"There you are!" Ash pushed his way through the foliage, followed by Misty and Brock. "We've been looking all over for you."

Brock scanned the scene, resting his hands on his hips. Rura was attempting some sort of move, judging by his glowing paws. Empoleon was shadow-fencing with Steel Wing, and Lopunny was throwing punches, seemingly testing the power and speed of her blows. Togekiss was soaring about with her characteristic grace, and Ambipom was practicing strikes with her tails.

"Getting in some last minutes of training?" The doctor smiled, holding a hand to his chin. "Everyone seems to be in top form."

"You can't be too prepared!" Dawn chimed. "Now that I've picked out who I'll be working with, we're getting pumped up!"

"You've decided!?" Ash perked up, throwing a hand on the coordinator's shoulder. "Well, don't leave us hanging! Who is it?"

Pikachu abandoned Ash's shoulder, at this point, running over to check on Dawn's team.

"I've decided to use Empoleon, Lopunny, Pachirisu, Ambipom, Rura, Togekiss, and Houndoom!" Dawn counted off each team member, looking to each as she named them. "Pachirisu and Houndoom are already tuckered out, but everyone else is hard at work!"

"Shame for the others," Ash lamented. "I wonder if they're upset?"

Dawn shook her head. "I discussed this with everyone, already. Clefairy still needs more experience, and Absol and Mamoswine are fine with chilling out, this time around."

"I can't wait to see the appeals!" Misty cooed. "Any chance you'll tell us what you've got planned, Dawn?"

"That's a secret!" Dawn winked.

Meanwhile, Pikachu had engaged Lopunny, offering to help her prepare. Dizzy Punch bashed with Iron Tail again and again, keeping the normal type swift on her feet, while Pikachu countered her ears and fists with consecutive spinning strikes.

"Lop!"

"Pi-ka!"

A last, thunderous clash kicked up dust, ending in a stalemate between the two pokemon. Pikachu flipped backwards onto his feet, content to call the spar a draw. "You're on fire," he cooed, giving Lopunny a thumbs-up. "Those punches even made my tail a little numb."

"You tryin' to flatter me, Thunder Butt?" Lopunny winked, holding up one of her biceps to flex. She pat the sturdy muscle with her opposite paw. "You know I've been putting myself through my paces. I'm gonna blow the frickin' roof off this festival!"

"T-thunder Butt!?" Pikachu blustered, red in the face. Quickly skipping on to the topic at hand, Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. "I know you have - that's why I'm happy to see it's paid off! You'll be striking with style, in no time."

"She's not the only one," Empoleon huffed, showing off his glimmering wings. "You better keep your eyes peeled for my performance - blink, and you might miss something big!"

"Don't worry, I'll be watching it all!" Pikachu chuckled, kicking the dirt at his feet. Both of his friends were so eccentric… but, they'd certainly earned it! "You'll both do amazingly. No doubt about it!"

"Pikachu's pumped up, too," Ash chuckled, letting a hand fall on Dawn's shoulder. "We're both ready to cheer you guys on."

"We won't let you down!" Dawn winked. "We'll put on a show to remember; no need to worry!"


"Good morning, everyone!" Lillian called into her mic, center-stage, once more. "Your favorite contest, the Kanto Grand Festival, is about to begin! Pumping a fist in the air, the MC personified enthusiasm.

Fireworks popped in the distance, drowned out by excited cries from the audience.


~Ugh, so loud!~ Rosa growled, covering her ears with her paws. Short on free seats, she'd chosen to sit in Ash's lap. Pikachu had taken over Misty's lap, instead.

Ash gave a sympathetic smile, rubbing Rosa's head. "Just focus on the stage. You'll be seeing Dawn and the others, soon!" Ash's spare fist was trembling with excitement. He couldn't wait!


"This time, a total of 300 coordinators have gathered to fight for the Top Coordinator's Title!" Lillian gestured wildly, before pointing towards the coveted prize - a giant, golden trophy, decorated with twisted wings and intricate carvings. It glistened under the spotlight, its luster beyond compare.

"The victor will receive this gorgeous Ribbon Cup, and will be counted among the Top Coordinators! Now, without further ado, allow me to introduce the judges! First, the President of the Pokemon Contest Performance Committee, and secretary-general of the judges, Mr. Contesta!"

