Part XLIII: The Wallace Cup Commenceth

"Petalburg City, are you ready?" Vivian, the master of ceremonies for the Hoenn Contest Circuit, said as the crowd went wild. "Because it is time for the Wallace Cup!"

Finally the Wallace Cup had arrived. It had been a fun and interesting week as Ash, Misty, May, Dawn, Zoey and Georgia all their got ready for the Cup. They had spent the time making sure their Pokémon looked great, that their outfits were just what they wanted, that their appeals were down and just having fun while getting ready for the biggest Contest outside the Grand Festival. It had been a good time but they were all ready for it begin now.

Wallace himself had come into town the day before after a last-minute scheduling issue but he had just given his opening speech and the appeals were set to start momentarily, once Vivian was done hyping up the crowd. Already May was out and waiting to go out as she had been asked to go first while Misty had been asked to go last.

The appeals of the other 40 coordinators, who were from all Contest regions, would be randomized but it had been requested that the hometown girl who'd won the last Sinnoh Grand Festival and the two-time defending Wallace Cup champion bookend the appeals. May and Misty had understood why they wanted the girls to start and end the appeals and had agreed to do so.

Right now May was both nervous and excited as she stood in the same get up she had worn in the last two Wallace Cups, only this time her color scheme was different to change it up a bit. Her shirt and belt were a brilliant blue with red accents and boundaries. Her hat and veil thing were a pale turquiose and her dress a shade of blue darker than that but still with green influences in it. The only thing that was the same was her gold circlet and the large faux emerald in it she wore. May was ready to open the Wallace Cup in her hometown.

Wallace had been taken by the Sinnoh style of dressing up and using ball seals when the Cup was held there and had incorporated it into his Contest as part of the rules. It made the Wallace Cup and the Johto Grand Festivals the only Contests outside of Sinnoh for which dressing up was part of the Contest, though both Kalos and Galar were going to do it as well next year. May could see the appeal of it, especially after a year in Sinnoh, and knew that Misty and Zoey were really looking forward to dressing up as that was what they'd grown up with.

"It is an honor to bring the Wallace Cup to the Hoenn region, the birthplace of Contests and home region of Wallace himself." Vivian continued cutting off May's thoughts and bringing her back to the upcoming appeal and what she planned on doing for it. "So let us introduce our judges. First off the head of the Committee, Mr. Contesta."

"An honor to be here." Mr. Contesta said from with a nod to the crowd. "I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in this installment of the Wallace Cup."

"Next is Sukizo, head of the Pokémon fan club." Vivian said pointing to the small man next to Mr. Contesta.

"Remarkable." Sukizo said with his usual wide smile.

"Petalburg City's own Nurse Joy." Vivian continued.

"Thank you for having me, I can't wait to see all your Pokémon." The local Nurse Joy said in her cheerful tone.

"And lastly, our honorary judge for the Contest that bears his name." Vivian said hyping the crowd up even more. "Some of you know him as the former Hoenn Champion, some of you know him as the secondary Sootopolis Gym Leader, some of you know him as a Top Coordinator, and some of you know him as the greatest water master in the world. Back in his home region, it's Wallace!"

"Thank you." Wallace said as the crowd, especially a large female fan base wearing hats like his,, screamed at his introduction. "It is great to be back in Hoenn for the Wallace Cup and I know that it will be as good as ever."

"That it will be as we have many talented coordinators, including two Top Coordinators, here today to compete for the Aqua Ribbon." Vivian said holding up the ribbon as May steadied herself for her own introduction. "And remember, this ribbon is goon in any of the 4 active circuits, though starting next year it will be good in all 8 circuits, so it is a really valuable ribbon to win."

Vivian paused as she finished her opening remarks. The crowd was now feverish and ready for the Wallace Cup to begin. Vivian smiled, the crowd was ready, the coordinators were ready, it was time to kick of the Wallace Cup in style.

"There are several familiar faces competing today, one of whom will get the Wallace Cup started." Vivian said once the crowd was where she wanted it. "So without further ado, I am honored to introduce the first coordinator competing and one of the two Top Coordinators who are in the Wallace Cup. She's the perfect person to start the Wallace Cup so give it up for the two-time Wallace Cup runner up, the most recent winner of the Sinnoh Grand Festival, but you know her as the Princess of Hoenn who is competing in her hometown; May!"

