The day of the Wallace Cup had finally arrived. With triumphant fanfare and streamers abound, the city was alive with celebration. Dawn and Ash walked among the crowd of contestants headed into the stadium that would serve as the battle grounds for today's contest. The crowd was amassed behind Wallace. Whoops and cheers for the Contest Master made Ash swear he was going to go deaf.

As Pikachu stood atop Ash's head, trying to keep a good eye out on everything that was happening, Ash grabbed Dawn's hand.

"You ready?" he double checked.

Dawn nodded, catching a glimpse of Ciara and Kenny walking together out of the corner of her eye. "I am." Ciara ducked and blushed at something Kenny had said, the boy laughing at her reaction. "I wonder if we'll see any other familiar faces!"

Soon, they were entering the arena. A gaggle of Nurse Joys-some rather young looking, reserves perhaps?-stood there, ready to register everyone for the Wallace Cup. Dawn spotted Larkspur among the crowd and felt a little comforted. That little fellow had done his best before.

"Well, I guess this is it." Ash patted Empoleon on his chest before giving Dawn a thumbs up. "I'll try to get a seat up close, okay? Do your best!"

"No need to worry!"

The spotlights focused in on Lilian as she gestured to the crowd. From where Ash sat, second row but dead center to the action, he grew anxious with eager anticipation.

"And, now-the man, the myth, the miraculous: Wallace!" One of the screens which would later enlarge the stage's contenders for the audience flashed with a particularly well staged photo of Wallace. He looked to be in the middle of a gym battle. "A Gym Leader!" Another photo flashed of him, this time holding a ribbon; particularly, it was the Aqua Ribbon. "A Champion! A Contest Master! You know him! You love him! Now, help me greet him. Here's-"

The audience finished for her. "WALLACE!"

With a terrific Dragon Pulse, Wallace's Milotic arose from the water. The crowd grew even wilder. This prompted Milotic to use Safeguard and then Twister. Just as the water was whipped up into a fury, so was the crowd. The serpent finished up its introduction with Aqua Ring. The move circled it before being burst. This ring of water hit the Twisters, quelling them as well.

At some point during all of this, Wallace had replaced Lilian on the stage. He drew back the crowd's attention just by being there after the water settled. With the sun's noon light glinting off the water, it only added to his dazzling appearance.

"Good afternoon, Kanto!" Wallace greeted.

The crowd yelled back fondly.

"It is my pleasure to host this year's Wallace Cup on Cinnabar Island!"

Meanwhile, behind the stage, the coordinators all reacted.

"Oh, isn't he a dreamboat?" Ember cooed.

For once, Dawn was in agreement with her. "His Milotic's graceful as ever…!"

Quijote nodded in agreement. "Truly, Wallace is the epitome of machoness with grace! Class with power! Action with aesthetics!"

Back on stage, Wallace was beginning to wrap up his introduction. "I am here to find out who has the most appeal in all of Kanto. Won't you show me?"

Lilian jogged back onto stage. "Thanks, Wallace! Now, contenders and audience, Wallace will be one of our guest judges for the evening! He will be joining Mr. Contesta, Mr. Sukizo, and the breeder Suzie!"

All three of the other judges waved.

"Now, let's begin!"

"A breeder named Suzie!?" Ash's eyes turned from Wallace at the mention of the name. "That sounds super familiar… Lemme see." Trying to ignore the waving hands and ear-splitting cheers, Ash narrowed his eyes to peer at the judges' stands. "Wallace, Contesta, Sukizo… Aha! It is her!"

"Pika-Pika~!" Pikachu jumped up on his trainer's head, prompting a yelp as the latter's red cap was pushed down over his face. His eyes sparkled at the sight of their old friend. A tall, porcelain-skinned, green-haired woman, wearing what he could only assume to be the highest fashion.

"Heyyy! Suzie!" "Pika-Pikachu!" The two shouted, waving over their heads to the judge.

Needless to say, they were drowned out by the crowds.

"Aw, she'll never hear us from here." Ash folded his arms over his chest. "She must've come a long way to be a Wallace Cup judge, though… We'll just have to catch up once things calm down, later!" Satisfied with his plan, the trainer smiled widely to himself. "For now, let's watch Dawn whoop some butt!"

"Aaaand, it looks like we're starting with our best foot forward! Put your hands together for our very first contestant; the winner of last year's Wallace Cup! It's Dawn!"

The curtains began to part, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Fans of the contest scene, old and new, were riled up for the hype of a former winner. Here and there, cheers of the Sinnohan girl's name erupted amongst the noise. For sure, it was a strong note to start on.

Greeted to throes of enthusiasm, Dawn herself ran out onto the small, grounded stage with the utmost energy and confidence. She felt a touch nervous, sure — as the opening act, who wouldn't? — but she'd worked hard to get here, today. Smiling widely, she twirled on the ball of her foremost foot.

"Empoleon~! Spotlight!" Dawn slung her Poké Ball backhanded into the air above her.

Climbing from his capsule's hold, Empoleon soared, striking a cool pose with both of his wings out. "Pol~!" Chirping proudly, he shone brilliant under the afternoon sun. A stylish landing beside Dawn poised Empoleon for the coming appeal. This was his final form's formal debut!

"Use Swords Dance!" Dawn commanded.

Clawed, fully developed talons pivoted with far more grace than anything a Prinplup could manage on their feet. Empoleon turned and danced, swinging around his mighty, steel-plated wings. Although he was more rigid than his round, bouncy first stage, or his awkward second, Empoleon was just that more sure and fluid in his movements.

It was a proud ballad. Teal light coated the ends of his wings, as each of their swings sent gentle ripples across the full length of the vast pool spanning the stadium. Even without touching the water, he stirred its interest; just as he was building quiet suspense from his watching audience.

Empoleon faced the pool, each of his wings crossed over his chest, temporarily hiding his grand tuxedo pattern with mighty blades. Brimming with power.

Dawn smirked, executing the same pose. "Now, let's do it! Steel Wing!"

Empoleon lashed out. Cleaving a cross into the pool's still waters that had profound, momentous results. Each slash in the water kicked up grand, climbing waves on either side of Empoleon. Cheers and cries of awe resounded. Each of the waves climbed several stories high!

"There's our cue!" Dawn beamed, gesturing to the air. "Ice Beam!"