Standing at the judges' booth, the short, suited man stood, looking to be full of enthusiasm, despite his age. "Dear Coordinators, I imagine you've worked a lot on your pokemon's moves for this event. From the qualifying round to the finals, I want you to show me the full outcome of your efforts!"

"Next we have the president of the Pokemon Fan Club, Mr. Sukizo!"

As always, the small, mild-mannered man uttered one phrase - "remarkable!"

"And, the representative of all Nurse Joy in Kanto, the Joy from Celadon City!"

"Good morning," the jovial nurse cooed. "To all of our participants, and the audience as well, I hope you enjoy this festival until the very end!"

"Lastly," Lilian resumed, "our special judge is a former Top Coordinator, and a familiar face you'll all know and love! Say hello to the Pokemon Idol, Marina!"

"Thank you, thank you!" You're all too much!" Marina winked, flashing a peace sign with her free hand that wasn't holding her mic. "I'll do my best as this year's special judge, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of your wonderful pokemon!"


"Marina's a judge, too!?" Dawn stared at the screen from the locker room, eyes wide. "She didn't say anything about that, last time."

"You've met Miss Marina!?" Ciara gawked at Dawn, cupping a hand over her mouth.

"Uh-huh! At the Indigo League Conference. Her boyfriend was competing, and we became fast friends." Dawn held a thumb to her chin in thought. "I guess staying quiet about it was the professional thing to do."

"Hmph! Surely, she suspected you'd try to push the results in your favor," Quijote scoffed, inserting himself into the conversation. "Such is the sense of a real star."

Dawn whirled around, staring daggers at the man with puffed cheeks. "W-R-O-N-G!" She spelled out, each letter dipped in venom.

"Dawn would never!" Ciara asserted, stomping her foot.

"Hm? Oh, it's the pipsqueak!" The man scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Should you really be showing your face here, after our last bout? It'd be a real shame if you embarrassed yourself further. Do as the wise do, and stay out of business that isn't yours."

Dawn scowled. That rotten, no good… "Why don't you-"

"Excuse me," Ciara spoke up, coughing into her sleeve. She couldn't quite make eye contact with the man, opting to stare at his shoes. "This really isn't your business, either…"

"What was that?" Quijote mocked, holding a hand behind his ear. "You really should speak up, or your words will be no more noticed than a Whismur's Growl!"

The lavender-haired girl balled her fists, and turned her head up. "I said that you're the one who butted into our conversation!"

Dawn went quiet. Had Ciara really just said that?

"Dawn has way too much honor to do something like that…" Ciara's words trailed off towards the end. Blushing as she realized this, she looked Quijote in the eye. "Far more than you'll ever have!"

Stunned into silence once again, Quijote huffed, and turned to mix into the crowd. "Hm. You may regret those words, on stage."

Watching the man retreat, Ciara held her gaze, until he could no longer be seen. Finally, she allowed herself to breath, her shoulders slumping. "That jerk."

"Ciara!"

Nearly jumping out of her shoes, the girl whirled around. "Yes!?"

"That was amazing!" Dawn beamed, taking hold of Ciara's shoulders. The elder coordinator's eyes were glimmering with pride. Pride for another. "You really gave it to him - congratulations!"

"Thanks." Ciara blushed, twirling a purple lock on her finger. "I just couldn't stand him running his mouth anymore. Especially about you."

"You're really telling off creeps on your own, now… Thanks for having my back." Dawn grinned.

"...And this round will narrow the contestants down to 64 coordinators, for the following round of appeals!"

"...Ah! I completely missed the last part!" Ciara sputtered. "What should we do!?"

"No need to worry!" Dawn winked. "I checked up on the rules, earlier. The first elimination round will involve a pokemon using only one move to show their appeal! That one'll narrow it all down for the double appeals."

"Oh! Alright, then! Thanks, Dawn."

"Better to be safe than sorry, right?" Dawn winked, again. "I can't wait to see what you put on stage!"

"Right!" Ciara balled her fists, her eyes glimmering with excitement. "You too, Dawn!"


Without further ado, the single move appeals began, starring a plethora of pokemon, divided between two stadiums. Coordinators and their partners did their very best to display their charm in just one move - not an easy feat!

Shows of beauty, cuteness, coolness, cleverness, and toughness brought the preliminaries
to life. Earth-shattering blows, webs of elemental beams, and precise strikes riled up the
crowd.