May walked out and waved to the crowd that was now cheering loudly for her and why wouldn't they, it was mostly a hometown crowd and she was the hometown hero and daughter of their beloved gym leader who was in the front row proudly watching his daughter compete. May pulled out her Poke Ball in its seal and tossed it up to start the Wallace Cup.

"Blaziken, on stage!" May yelled happily as the thrill of competing took over and the crowd quieted around her.

The ball burst open and the seal activated sending out a 5-point star of fire in the same pattern as a Fire Blast move. The Blaze Pokémon burst forth somersaulting through the flames to land in a crouch on the platform in front of May before it stood tall and proud in front of its trainer.

The only thing different about Blaziken was that it now wore a special gold belt given to it by Korrina, the fighting type specialist and Shalour City Gym Leader who May had helped find Lucarionite with a little over a month ago. In the center of the belt was a clear stone with a red and black twisted design in it, Blaziken's Blazikenite. May couldn't use it in the Wallace Cup but she wasn't going to remove the belt so to avoid it she'd make sure that her Key Stone wasn't on her.

"Alright let's start this out with a Fire Spin." May ordered. "Send it into the air!"

"Blaziken." Blaziken roared as it opened its mouth and sent spinning vortex of fire into the air showing off its power.

"That's it now cut through it with Sky Uppercut!" May called out.

Blaziken's fist glowed with fighting type power as it bent its powerful legs. Then it launched itself upwards first raising as it did and cut through the flames so that it was constantly seen and framed by the vortex of fire Blaziken was cutting through. A second later it had reached the end of the Fire Spin and the first attack dissipated as Blaziken continued to get higher, its fist now raised high.

"Finish this with Overheat!" May said going for an all-out finish to show of Blaziken's strength. "Send it all around you."

"Blaziken!" Blaziken bellowed as it glowed a bright red.

A second later, just as it was reaching the apex of its jump, and safely away from everyone, Blaziken released the powerful fire type move for the first time so it was at its most powerful. The fire blasted around it turning the air into a raging inferno with a clear, strong and proud Blaziken in the center of it as it fell down, keeping up the fire until it reached the platform in front of May.

As the flames hit the water it evaporated creating a thin mist but with the flames around Blaziken it was still clear in the center of it all as the mist showing just how strong the move was. After another moment, the flames died down ending the appeal.

May smiled at the judges as she curtsied to them and Blaziken gave them a formal bow. The crowd was going wild at the appeal and May knew that she still had it, her time in Kalos hadn't diminished her skills in the slightest. She'd set the bar high; it was time to see if the others could raise it.

"What an appeal!" Vivian said into the mic. "But what would we expect from the hometown girl and a Top Coordinator. Let's see what the judges think."

"A fine blend of fire and fighting showing off Blaziken's two types seamlessly." Mr. Contesta said approvingly. "Really highlighted its strengths."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling.

"I can't believe that that powerful Blaziken was once a cute little Torchic." Nurse Joy said with amazement in her voice. "Just goes to show how strong a starter can become."

"May has started the Cup out with a strong appeal with a strong Pokémon." Wallace added. "I hope all the others are just as good as this appeal, if so it will be really hard to decide who advances."

"Well the gauntlet has been laid down." Vivian said as May returned Blaziken, thanked it, curtsied again, and left the stage. "Up next…"

Vivian was right, May had laid down the gauntlet for the others to match. It was time to see how the rest responded to her appeal. She hoped they could, if they could all advance past the appeals then the battle round would be interesting for sure. They had to appeal first and May couldn't wait to see what her friends could do.


Ash had seen May's appeal and knew that it was good but he expected as much from her, she was a Top Coordinator who'd been doing this for years after all. He knew he wouldn't be at that level but Ash also knew that he and Buizel had the skill, moves, and history, to pass the appeals. Once it got to the battle stage, where Ash could practice with his new Pokémon, he could really have fun and that was what the Wallace Cup was for him, fun and practice. Well that and wear and awesome suit with an epic hat in the process.