A great leap backward allowed Empoleon to fire freezing, wide-reaching prongs of energy that dwarfed its use as Piplup or Prinplup in comparison. His new form allowed Ice Beam to climb high and wide; quickly coating the entirety of the two waves he himself had conjured.

The result brought on deafening shock.

"Check! It! Out! I was in awe at the size of those waves, folks, but I couldn't have seen this coming! Empoleon has made an icy stage of his own creation! I think that show of power, alone, might match her appeal, last time around!"

Each wave on either side was frozen solid; gargantuan, crystalline statues that only a great amount of finesse and power could have procured. But, if the only thing on display was just raw power… Well, this wouldn't be an appeal from Dawn Tsumura, would it?

"We're not stopping there! Let's make the most of it, Empoleon!"

"Pol!" Empoleon sprinted onto the ice, just as they'd rehearsed, many times over in the past week. Sharper talons offered traction on ice; a fully evolved Empoleon was fully suited for the tundra, after all. That gave him all the momentum he needed to lean and sprint towards one of the rising arches. Next, he dove onto his belly, sliding halfway up the slope.

Though he'd lost momentum, there was no need to worry! He tilted his body around so that he slid down the ramp, and shot right across the lowest dipping point of the slippery surface. His slipping and sliding carried him all the way up the second ramp. He was even able to get a little airtime, spinning around for another dive!

From Empoleon's point of view, it was like a joyride, right out of an amusement park. Vast sheets of white carried him on thrilling climbs and dives! This last slide was the most thrilling and dizzying so far; he was moving at full speed, and climbed the ramp almost immediately!

Gaining serious airtime, Empoleon spun to strike a cool pose, with one wing out, and another above his head. "Empolll~!"

"Wow, wow, wow! I didn't see it until now, but Empoleon's turned those waves into a serious half-pipe, as if he were skating! He looks like he's having a blast, up there!"

Down on the stage, Dawn smiled to herself. A cool breeze from the frozen stage basked over her; as a Sinnohan, it felt like home. Their appeal was going down perfectly! Now, there was just one more touch… "Do it, Empoleon! Whirlpool!"

After his last bout in the air, Empoleon shot down the slope for one last climb to the other side. Once he soared above the crowd one, final time, Empoleon flipped his wings upward. A rolling current was flung under him, and led toward the stage where Dawn stood. He rode the dipping tide on his back, carrying himself gracefully towards his trainer.

"Pol!" Graceful swings of his wings whipped the tide into a tightening whirlpool, which funneled him down and concealed him beside his trainer. Mist splashed off and made Dawn's blue locks bounce about, until a gallant pose broke Whirlpool.

Both Dawn and her starter bowed to the crowd.

"And, there you have it! What a grand and fun performance from Dawn and Empoleon! I almost wish I was skating those ramps right now, folks! But I don't think I'd have half the finesse her Empoleon did!"

Mr. Sukizo clapped adamantly. "The act Empoleon put on was remarkable!"

"I could tell this routine was tailored to this Pokémon," Mr. Contesta commented. "Using an Empoleon's affinity for the ice to make the most of this field was a fine move."

Suzie nodded her head. "The luster of the sun reflecting off the ice did a great job reflecting off Empoleon's shiny coat. It's clear that he's well taken care of, and thoroughly enjoyed himself!"

Wallace cast an approving smile to Dawn. "Pure simplicity weaving with awesome power, to make something of my aquatic stage that I never would have imagined, myself. You not only met my expectations for you, but surpassed them."

Wallace's words were nearly enough to bring Dawn to tears on stage. She held her composure, as Lilian wrapped up her act.

"I'd say that's a favorable review from our judges!" Lilian concluded. "Let's allow Dawn and Empoleon to rest, while we clear the stage for our next competitor!"

Smiling from ear to ear, Dawn dipped her head to bow dramatically to the crowd, turning to make her way backstage next. With all of that positive fervor, she was satisfied.

"We made a huge impression with that one!" Free of the public's eye, she pulled her large starter into a hug. "What do you think? Was that a good enough introduction for your final evolution?"

"Emmm-pol!" Empoleon said proudly, nuzzling his cold beak into Dawn's blue mane. Truthfully, after the fears kindled by Charizard, he'd somewhat feared that he'd become stoic, and lose his love of fun antics. But, with that skating performance… Well, what could be more fun!? And he'd shown his gallant strength, all in one neat performance.

"Now, let's get backstage and watch the rest of the appeals. They'll have to be pretty amazing to win the spotlight back from us." Dawn winked, walking the Pokémon back towards the locker room.

"Alright, Dawn!" Ash whistled, pumping a fist in the air. "Way to start the show!"

"Pika Pikaaa!" Pikachu hopped up and down in Ash's lap.

~Empoleon was SO COOL!~ Rosa cooed. ~Now, if you'll excuse me, this is way too loud.~ She tapped her Poké Ball, and immediately returned to it.

"Aha… Well, at least she stuck through Dawn's appeal. This place is pretty crowded." Ash laughed lightly, sympathetic for his child. "But, man. What an entrance. Honestly, I feel kind of bad for the Coordinators who have to follow their act. They're all gonna have to stack up to her."

"Next up is Ember!" Lilian announced. "Our Pinkan Princess!"

As the tall and slender young woman stepped out onto stage to a muted but positive reaction. Her little stage name, for some reason or another, only seemed to spark recognition from a small portion of the crowd, much to her ire.

"Chh. Whatever." She scowled, before quickly putting a stage-worthy smile back on. She twirled, calling on her Pokémon. "Cherubi, let's razzle dazzle 'em!"

The two-headed rosy berry appeared in a flash; residual light from her appearance reflecting off the pool's surface. They chirped a happy exclamation of their name before landing."Cheru~bi!"

"Alright, Cherubi!" Ember gleefully said, pointing towards their audience. "Use Sunny Day!"

Golden, glimmering sunlight formed over the pool, causing it to sparkle where the water crested. Cherubi stepped to the end of the stage, basking in the sunlight.

"Beautiful!" Ember squealed. "Now, go ahead and use Growth!"

Cherubi twirled, its leaf and smaller head swaying in the motion. As it did so, it also grew larger. In fact, Cherubi doubled in size just as quickly as it had spun around! The audience cooed at it, impressed.