"...next is Quijote Mancha!"

"Nidoking, show your might!" The bold man called, tossing a pokeball into the air with
bold enthusiasm.

Nidoking took form above the stage, roaring in tune with his descend. "Nidoooo!" He roared, smashing a fist into the ground. Tremors ran through the field, splintering into three golden rifts, digging through the earth. One in front of Nidoking, one to his left, and one to his right.

The cracks ruptured into explosive bursts of light from underground, highlighting the poison type with a robust golden glow.

87


Not long after Quijote, was Ryan. The cool-headed, but hot-blooded trainer tossed his pokeball with style. "Let's go, Pidgeot! Hurricane!"

Pidgeot twisted out of its pokeball with style, winding up her wings before beating them with intensity. A wild storm was whipped up as a result, rustling even the furthest reaches of the crowd. Pidgeot's lustrous feathers billowed beautifully over the gust, its beige wings and its colorful head crest, alike.

92


Ember was next, spinning freely on her heels before chucking pokeball high. "Come on, Miltank! Show them your stuff!"

A flash of light took the form of the Milk Cow pokemon, striking a cute pose high above the stage. "Mil!" The pokemon winked, thrilled to show off.

"Now, use Stomp!" Ember ordered.

Miltank raised one of her hind legs, dropping towards the stage like a rock. "Tank!" She'd cry, smashing one of her hooves into the stage. The floor below her caved, cracks running in a web around her. The booming impact rattled the field, leaving quite an impression.

89


"...And up next, is Larkspur Kamal!"

"Tangrowth!" The green-haired trainer called, winding up his pokeball. "Show us your Grassy Terrain!"

The huge blue mass of vines appeared, gently pressing its two long tendrils into the field. With a low hum, the grass type exuded green rings of energy in waves across the stage. A gentle emerald glow overtook the field's surface, giving life to a wave of sprouts and flowers. A gentle floral scent overtook the stadium, soothing the hearts of spectators and judges alike.

94


"Let's give our attention Dawn Tsumura, from Twinleaf Town!"

She took a deep breath as she stepped into the fray, a fist clenched over her chest. 'Time to show them what we're made of!' Smiling wide, Dawn sprinted onto the stage, winding up a pokeball behind her back. "Lopunny!" Carrying herself with grace, she spun, tossing her first catch's pokeball into the air. "Spotlight!"

The capsule soared, spinning before releasing its inhabitant.

"Lop~!" Lopunny appeared, striking a pose with her arms held out wide, her long, fluffy ears lifting in her descent. Twirling on her way down, Lopunny stuck the landing, crouching into a bow. "Punny!"


"You've got this, Dawn!" Ash whooped, shaking a fist in the air. Glowing with enthusiasm, Ash cheered his girlfriend on. "Do your best, Lopunny!"

~Go get 'em!~ Rosa cheered.

"Pika-Pikachuuu!" Pikachu waved his paws frantically, standing up in Misty's lap. It was time for Lopunny to strut her stuff!


"Show everyone your power!" Dawn pumped a fist in the air. "Dizzy Punch!"

"Lop!" Lopunny stood upright, hoisting back her paws. She was raring to show Kanto just how tough she was! With that thought in mind, she hoisted her ears upright, flexed in preparation. She'd focus her strength into her fists and the ends of her ears, lighting each extremity with a brilliant rainbow glow.

"Lopunny!" The pokemon cried with vigor, punching forward with both ears at once. The initial blow was followed up by her fluffy fists, striking at the air with a swift, consecutive flurry of punches. Coordinating her ears to back up her paws, the rabbit swung wild, lashing out with all four limbs in a multicolored storm of blows.

Lopunny had embraced her hot-blooded streak, breathing heavy as she gave the barrage all she had. Now, this was an appeal! Showing her guts and beauty all in one swoop. She felt the rush of battle in her veins, and she loved it. But, it was time for the big finale.

"Looooop!" Lopunny leaned back, then threw her head forward, delivering a final punch with her ears.

A potent wind kicked up, scattering dust at the pokemon's feet. Even the judges at their booths found their loose clothing to be ruffled by Lopunny's attack.

With that, Lopunny exhaled, hopping back to Dawn's side, where she struck a pose with her paw held high. "Lopunny!"