Ash had gone with the same suit he had worn for the last Wallace Cup he'd been in mainly because it was the only one he actually owned. Well that and he could wear a hat with it and he was a man who liked his hats. He had thought about mixing it up and getting something new but the only other formal wear he'd worn that he'd really liked had been that odd but really cool suit that he'd worn in Cameran Palace but he couldn't find one anywhere so he'd stuck with a classic. It was going to be just like last time.

Well almost. There was one change. This time around Ash was not relying on Buizel for the whole Cup. He'd lost because of that before but the last time he'd entered it had been at Wallace's suggestion as a way to bond more with Buizel. This time it was to both bond and train more with his three new Pokémon as well as Buizel because this was his and Buizel's Contest.

Ash already had his planned Pokémon for each round, though that was subject to change depending on how the draw went, and Buizel was his finals Pokémon if he made it. Of course he had to get there first and that started with the appeals.

That was what Ash was now waiting for. His own appeal was about to happen making him the second of their group to go and the 4th one overall. Misty had kissed him before he headed here and wished him luck but Ash wouldn't need it, he and Buizel had this in the bag after all the training they'd done for it. As the crowd cheered the end of the appeal before him Ash knew that it was time.

"Next up, from Pallet Town in Kanto and the recent winner of the HopHopHop Town Contest out there in what is being called the upset of the Kanto circuit this season." Vivian said focusing Ash on the task at hand, a smile breaking out on his face at the thrill of competition. "He's not a normal coordinator but he's been in the Wallace Cup before, give it up for Ash!"

Ash ran out through the curtain to the cheering crowds. He was excited to get his appeal but he came to a stop as he prepared how he'd introduce his Pokémon to the crowd. He did have to make an entrance after all.

"Time to show you what I can do, Buizel, I choose you!" Ash said using a finger to push his hat up a bit before he threw the Poke Ball out. "Drive underwater as soon as you can."

"Bui bui." Buizel said happily as he burst from his ball the same way he had the last time, punching the lightning bolts surrounding him away to show his strength before diving into the water in a smooth motion with no splash.

"Now use Aqua Jet but keep it underwater." Ash ordered holding his arm out and Buizel did just that shooting forward as fast as possible, visible due to nature of the stage, until Ash had him where he wanted Buizel and called out. "Stop!"

Buizel instantly ended the move, expanded his collar, and stopped on a dime and didn't move. The suddenness drew gasps of amazement from the crowd and commentary from Vivian on how it showed off the finesse of Buizel to accomplish that. Ash just ignored them as he prepared his next move.

"Aqua Jet again but this time go as high as you can." Ash called out raising his hand.

Buizel heard and knew what to do at once. Instantly he deflated his collar and dove down to the floor of the pool. Then he turned, propelled his tails and shot up. As soon as he was near the surface of the water he activated his Aqua Jet again and broke free of the surface before rocketing up to the in a pillar of water, his orange fur making him clear at the top of it as he showed off his power gaining even more height than May's Blaziken had managed.

Soon though it was nearing the end. Both Buizel and Ash knew this and they had prepared for it. It was time for the next phase of the appeal, one that would take precision and timing to pull off but Ash knew that Buizel could do it with ease.

"Now Buizel, Sonic Boom." Ash ordered just before Buizel reach the apex of his move and ran out of power. "Slice that water pillar up!"

Instantly Buizel stopped his Aqua Jet so that he could get above it as the water began to fall back to the pool now that he wasn't controlling it anymore but his momentum carried him higher. As soon as he was free, Buizel flipped in the air and whipped his tails down a few times getting off the normal type attack as he aimed at the now falling water.

The sound could be heard over the crowd as Buizel's Sonic Boom cut the water pillar in several spots just before it lost shape and made the water sparkle as it splashed back in more places than expected. It was now time for the final move of the appeal.

"Now Buizel, dive down and wait for my order." Ash said holding his arm out again as Buizel pivoted in the air and dove head first at the water. Ash waited for the right moment and when Buizel was about to reach it he clenched his fist and gave the final command of the appeal. "Ice Punch, punch the water!"

"Bui bui." Buizel said as he cocked his right arm back, formed a fist and encased it in ice before he punched the water just as he reached it.