"Now that you're large and in charge, give 'em a Solarbeam!"

Singing as it fired the attack, Cherubi stood before a pillar of light. "Cheru~bi!" The water sizzled, superheated by the sudden Solarbeam firing down at it. Through the steam, a faint rainbow could be seen from Cherubi's Sunny Day.

Ember rushed forward, scooping Cherubi up before waving at the audience. "Hehehe, yeah, you did it, Cherubi!"

Lilian took over here. "Well, what a sunny disposition for a summery appeal!"

Suzie furrowed her brows. "That's a petite but pretty Cherubi to go with an equally petite trainer…"

Mr. Contesta crossed his arms in satisfaction. "You've got my blood boiling, but in a good way!"

Suziko decided to go with his trued and true, "remarkable!"

"Sun and surf are a classic combination, though your routine is a bit, well, routine," Wallace said, his praise mixed with criticism.

"Well, Ember and her Cherubi certainly warmed up to the judges… at least, most of them! Let's give them a round of applause!"

"We have another trainer from across the sea! And this one's a special case — a protege to the very namesake of the Wallace Cup — Wallace, himself! Let's see if Brendan lives up to the hype!"

Stepping onto the stage, the multi-talented Trainer waved to the audience. Carrying himself with all the energy and gusto of a showman, but a smirk befitting the most confident and hot-blooded of trainers. Leaping back off the ball of his foot, he slung his Poké Ball backhanded.

"Rhyperior, it's showtime!"

The gargantuan, armored Pokémon was summoned in mid-air, and came crashing down to the stage with all of his weight. The stadium beneath and around him trembled. Rippling waters expanded outwards across the pool from his presence alone. A strong entrance.

"Sandstorm!"

Rhyperior raised its hands, whipping up a heavy sandstorm. Soon, the audience was blinded by it, visually cut off from what was happening with Brendan and his Rhyperior. Their baffled cries were not lost on the trainer.

Though, Brendan worried not; it was all a part of his plan. Shrouded in his veil, he was able to work in privacy. Only thuds and splashes were able to give away the results of his voice commands. "Stone Edge! Rock Blast!"

After a short time-worryingly long for his fans, who knew it was risky to not let the judges see his Pokémon perform-the sand died down.

Before him, a makeshift zen garden had been created in the water. Massive stones from the Stone Edge jutted out of the water while smaller trails formed from Rock Blast trailed between the 'mountains'. The rivers of sand flowed beautifully, clinging to the top of the water.

Most importantly, Rhyperior was at the edge of the tainted pool, carefully raking at the sand-flooded water with his claws as if he were genuinely tending to a zen garden. Brendan stood beside his Pokémon, rubbing under his nose and looking proud.

Wallace looked devastated. Brendan had done this on purpose, he was sure of it! "It was a clever way to get in work and give off an air of mystery… But, it completely ruined the pool! Still… Excellent craftsmanship from your Pokémon."

Mr. Suziko looked upset just because Wallace was. "It was remarkably transformative."

"You took an element that wouldn't have worked with you and made it your ally," Mr. Contesta nodded before grinning. "Impressive."

Suzie looked perplexed before laughing. "Well, that's one way to make a way when there is none! It takes a very well cared for Rhyperior to pull that off!"

Lilian took over then. "Well, that was a colorful appeal from Brendan and his Rhyperior! Why don't you all give them a round of applause before we go into a short intermission. We need to clean the pool out from… All of this."

"Well, I guess we've got a minute… And I could really use a drink." As much as Dawn didn't want to admit it, being the first to perform had been just a little unnerving. She felt parched. Enough reason to slip out of the gathering of Coordinators, and down the hall.

The path forward was unnervingly quiet and empty, for such a large event. Dawn could only hear one other set of steps, besides her own. Rounding the corner, she jumped back; she'd almost run into Brendan! "H-hey!"

"Ha! My bad." The taller coordinator grinned, waving a hand dismissively. "Funny running into you, here."

"It's cool," Dawn dismissed. "...Say, that appeal of yours was amazing! I didn't expect something so… Well, calm from you!"

"You were expecting something loud and cool, right?" Brendan asked with a hint of amusement. "Yeah, that'd normally be me. But, it's good to mix things up a bit and have the crowd in suspense. Catch 'em off guard! And, speaking of being caught off-guard… Well, credit where it's due! Your Empoleon was a whole different animal, today. I guess it's a good thing we battled last week. Convinced you to shoot for evolution?"

"Well, that part was actually his idea. After we lost to you, I think he wanted to take things up a notch, and went about it himself. I wasn't lying when we said we'd reinvent ourselves." She smirked.

"You sure weren't!" Brendan agreed.

"...Oh, right. Wallace sounded pretty mad, huh. He even spoke up first for your appeal, instead of last! If I were you…"

"Pssh." Brendan laughed, leaning up against the hallway wall, with one knee folded over the other. "Dawn, my friend, that was no accident."

"No accident!?" She echoed. "What does that mean!?"

"Means I ticked him off on purpose." Looking up to find a look of absolute shock on Dawn's face, he grinned. Just the reaction he'd hoped for. "He made such a big point of how he wasn't going to go easy on me, or play favorites. No coddling, yadda yadda yadda. I mean, like I'd even ask for that! So, I thought I'd be a little petty and throw the worst type of appeal at him. An inconvenient one that's so good, he couldn't possibly shoot it down."

Dawn cupped her hands over her mouth in shock. At a loss for words…! At least, for a brief moment. "I couldn't even imagine Wallace being upset with me…! I think I'd die."

Brendan dismissively waved his hand. "That star appeal wears off, once you spend enough time being someone's workhorse. He's a great mentor and all, but he's still just a guy."

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Dawn answered coldly. "...I've honestly never had a mentor, myself. Mom never tutored me, because she didn't want me to follow her style too closely." Which, in all honesty, definitely would've happened. She was the best, naturally!

"Y'know, I don't think you're the type to even take a mentor," Brendan remarked.

"H-hey!" Dawn's cheek puffed out. "What does that mean!?"

Smiling, Brendan shook his head, and walked past Dawn. "Just means you've got a strong personality."

Dawn watched him leave, hunched over just a bit. "Whatever." Hands on her hips, she pointedly kept walking. The rest of the trek was lonely, until she could make out the vending machines in the main halls. To her astonishment, there was already someone in line. It was none other than…! "Ash!?"