Dawn crouched to mirror her pokemon, throwing a hand to the sky with a laugh. 'Nailed it!' She thought to herself, unable to contain her giddy expression.

"Check the power on that Dizzy Punch! Thank you, Dawn and Lopunny!"

The four judges displayed their scores, and with those, came the average.

95


"Alright, Dawn!" Ash whooped, cupping his hands around his mouth to amplify his cheer. "Way to knock it out of the park!"

"Pika-chuuu!" Pikachu hollered, hopping up and down in excitement. That Dizzy Punch looked so powerful! Lopunny looked amazing, out there!

"Lopunny hits like a truck! I can practically feel the power from here." Misty admired, linking her fingers. "And the colors on Dizzy Punch…"

"Great execution," Brock agreed, crossing his arms with a smile. "Lopunny showed no hesitation, and put her love for battle and beauty on display, all at once. Dawn made a good call, choosing to show off Lopunny's nature with her one move."

"Yeah," Ash agreed. "And, check out that score! She'll definitely move to the next round!"


"Next is Ciara Cole, from Lavender Town!"

Ciara took a deep breath in preparation, and ran onto the stage. This was her big break; if Dawn could do it, she could, too! "Rapidash, Charm up!" She cupped the pokeball in her hands, tossing it underhand into the air.

A flash of light took the shape of a large, lively Rapidash. His coat was bright and healthy, highlighted by the flickering flames tossed about by its mane.

Ciara pointed forward. "Flare Blitz!"

Rapidash bellowed a spirited cry, galloping forward. His mane and tail, ordinarily the same balance of reds and oranges as an ordinarily flame, burst into a brilliant blue. His hooves pressed off the ground, vaulting Rapidash into the air.

With a snort, the pokemon ignited his flames further, wrapping himself in an electric blue blaze. White-hot embers trailed him, falling to the earth in his wake.

Rapidash embraced his descent, fully coated in Flare Blitz. He'd land with considerable force, dispersing the flames in a vague ring around him.

Perfect - that'd gone off just as she planned! Content, Ciara bowed to the crowd, to the tune of enthusiastic applause.

88


"Give it up for Maddox Dunstan!"

The loud, energetic punk grinned, winding up a pokeball before roughly tossing it forward. "Steelix, let's show them how it's done!"

The pokeball's flash climbed high until it towered over the field, taking the shape of a gigantic Iron Snake. Slamming its heavy tail against the floor, Steelix roared loudly. Throwing his head back, he tore the field asunder with a consecutive series of stone spires jutting from the ground. Each climbed higher than the last, until it reached the end of the stage.

Boasting a frightening series of stones, Steelix twisted back to stand at Maddox's side, looking surprisingly jolly for a Steelix.

"Way to shake it up!" Maddox praised, patting the pokemon's steel hide. "Totally cool."

85


"Keep your eyes peeled! Glenda's taking the stage!"

The woman showed a hint of a grimace at her introduction. Clutching a pokeball between her fingers, she wound up, tossing it backhand. "Persian, dear, please use Swift!"

The cream-colored cat was summoned, standing poised on all-fours. He pounced forward swiftly, crouching after clearing the first bound. "Mrow!" Persian jumped - or rather, soared.

Gasps could be heard, awestruck by the altitude Persian was gaining; and, that wasn't all. What looked to be golden stardust was raining from his paws, falling like the embers of a rocket's combusting flame. Like a rocket, the normal-type was seemingly propelled by Swift's glitter.


"...Did she just…?" Dawn gawked, staring into the screen, backstage.

"It's… so high!" Ciara gasped, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Th-that's not a jump!"

"No… but, I know I've seen it, somewhere."


On the stage below, Glenda raised a hand above her head.

Making out his trainer's body language was a bit difficult, from a height that nearly overtook the stadium, but Persian understood. That was quite enough.

"Nyah!" Persian let the stardust propelling him die out, surrendering to gravity's pull. Striking a cute pose, front and hind paws raised, he summoned a belt of bright, golden stars that orbited his body. The red jewel on his forehead shone brilliantly amidst Swift, demanding the audience's gaze with a red glare.

The light died. Subsequently, Persian landed on all fours, head bowed.

Glenda's eyes stayed glued to her pokemon. She showed a hint of a smile. "Thank you, dear."