Thanks to the pool, cameras, and glass sidings they could see what was going on as the water that burst up around Buizel would have obscured him otherwise. Buizel dove underwater but the water around him began to freeze thanks to his Ice Punch and form an ice sheet that trailed behind his fist.

Then, as the sheet flipped underwater, Buizel ended his attack and swam up a little to be above the ice. As it reached his feet, he stood on it and both Buizel and the ice broke the surface, his fist raised in the air in triumph, a pose Ash matched, as the crowd went wild at the display.

"Wow what a combination of power, grace, finesse and precision all wrapped into one appeal." Vivian said into her mic as the crowd continued to cheer. "It is clear that Ash is keeping it up after winning his first ribbon but what do our judges have to say."

"A true appeal showing off all the aspects of Buizel while using the water and his Pokémon's type to its fullest." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "That is just what you want to see in a Contest."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling in his usual manner.

"Buizel showed of how cute and power mix well together." Nurse Joy said with a small smile, her eyes closed as she spoke.

"Now there is a Pokémon and trainer who play well together, it shows in the appeal." Wallace said with a flash of recognition in his eyes at Buizel and Ash. "Just as all trainers should do with their Pokémon."

Ash smiled and bowed to the judges, as did Buizel from the ice sheet, before he returned him and left the stage just as Vivian was beginning to announce the next coordinator. With 42 coordinators, Ash knew that he couldn't rest easy.

Still, he had a good feeling about his appeal. Now all he had to do was watch and see how the others did in theirs. He couldn't wait to see what they came up with. It was going to be a lot of fun.


Iris stood nervously in the wings as the coordinator before her finished his appeal and got feedback from the judges. She had never been in a Contest before and wasn't sure how it would go but she was ready for it so she at least knew what she had to do. That was what the last few weeks had been for her, getting ready for her Contest debut.

It started after Cilan reached Blackthorn City and asked her to accompany him to Hoenn as he was going there next. They both knew about the Wallace Cup that was being held there and that Ash and Misty were competing in it so they decided to try it out as well as it sounded fun. Neither knew much about Contests though Cilan had watched several since he'd been in Johto and liked them as they had a different flavor than he was used to.

Iris joined him watching another Contest and saw the fun and beauty in them. She'd seen a few on TV, including the last Wallace Cup because of Ash had wanted to watch Misty in it, but seeing it in person was a lot better. Axew also loved it so they knew they would try it; the only problem was how to train for it.

They had spent their remaining time in Johto, before flying to Hoenn, traveling and talking with coordinators, getting tips and even attending a few coordinator classes. Iris had picked it up pretty well because she let her own natural instincts take over though Cilan had taken a little longer as he kept asking questions about everything. They were both at least comfortable with the process by the time they reached Hoenn, then they had the chance to truly get ready for it, as well as actually register for it something they had almost forgotten this week.

Between May and Zoey, who were both Top Coordinators, and Misty who was as good as one, they got the hang of how a Contest worked from the coordinator's viewpoint. Both were now confident for the appeals and battles, if they reached them, of the Wallace Cup to enter. Iris was looking forward to it and decided to relax and have fun with it as there were no expectations for her to do well in it. Of course that had been until she realized that she would have to dress up.

Iris hated dressing up, it just wasn't practical most of the time and a complete waste of energy to her. However that was what was expected so she could do it for the Cup and it wasn't like she hadn't in the past so she could do so again for the Wallace Cup. Still, she was now regretting just how flashy and over the top her outfit was. She wished she'd gone with something a little more simply like May or Misty but she had made her choice and had to live with it.

Iris was in a large, billowy, dress with extra wide sleeves that held her Poke Balls, a large gap in the center from the hem to near the waist and a deeper V than she had expected though she wasn't like May so it wasn't too embarrassing to show some skin there for her. It was a lot but it had called to Iris so she'd gone with it.

The dress itself was a mix of light and standard pink. The top half was light pink with darker cuffs and edging the neckline. The bottom half was dark pink with a frilly light pink edging that didn't really suit her. At her waist was a large pink bow similar to her normal one only bigger and at the center of her waist rather than on her hip.