"Huh?" As the rattling sound of a can dropping into the bottom of the machine sounded, the young man carrying a Pikachu and Riolu looked over. "Oh, hey, Dawn!" He already had one can in hand. As he scooped up the second one, he tossed the first to the Coordinator.

She reached out and frantically juggled it, coming just short of dropping it before the cool metallic can settled in her hands. "Phew… Hey, yourself. What's this about?"

"Oh, we were just thirsty. I figured after putting on that dynamite appeal, you'd be a little thirsty, too. See? It's even your favorite flavor!"

Dawn looked down at the can, even as she absently flipped the lid, to the sound of a loud 'hiss.' It was strawberry soda… How much attention had he been paying!? She flushed, tilting the can to drink the sweet beverage. After sticking out her tongue at the fizz, she smiled. "Oh, I am definitely treating you to some good food, with the prize money."

"Aw, don't be silly!" Ash laughed, raising his free hand. "You don't have to do anything."

Dawn blinked. "...Well, okay. I guess I'll just find some accessories—"

"Wait, wait!" Ash panicked. "I wasn't being serious. Yeah, treating me sounds fine!"

"You should say what you mean." Dawn giggled. "...It really was awesome, though, wasn't it?"

On cue, a flash of light exploded from her belt. Empoleon appeared, chin up, and ready for adoring praise. "Emmmpol!"

"You know it was!" Ash laughed, walking over to pat the penguin on the shoulder. "Designing an appeal around Empoleon's recent love of sliding on ice was a brilliant idea. You've always been about your Pokémon having fun on stage. And the power it had…!"

Ash pulled back, while Pikachu and Prinplup abandoned Ash's shoulders to land on either side of Empoleon's. They chirped their own praises, which he positively ate up

"That, I should thank Brendan for," Dawn finished. "I know Empoleon was strong, but it wasn't until we got beaten down that I saw how much further we could go. "That's why we picked up Swords Dance, after all… It worked for the appeals. I just hope it'll make a difference, if we face him."

"It will." Ash smiled fondly, as if he didn't have a care in the world. "You and him are sure to face off at some point, I bet. There's no way you two aren't getting past the appeal rounds; from over in the audience, you two have kinda drowned out the audience's hype from everyone else. I almost feel kind of bad."

"Well, it's the judges that make the call in Contests," Dawn corrected. "But, I have high hopes, too. I'm curious to see what Ciara and Kenny have in store for us, too!"

A loud 'ding' interrupted their conversation, as Lilian's voice sounded over the intercom.

"Attention, all Coordinators and audience members! The pool has been returned to its pristine state, and as such, Appeals will continue in just a minute! Please return to your suiting places, as soon as possible!"

Ash looked off towards the intercom. "...Well, I guess that's that."

"Yeah," Dawn smiled, brushing a bang away from her cheek. "I'll see you when it's over?"

"Sure will," Ash laughed. "Go and knock 'em dead… by… sitting around and waiting to see your face on that screen!" Even if the sentiment was silly, Ash didn't hesitate to hold a hand above his head.

Dawn didn't really care what his reason was, for offering it. As if on reflex, she leaned forward to smack her palm against his. "I'll do my best and look picture-perfect for it."

"As if. You're already the prettiest one there!" Ash offered after turning away, allowing Pikachu and Rosemary to hop back onto his shoulders. With him walking away, Dawn could overhear one last hushed exchange:

"You think that was good, Pikachu…?"

"Pika!"

Dawn ignored the red touching her cheeks, and smiled, walking back towards the Coordinator's lounge. Sipping her sweet strawberry drink, all the while.

"And now, time for our next contestant! Put your hands together for the illustrious Quijote!"

The haughty coordinator made a dramatic, dashing entrance, tossing his Poké Ball into the air with vigor. "Aggron, show them your splendor!"

Like Brendan before him, Quijote unleashed a hulking, armored giant of a Pokémon.

"Use Heavy Slam!"

And like the former Coordinator, Quijote made use of that mass. A silver, translucent sheen coated Aggron's body, as he came down with a ferocious roar. "Gron!"

The stage began to shake and tremble, sending wave after wave over the disturbed waters.

Ash clutched the sides of his seat all the way up in the stands. He felt his teeth chattering involuntarily. "H-hey, Pikachu… Is it just me, or is the whole stadium shaking?"

"Pika-Pika…!" The mouse's ears stood acute. He could, indeed, feel the trembles.

That was worrying.

"Now, show them might beyond compare, with Dragon Rush!"

Needless to say, an Aggron launching itself across an open pool of water wasn't a terribly brilliant idea. Instead, the bulky Pokémon turned to dip his iron-clad tail in the water. The Pokémon let out another metallic cry, his entire body becoming coated in a blazing teal aura.

The draconian power surged through the waters, kicking up a horizontal cyclone that roared from one end of the pool to the other. It soon crested in a crash against the arena walls, parting with a boom.

Split waters ran straight across the aquatic arena, earning a combination of whoops and shouts.

"Thank you! Thank you." Quijote leaned and bowed; drawing just as much attention to himself as his Aggron.

"What sheer force from Quijote and Aggron! Let's hear what the judges think!"

Suzie went first. "A great way of showing off the brutal nature of a Steel-type. Not to mention, it has quite a lustrous, healthy coat!"

Then, Mr. Contesta. "A bit straightforward… But I can say for certain it'll be remembered for its strength."

Mr. Sukizo, next. "Earth-shaking, and remarkable!"

Wallace hummed. "You stayed true to the nature of an Aggron. Simple, but beautiful in its strength, and you used the arena to show that quality well. Well done."

Though the trainer could have made a bit less of a show of himself, he mentally noted.

Finding his own criticism to be the praise of Wallace himself, Mr. Contesta sheepishly adjusted his bowtie. That was at least a tiny bit humiliating.

"And, there you have it! On to our next contestant!"

"Next up is the daughter of some of Kanto's Fire-type specialist breeders: Ciara, of Scissor Street!" Lilian introduced.

Between Ciara's sweet disposition and her slowly blossoming title among her peers, she had gained some fans. They clapped for her, delighted that she was participating despite her clear disadvantage on the stage. The claps turned to coos when the girl walked onto stage.