"My goodness! What a mind-boggling feat by Persian! Every bit as beautiful as it was impressive!"

98


"That's the last of them, right?" Dawn thought out loud, watching as a boy and his Ampharos leave the stage.

"It has to be," Larkspur deadpanned, sitting in a slump on one of the waiting room benches. "I've seen enough appeals for a lifetime…"

"To think that was only half of them," Ciara added.

"The Sinnoh Grand Festival didn't have nearly this many… I honestly think I zoned out," Dawn admitted, scratching her cheek.

"At least the next round of appeals will narrow it down," Ciara replied. "Let's hope we make it!"

"No need to worry!" A familiar line was Ciara's answer, but it hadn't come from Dawn. It was Ash, accompanied by Pikachu and Rosa, with Misty and Brock close behind.

"There you go, stealing my line again." Dawn's cheek puffed out.

"Then, we can call it even!" Ash winked, throwing an arm around Dawn. "Because you took my breath away, with that appeal!"

"You're so corny!" Dawn laughed, giving Ash a light punch in the arm.

"Seriously! Lopunny really delivered with that Dizzy Punch."

"Oh, that reminds me!" Dawn reached for her belt, grabbing a pokeball. "She should be here for the praise, too!" Dawn clicked the center button, letting Lopunny out.

"Lop!" Lopunny appeared, flexing her ears.

"You were perfect," Misty cooed. "Oh, those punches were great! Way to kick some ass out there!"

"Excellent job!" Brock agreed. "Your training really paid off… in fact…" Brock trailed off, gaining a mischievous smile. He crouched down, resting a hand atop his knee. "I'm sure all of that training with Pikachu was a big help. You should be proud!" With that prodding, Brock gently nudged Pikachu forward.

"Pika!?" What was Brock up to, here!? Already stumbling forward, Pikachu recovered his composure, walking up to Lopunny. The doctor did have a point, after all. "That attack really was amazing! You and Dawn really brought it home!"

"Ya liked that?" Lopunny brushed a paw past her ear, imitating how Dawn tended to do the same with her hair. "I was on freakin' fire!" Through all her bluster, though, she had been praised. And, it did make her fight-happy little heart melt. She fell into a more gentle tone. "You really were a big help, Pikachu. Thanks for toughening up with me!"

"Hey, it's nothing, really!" Pikachu dismissed, bashfully rubbing the back of his head. "I guess that means we're even, for helping us prepare for the league?"

"You know it!" Lopunny winked.

"In that case…" Pikachu paused, then held his paw high with a smile. "Cheers to some great teamwork!"

Lopunny held a paw to her mouth. That gesture… that was the 'high five' thing Ash and Dawn did, wasn't it!? Ruby eyes turned misty as she connected the dots. "To great teamwork!" Smiling widely, the normal type clapped paws with Pikachu!

Behind Pikachu, Lopunny caught a glimpse of Brock, who she was pretty sure had just winked and given her a thumbs up. She smiled. For a failed flirt, he was a pretty good wingman.

Watching the scene unfold, Dawn smiled to herself. 'After all that work, you deserve it, girl.'

"She was amazing," Ciara agreed, resuming the conversation. "And your score, Dawn…"

"It was too good! You'll move on to the next round, for sure," Larkspur agreed.

"Aw, come on," Dawn dismissed. "What about you two!? Your scores were great! We'll be right on up there, together!"

While the two proteges bashfully accepted their praise, Ash's expression turned stern. "No doubt. But, what about Glenda…? That appeal…"

"Her score was the highest of all," Dawn agreed. She suddenly felt the need to swallow thickly. "98… she certainly deserved it."

"Totally," Ash agreed. "But, the way she used Swift… I wonder how she did that!" Being able to soar like that, in battle… talk about a useful technique.

"Somehow, I feel like I've seen it, before," Dawn replied, her nose scrunching in thought.

"If you remember, will you tell me?" Ash pleaded.

"Slow down, will you? You can worry about your own moves after the festival," Misty reprimanded.

"Eheheh…" Ash ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed. He had gotten ahead of himself, there.

"I will," Dawn agreed, "no need to worry. But, more importantly, if you want inspiration…" With a bold gaze, Dawn gestured a thumb towards herself, a smile creeping up her lips. "Then, you better keep your eyes peeled, because I'll be taking the spotlight!"