The last part of the outfit was a pink veil thing that fell behind her head similar to May's only it wasn't one single piece but two. At least she got wear a nice pair of sandals with the outfit and not high heels so she could walk normally. Then there was her hair.

Oh boy had her hair been a nightmare. It usually was but at least with her normal style Iris could manage it, just about, but it didn't fit the style that fitted the dress so she needed a new style. To accomplish it, it had required her waking up at the crack of Misty and the aid of Zoey and a disgruntled Georgia, who was making fun of her plight the entire time, to assist in making and setting it as the duo of redheads had short hair that didn't take hours to prepare. Even May had joined in when she was ready. Only Misty had avoided being drafted as she had her own hair disaster, a tradition apparently, to deal with.

The result was something that Iris liked but it was not worth the effort to do every day. Her wild mane had been tied in a single, massive, pony tail that couldn't quiet contain it and so the others had styled several spikes at the top that fit with Iris's personality. They had also discovered that Iris had a pair of long bangs framing her face when they saw her hair down so they had been gathered and brought back to the pony tail in a hair loop style. The length was such that they had to tie the hair off at the end as well to ensure it kept its shape though that was something that Iris was used to so it worked.

To add to it all, Iris had added a small tiara thing to the top of her head to work with the hair and show some jewelry in her outfit. It was a simple green/yellow thing with fake green emeralds in it and a pointed style that she liked and matched the bands in her hair. It worked and added some more color to Iris's ensemble. Finally it had been completed and she was ready for the Contest, though she wasn't looking forward to this ordeal again if she advanced but if she did she was more than willing to go through it again.

"She's here all the way from the mysterious Village of Dragons out in far off Unova region, the first of 3 rookie coordinators competing today from that region." Vivian began snapping Iris back to attention and the upcoming appeal as and got Seadra's Poke Ball ready for its appeal. "Give a warm Hoenn welcome to Iris!"

Iris walked slowly out to the cheers of the crowd and several gasps at her outfit, it was by far the best of the day to them. She waved to them as walked, it was larger than any crowd she had ever competed in front of, not that she had competed much before, and her nerves came back in waves. This might be harder than she was expecting.

Closing her eyes and taking a breath as she reached her spot, Iris remembered that this was for fun and not the ribbon, though of course she'd try for it just as everyone was. She could relax and enjoy herself. It was that thought that calmed her and she opened her eyes and grinned ready to enjoy her first ever Contest.

"Seadra, I choose you." Iris said sending out Seadra's ball in its seal, throwing it out as far as possible.

While Iris still didn't understand the concept or point of the ball seals she did like how it was different and the variety of them couldn't be beat. She had looked at the options and decided in the end to go with something that fit with Seadra's type rather than her dragon preference, those were reserved for the later rounds if she got that far. Ash such she had gone with a water themed seal in the end.

Seadra burst out on a fountain of water that shot out of the seal and propelled Seadra spinning in a controlled move high into the air showing of its gleaming scales in the process. The Dragon Pokémon arced across the battlefield before diving into the water just as Iris had planned and it looked good doing it. It was about to look better.

"Seadra, show them that a dragon type move works anywhere." Iris ordered grinning at the fun of the appeal. "Dragon Breath!"

Seadra focused its mouth and shot out a blast of dragon type power underwater. The blue water and the greenish color of the Dragon Breath attack mixed well as the attack shot through the water as if it was nothing, evaporating the water in the process with its heat. It was certainly something that hadn't been expected.

"That's it now use Hydro Pump." Iris ordered. "And aim at the floor, blast yourself out and onto the platform."

Seadra finished its Dragon Breath, the attack dissipating but leaving a greenish, slightly smoking, wake that added to its appeal. Then it pivoted so that it was looking at the floor. Even underwater Hydro Pump was a strong enough move to be seen as a funnel of high-pressured water shot out of Seadra's mouth and hit the floor, water churning around it as it worked.

The result was as Iris expected. Seadra was lighter and more mobile than the floor so it was blasted upwards and out of the water still firing its Hydro Pump so that it was controlled in its assent on the funnel of water. It was an impressive display of control to keep it up and showed how skilled Seadra was to keep it up.