She frowned, tugging at her collar. Something seemed to have made her uncomfortable, but she persisted. Once more, a bolder voice commanded her venue. "Ponyta! Charm up!"

The crowd's collective smile turned to confusion upon seeing Ciara's Ponyta. The poor pale colt's flames burned low, completely yellow. His knees shook and he looked weak. Despite this, Ciara smiled at him. Whispers began to spread throughout the crowd. Even the judges look worried.

Ciara remained calm, though. "Use Fire Spin!"

Mustering up strength that betrayed his fatigued looks, Ponyta stomped down. A spiral of flames jumped up from his hooves, cloaking him in it. The wall of fire roared loudly in the midst of all the silence in the contest hall on water.

It erupted into applause once the Fire Spin was snuffed out by none other than Ponyta himself-or, rather, what he had become: Rapidash!

"Good job, boy!" Ciara praised. Asking him to hold back on his evolution had been a tall order, but the wear it took on his body to hold back the transformation was worth it. Would anyone else be able to pull off such a feat during the appeals? She was certain to pass onto the next round, she knew it! "Now, use Agility!"

This was the move they had spent so long trying to master. The judges looked on with worry as Rapidash ran straight for the pool-but kept above it! For those that looked closely, they would see a pink glow under Rapidash's hooves. He had mastered the psychic element of the move and used it to propel himself over the water as well as increase his speed.

As a result, the magnificently new stallion was able to canter over the water in long, graceful strides.

"Flame Charge!"

The speed was increased and Rapidash was bathed in flame. Bursts of embers fell behind him, sizzling upon coming into contact with the water. He ran around and around, kicking up water behind him as his canter turned into a full gallop.

"Poison Jab!"

Flexing his muscular neck, the stallion tucked his head in, jabbing at the water he had kicked up. It immediately turned purple. He skidded, causing a crest of water to trail after him. He quickly turned and used his new horn to stab at it, turning that purple as well. It stood between him and the audience and glowed for it, his mane and tail illuminating the brief display.

With that finished, Rapidash quickly cantered back to Ciara's side. The girl petted her fire type's muzzle as the crowd whistled and cheered.

Mr. Contesta spoke up first. "That was a little risky for the Pokémon to restrain evolution through sheer force, but his thriving energy and command, afterwards, tell me that you assured your Pokémon was well cared for!"

Suziko was practically standing in his chair. "Magnificent! A fiery, passionate performance! You and your Pokémon were remarkable!"

Suzie paused before answering, a finger held to her lip. She was, perhaps, a bit more conservative. "I worry this might start an unfortunate trend of staving off evolution unnaturally… But you, yourself, clearly handled him well. I'll warn those not as skilled to not try this maneuver and praise you for it, instead."

Wallace nodded. "Our Guest Judge, Suzie, is right. What you did is risky-only a trainer with a deep bond with their Pokémon and knowledge of their limits should try." The man cocked his head and laughed. "Luckily, I would safely say that you fit that category!"

Ciara blushed and bowed before hurriedly leading Rapidash off stage.

Lilian spoke up once more. "Well, the competition is heating up! Let's have one last cheer for Ciara and her Rapidash!"

"Next up, is Larkspur, from Celadon City! What will he and his green thumb bring to the table, today?"

Walking onto the stage, the messy-haired boy tugged at his comparatively neat and proper ensemble. Placing his tie nervously into place. "Bellossom! Go!"

Taking the stage, the little grass type curtsied after being released from her Poké Ball. "Lossom!"

"Let's use… M-Magical Leaf!"

Bellossom conjured a decorative gale of glowing emerald, casting them delicately across the pool. Next, she stepped out onto the leaves dotting the water's surface. They bowed ever so slightly under her weight, but each step was so light and flighty that she succeeded in moving forth. Taking careful, graceful steps like a ballerina.

"Exemplary!" Larkspur praised. "Now, use Petal Blizzard!"

Under the faint, now natural moonlight, Bellossom twirled. A thick curtain of flowing petals was brought into play. Some of the petals whisked around, playing with the edges of Bellossom's skirt. She looked merry and whimsical, like a woodland sprite!

A tentative smile worked up Larkspur's lips. The appeal was going just as he'd planned! "Now! Leaf Blade!"

A giant, glowing green sword appeared at the end of Bellossom's hand. She swung it, cutting through her Petal Blizzard. The pink petals fell to the surface of the water, coating it beautifully.

"Splendid! Now, come back and clean up with Magical Leaf!"

Dancing back towards her trainer, Bellossom allowed the Leaf Blade to disappear from her grasp. Underneath her, the Magical Leaves she was done stepping on scooped up the petals. As she reached Larkspur's happy embrace, her adornments flew away into the night sky.

Mr. Contesta was first. "A minimalist, but enjoyable show. Bellossom showed a great deal of grace and control!"

Mr. Sukizo went next, surprising nobody. "A sight for sore eyes, and remarkable!"

Suzie cooed. "Bellossom's petals were so bright and lovely! And the strength and vibrance of her Leaf Blade… Deceptively powerful, for such a gentle-looking Pokémon! She's well-raised."

"A veritable water ballet, prepared on a bite-sized scale for our audience's enjoyment. A wonderful way to play to the strengths of a Grass-type Pokémon, accommodating to our venue. Bellossom's talent has not gone unnoticed."

Larkspur bowed politely, as Bellossom curtsied.

"Well, there you have it! I'd say we're having a nice and exciting balance of grand, striking appeals, and ones that calm and soothe our hearts! Let's hear it for Larkspur and Bellossom!"

"I think it's safe to say our contestants are giving us a day to remember!" Lilian shouted, rallying the crowd with the hand holding her microphone thrown in the air. Echoed by a chorus of cheers, she continued. "And we're down to our very last competitor, but definitely not least! Coming all the way from Sinnoh, the suave and sturdy, Kenny!"

The chestnut-haired teenager ran onto the stage, earning a muffled, quiet reaction. No one in Kanto had even seen this guy before. It seemed that, unless you had history at the cup, coming from another region didn't do a coordinator any favors.

But, Kenny wasn't about to be deterred. Holding a Poké Ball in a tight grip, he grinned before tossing it with all the conviction one would expect of someone who hadn't walked into a silent stadium. "Empoleon! Time to take center stage, with Mist!"

The Emperor Pokémon, tall and proud, emerged from his Poké Ball, parting his beak wide to spray a vast, frosty cloud of mist across the large body of water. Water vapor blanketed the pool, obscuring the arena much like a foggy lake. Without a doubt, it was a potent start.

A few cheers and some chatter could be heard. That display certainly required a good deal of power!

"Now, blow that away, with Flash Cannon!" Kenny ordered with a wide smile, pointing forward.

"Pol~!" Empoleon cried, throwing his wings out as he fired a booming ray of silver, metallic energy from his mouth. A wide sweep of his head blasted the mist from the pool, quickly clearing the arena in an impressive burst of power. Meanwhile, the clearing water glistened from Flash Cannon.

"Good! Now, follow up with Bubblebeam!" Kenny followed, throwing a hand upward.

Empoleon began to spin, firing a dense, swirling cluster of glistening bubbles into the sky. Residual glitter from Flash Cannon lived on in the bubbles like a gigantic kaleidoscope.

Kenny watched on with confidence, a fist clenched tight. Everything was going according to plan. Of course, now it was time to wrap things up and really win the masses' favor. "Don't put all of your effort to waste, Empoleon! Hydro Pump!"

The Water-type reared his head back, and let an unstoppable jet rip across the bubbly tides. A water cannon powerful enough to burst the hanging foam as if it were bubble rap; cracking and popping in a wide span. And yet, Empoleon didn't recoil from the force even an inch.

From behind, Kenny smiled with a hand on his hip. Empoleon had full command of his might.

The wide-fanning spray ended, and glistening foam and water particles scattered to the sky, under the afternoon sun.

Pokémon and trainer alike then bowed.

"What an exciting performance from Kenny and Empoleon! Let's hear what the judges have to say about this determined duo!" Lilian announced, lending a raised hand to the judges' table.

A smile picked up on the creases of Mr. Contesta's cheeks. "Plenty of power and passion in your display!"

Suziko gave his usual. "Enrapturing, and remarkable!"

Suzie gave a nod of approval. "Kenny's appeal really showed off Empoleon's control! It's clearly fit, well cared for, and an expert with its elements!"

Wallace clapped, a gleam in his turquoise eyes. "You did an excellent job of showing your Empoleon's strength, shrouding it in mystery before truly showing its appeal! An excellent use of the arena, as well. Well done."

"Even as an outsider, Kenny has generated plenty of favor from the judges! Let's hear it for him and Empoleon!" Lilian concluded, followed by whoops and cheers from about the stadium.

"The way he showed Empoleon off…" Dawn said to no one in particular, though Empoleon stood beside her, next to the benches. "Kenny really put his power on full display." It was a rather different type of appeal; even if both showed their might, hers was playful and dynamic. As her appeals often were. Kenny's was sturdy, and powerful. Holding his ground to change the stage around him.

"It was something, wasn't it?" Ciara's voice piped up, back to being meek as always. She slid in beside Dawn. "He's sure to make it through the appeals; both of you are. I just hope…"

"Oh, don't be silly!" Dawn cut that doubt off before it could be spoken. "Yours was amazing! I'm sure all three of us will—"

"Attention, Coordinators and audience, alike! The judges have made their decision! Please direct your attention to any monitor present, and you'll see all the talented faces who have made it to the second round!"

Lilian's voice came over the intercom, drawing the attention of every Coordinator backstage to the monitor hoisted on the ceiling.

First . . . was Dawn's face!

"Yes!" Dawn cheered, bunching up her fists.

"Pol! Empol!"

Another boy's face appeared, and after that was Ember. Dawn couldn't deny that there was a certain feeling of distaste within her, seeing her advance, but a rival was a rival.

Several more faces Dawn had only seen during the appeals came, and after them was Brendan. Dawn looked over her shoulder, and saw Brendan leaning against a locker, confident and cool as could be. As if he hadn't even questioned the outcome.

Next was Quijote. "Well, it's only natural," Dawn heard him boast from the other side of the room.

Immediately after him was . . . Ciara!

The lavender-haired girl squeaked. "I made it!"

"Duh, you made it!" Dawn beamed, taking her hand. "Now, we get to fight in the battle rounds, together!" Now, that just left a couple of other Coordinators she knew…

After a young woman appeared on screen, Larkspur was next. Dawn looked over, and he was fiddling contentedly with his tie. She smiled.

One after another, five more faces appeared on the board. None of them immediately recognizable to her. The Sinnohan balled up her fists in her lap. Where on earth was he…!? She looked off to the side, where Kenny stood. With furrowed brows, he looked just as nervous as she was.

Finally, Kenny's face appeared on screen!

"Nice!" Dawn hopped out of her seat, walking over to her old friend. "Heh, talk about a close call, right? Now we all get to compete together!"

"...Heh! Wasn't worried at all." Kenny smirked, folding his arms. Was the bead of sweat rolling down his cheek, now, noticeable? He certainly hoped that the lighting would conceal it.

"It's… not as if you had reason to be," Ciara piped up, joining them. "Congratulations, though."

Kenny smiled, and was about to open his mouth to say something, when a shrill shriek made all three Coordinators wince.

"You little dweeb! You, like, totally stole my appeal!" Ember chastised another poor soul, who happened to be a very baffled-looking Larkspur. "Wait 'till the judges hear about this. Your ass is, like, toast."

"B-but… What was it, Ember, Miss?" The boy frowned, tugging on his tie. "That's… completely absurd-"

"Chyeah, don't even bother! I know what I'm talking about." She wantonly wagged a finger in the boy's face. "The guilt's written, like, all over your face."

"What are you even talking about?" Dawn stepped up to the scene, scrunching her nose at Ember. "All the two of you did is use the same type of Pokémon. Larkspur brought out Bellossom's charm in a completely different way than you did with Cherubi."

"Ugh, butt out, you!" Ember snapped back. "No wonder you'd jump to cover for him. I bet you, like, totally stole Kenny's idea to use Empoleon!"

"What was that!?" Dawn snapped, her face burning red. "I'll have you know-"

"Were you even listening to Dee- Dawn?" Kenny got in Ember's face, with his hands on each of his hips. Scowl, and all. "First of all, she went before I did. Second, our Empoleon didn't even use the same appeal style. Get your snobby nose out of my rival's face, and quit embarrassing yourself."

"...Kenny." Dawn blinked. His intervention had, admittedly, caught her completely off-guard.

Looking back, he sent something of a sheepish smile, before yet another annoyance decided to chime in.

"Ladies, and gentlemen! Please. Calm yourselves." Quijote drew attention to himself, palms upturned upward in an airy way. His smarmy smirk plastered on, as it usually was. "All the thievery in the world is completely pointless; you weren't even trying to steal from the grandest Coordinator, here!"

Kenny's eyes had rolled enough to make a Voltorb jealous, by the time Ember scoffed.

"Ugh, Quijote! Like, who do you think you're talking to!?"

The young adult began to sweat, brow creasing as he just realized his folly with Ember. "Well-"

"The most feeble Whismur often bark the loudest." Standing off to the side, Brendan finally made a contribution. Although he hadn't bothered to move from his lounging spot, his expression was stern and cutting.

Quijote grimaced, running a hand through his slick, brunet hair. "Do we have a problem?"

"You bet I have a problem." Brendan marched over, frowning. "Wallace is throwing a quality event, and blowhards are making a joke out of it. Grow up." He challenged Quijote's gaze, boldly and unwavering.

"Well, I never…!"

"Um… Miss Dawn?" Larkrspur spoke up, ignoring the scene going on behind them. "Thank you for interjecting with your analysis. It was… very helpful."

"Oh, it's no problem!" Dawn cooed happily. "Anyone who overlooks a Pokémon's real charm is missing something. I wasn't going to let Ember, or anyone else forget that."

"...Wow." The boy blinked. Wide blue hues focused on the older girl with some sort of awe. "You're… just as articulated as you are skilled."

"Well-articulated?" Dawn made a face, hiding her confusion behind a bashful smile. That wasn't often a phrase people used with her. "...Say. Have you ever considered using a catchphrase?"

"A… catchphrase?" Larkspur parroted.

"Yeah! Like mine, or Ciara's, or Kenny's. They help the crowd remember your face, and get excited for your Pokémon to strut their stuff! It helps you both build an image!"

"Dee-dee's right," Kenny agreed, although she rolled her eyes at the nickname. "Your Bellossom is talented, but there's no reason to hide that behind a plain presentation. Make a name for yourself!"

"I'd… just imagine that to be quite embarrassing." Larkspur poked his fingers together. "It may not catch on…"

"Well, you can't get anywhere if you don't get your feet wet!" Dawn beamed.

"...I'll consider it." Larkspur smiled politely, bowing to the two experienced coordinators. "Thank you."

With the appeals over and done with, Wallace Cup's opening round was convened for the day. Tomorrow, the battle rounds would resume, allowing Coordinators a day of rest, in the meantime.

Dawn had taken the very first opportunity to find a local cafe within the dome, accompanied by Kenny, Ciara, and of course, Ash. Seated at a round table, the four of them had already gotten their grub. Nearby, their Pokémon gathered with a lunch of their own.

Ash pointedly looked left, right, and center. "So! Am I gonna have to be the one to say it…?"

The three Coordinators simply stared. Dawn was first to speak up. "Huh? Say what?"

"Congratulations! C'mon." He grinned, smacking his hands down on the table, making it rattle. "All of you made it through the appeal rounds. That's reason to celebrate, ain't it?"

"I'll… admit I was nervous," Ciara said, after slurping on her soda. "I'm glad that the appeal was well-received, but the judges made me think… Did I truly treat Rapidash right?"

"Ciara— of course you did!" Dawn replied. "You saw how healthy and powerful he looked after evolving. If you'd overdone it, that wouldn't have happened, right? Rapidash held on because he wanted to… Like Empoleon used to."

"Pol…?" Empoleon cocked his head upon hearing his name from a short distance. When the conversation didn't carry on about him, he stopped paying attention.

"If you'd mistreated her, there's no way a Pokémon Breeder would've given you a pass," Kenny reasoned. "You'd be out of the running, and you'd know it. But, you're not!"

"Yeah! What Dawn and Kenny said." Ash agreed enthusiastically. "C'mon. You really made waves with something unique!"

"Ughhh. C'mon, Ash." Kenny groaned at the pun, while Dawn giggled.

Ciara shook her head, keeping her disapproval to herself. "Speaking of unique," she resumed, "Do… you two feel odd about the accusations you got?" She looked between Dawn and Kenny. "About your appeals being too similar?"

"Not a bit," Kenny spoke up first. "We had the same starter. What were we supposed to do — put aside our prized partners?"

"It's really just Ember being Ember," Dawn dismissed. "She's still caught on the idea that we-"

"Agh! C'mon!" Ash groaned. His hand was covered in ketchup, from his little carton of fries. "Pikachu," he whined at his partner who'd already departed. "It's fine if you wanted some ketchup and fries for yourself, but you didn't have to drown mine in it!"

Back with the gang, Pikachu whistled a guilty tune and looked away.

"No need to worry," Dawn said, scooting out from her chair. "Just stay put, Ash. I'll get you some napkins."

"Thanks, ba— Thanks, Dawn." Ash quickly corrected himself, conscious of his company.

"Hmm." Kenny grunted. That wasn't the only thing his ears caught onto. The loud sound of slurping on nothing but ice echoed from Ciara's cup. Realizing this, she'd blushed. "...Hey, you're out, Ciara? Lemme get you a refill."

"Oh! Um… thank you." Ciara handed him her cup.

Kenny took it, and jogged to catch up with Dawn; Ciara and Ash had provided the perfect excuse for them to talk one on one, for the first time since they'd been here. And, as always… he was chasing her back. Even though he'd started his journey first. Even though he'd declared intentions to surpass her, back in Sandalstraw. Here he was; not trying to win her over. He'd read the writing on the wall. But to just… even carry a normal conversation with her.

He'd caught up, and Dawn looked over her shoulder. "Huh? Kenny?"

He laughed, sheepishly holding up Ciara's cup. "Heh. Refill."

"...Oh. Makes sense." She accepted his company, but had little else to say as they carried on their walk towards the vendor. A torturously quiet and awkward walk that Kenny was quickly regretting.

He looked down at the tiled floor. Doing so, he felt pathetic, and breached for a topic. Coughing, to buy himself a moment. "... So, Ember, huh?"

"Ugh. She's such a pain!" Dawn pointedly stomped a foot as she walked. Finding a common enemy and frustration was the easiest route to talking, it seemed. Which, really, lined up with Dawn, as long as he'd known her.

Kenny recalled with clarity how she and Leona used to band together and beat up kids who bothered them on the playground. She liked roughhousing and trading barbs, didn't she?

"I bet you she's projecting," Kenny added, piling on the small success. "Probably ripped off someone else before, and looks for it around every corner."

Insulting and gossiping was, really, falling back into old habits, for better or worse.

"I'd say that's pretty likely," Dawn agreed. "Speaking of her… I wonder what that whole 'Pinkan Princess' thing is about. That's the second time I've heard Lilian call her that."

"I've read about her," Kenny answered. "She comes from a legacy family that funds the Pinkan Island preserve. It's a place where a certain berry on the island turns the Pokémon who eat it pink."

"Oh, that sounds awesome!" Dawn cooed. "I wonder what those Pokémon all look like…!"

"Heh, yeah," Kenny agreed. "Ember herself doesn't seem particularly special," he shrugged.

"Well, she's somewhat talented. She's just… a huge pain."

"Must just be super-spoiled to have an attitude like that," Kenny added, shaking his head. "She couldn't relate to us Twinleaf Kids." They'd reached the counter, but had come to a halt, caught up in their conversation.

"Ehe, yeah." Dawn giggled. "...Ugh, and don't even get me started on Quijote."

"I just met the guy, and he's a grade-A jerk," Kenny spat.

"Tell me about it." Dawn rolled her eyes. "He's got this whole macho attitude that he puts on, and postures like he's stronger than women." She leaned against the concession stand, and didn't seem to notice Kenny flinching at all. "He'd talk to me like I was some kind of wallflower to walk around, even though I bet I could knock him on his butt. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's not being taken seriously." She sighed. That'd been enough to get the furor out of her system, it seemed, as she returned to smiling. "...You know?"

"...Uh. Yeah." Kenny backed away, going to any lengths to avoid eye contact as he refilled Ciara's cup in the beverage dispenser. "Yeah. I get it, Dawn." He felt lower than dirt, and made a quick pace back towards the table.

"...Kenny?" Dawn blinked. Why was he just…? What was his problem!? "Ugh!" She stomped, roughly snatching a pile of napkins out of the basket. She marched her way back, red in the face.

"Here, Ash." She practically shoved the bundled up napkins at Ash.

He blinked at her, but took them anyway. "Thanks." He wiped off his hands, balling up the used napkins before slinging them over his shoulder into a wastebasket. Kenny, himself, hadn't said a word beyond Ciara's name since he'd returned. After she'd settled in, Dawn didn't seem to have much on her mind, either.

Ciara went back to swiftly slurping down her drink in discomfort.

"...Hey, so!" Ash elected to be the one to break the silence, raising his cup. "I propose a toast! To you guys in the battle rounds, tomorrow!"

Neither Dawn nor Kenny were willing to admit their discomfort, and in their pride, played along to raise their own. Finally, Ciara found the confidence to do the same. No cheers of enthusiasm followed; only the rustling of broken up ice in half-finished drinks.

"It looks like Brendan is going to be the guy to beat, this time around," Dawn finally spoke up.

"H-hey! Don't forget me," Ciara pouted. "I haven't trained this hard for nothing."

"That's right!" Dawn smiled, finally. "Loving that confidence." Though, her blue eyes darted to Kenny, who'd said nothing. "...What? No talk of how you're gonna kick my butt?"

"...Huh?" Kenny blinked. Wherever his mind was, it was certainly elsewhere. He shrugged his shoulder. "I'll let my skills do the talking."

"Like Brendan said?" Ciara added.

Kenny winced, but nodded, slurping on his drink. "Hm."

"One thing's for sure." Ash smirked, his hands once again hitting the table. "It's gonna be intense."

Most of the rest of the day had been spent on leisure. After a trying appeal around and a somewhat confusing lunch, Ash and Dawn had taken to playing with their Pokémon and catching some sun. It was good for the nerves. After dinner, though, it was time, once more, to train.

That led the two trainers and their accompanying Pokémon a path back into the woods. Ash and Dawn took the opportunity to link their hands together. Occasionally giving the other's palm a squeeze, just because they now could.

"So, Dawn! Dawny…? Dawnaroo?" Ash prattled off, scrunching his nose in thought.

"Ew! Not 'Dawny," Dawn stuck out her tongue.

"Yeah, that was bad," Ash agreed. "...Babe! Super-strong-and-gorgeous? Nah, I'll bite my tongue on it. Miss Top Coordinator!"

"I haven't even won a cup, yet," Dawn managed through giggles. "What is with you, right now!?"

"Just trying to make you smile! It's my job to make sure you're in a good headspace, for tomorrow."

"You're so goofy," she chastised, shoving his arm. But the cheer leaking into her voice betrayed any real gripes she had with it. "Thanks. But, there's no need to worry!"

"You know that's when I worry the most," Ash added, as was tradition. "I noticed that Kenny seemed really weird after you two got up earlier. What was that all about…?"

By now, they'd found a suitable clearing.

"Puh-lease!" Dawn scoffed. "It's not my fault if Kenny's going to act weird. I'm here to show off my Pokémon's charm! And so far, I've succeeded." Now in the center of the open grass, she stopped in her tracks. "Do you really wanna help?" She asked, turning to lean into Ash. Close enough, that her breath grazed his cheek, even through her coy smile.

"...Uh? Yeah?" Ash sputtered out. He felt heat flooding his cheeks.

Dawn whispered her answer. "Battle me so I can kick some Wallace Cup butt." She punctuated her request with a peck on the cheek, and skipped back to the other end of the clearing.

"Uh . . . Alright." Ash said absently, holding a gloved hand over his cheek.

"...Pikapi?" Pikachu asked, dashing up to Ash's feet. His trainer was staring off into space.

~Pa?~ Rosa joined Pikachu, hopping atop his shoulder instead. She poked her paw against his cheek. ~What's with you!? Your face is all red!~

"...Is this how Brock always feels?" Ash asked, laughing at his own question. His dazed expression thinned into a smirk, and a fiery gaze. He drew a Poké Ball with confidence. "I think I get it, now." He flung the capsule forward, and Charizard appeared before him.

With the sun setting behind her, Dawn had called out Togekiss.