When it ended Seadra flipped over and landed gracefully on its tail on the platform in front of Iris. Iris smiled it was time for back to back moves to end it and show of Seadra's current type and its soon to be second type when it finally evolved.

"Now Seadra, Rain Dance." Iris said as she took a step back, making sure that she didn't trip over her dress in the process. "And once it's raining, Dragon Dance while in the rain."

Seadra leaned back and shot something into the air from its mouth. It sailed high and then exploded into a dark cloud directly above Seadra. A second later a heavy rain fell down on Seadra, the platform and the pool around it. It didn't look like much but that was until Seadra use Dragon Dance.

Seadra began to move and gyrate on the platform as it began the mythical dance that was Dragon Dance. It resulted in an odd shining effect flashing on Seadra as it danced, the result of the power up the move activating. It also benefitted from the rain falling on it as it added to the sparkle, mystique and elegance of the move that Iris was using to finish her appeal.

As soon as the move over Seadra turn and bowed, still in the rain, to the judge as Iris curtsied and finished the appeal just as the rain ended so her timed was perfect. It took the crowd a moment to realize that it was over as they had become mesmerized by the Dragon Dance but as soon as they realized they burst out into applause.

"Power, unique use of a move, and simple elegance to end it." Vivian into her mic while the crowd cheered. "A wide range and mix from a water type while teasing us for what to expect from its evolved form. Certainly a different style of appeal but what do the judges think."

"Seadra showed that it has both offensive and defensive moves and can use them in new and interesting ways." Mr. Contesta said simply. "Impressive display of the range of moves a Pokémon can use."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling and Iris had to control herself from giving the man an odd look, it was the same thing he had said to basically every coordinator today as if he didn't have anything else better to say.

"Seadra showed that it didn't lose any of the cuteness it had as a Horsea while also adding an air of battle to it." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "Makes me wonder what it will do as a Kingdra."

"Yes that was a great mix of water and dragon type move, combining them into something both eye catching and powerful had it been in battle." Wallace said approvingly. "Well done for a first timer but that is what the Wallace Cup is about, finding new coordinators who love the art and give spectacular performances like that."

Iris smiled as she returned Seadra and curtsied again before returning and leaving the stage. She felt she had done enough to advance but she would have to watch the others closely just to make.

The first of who would be Georgia who was waiting in the wings for her own appeal that was apparently right after Iris's. She gave her rival her usual glare that Georgia returned in kind before heading off. She was looking forward to seeing how Georgia followed her, if there was one thing the girls knew about their rivalry, it did force them to bring their best to one up the other. This was going to be good and Iris wanted Georgia to do well, she had to battle her after all.


Georgia had been slated to go right after Iris because of course the randomness of the draw had decided that she'd follow the dragon lover. That meant that she wasn't going to get to watch Iris's appeal to see if the girl got to the battle round as her position wasn't conducive to seeing everything her rival was doing. It would also mean that she would be compared to Iris's, which was good, she was going to show that wannabe up with her ice and with no bar set she had to go all out to ensure she was better.

She'd watched Ash and May's appeals and knew that the standard was high but also that there had only been 3 others that had been almost as good as her friends to so Georgia had a shot. She'd been practicing and had even advanced past the appeals in her only prior Contest back in Sinnoh so this shouldn't be too hard. She knew what she had to do, she just wished she didn't have to do it in this fancy getup.

When Zoey had told her that she would have to dress up in Sinnoh Georgia had been surprised but she'd seen it first hand in the Contest she'd competed in, which she didn't dress up for, so she knew she would have to do it for the Wallace Cup as it followed the same style as Sinnoh. Still, it was frustrating as she didn't particularly like dressing up, she preferred simple utility outfit that still showed a little femininity. Still, she had done it and she had to admit she looked good right now.

Georgia had gone dress shopping with Misty and May, an experience all its own, to adviser her on what to wear before the competition and found just what suited her. It was a simple, short sleeved, ice blue dress that came down to her knees and only a slightly frilly skirt. The sleeves and the hem were snow white and there were snowflakes woven into the dress so it had called to Georgia as soon as she'd seen it.

She had accented it with a pair of white gloves that came up to her mid forearms, low-heeled, white boots that came up to her mid-calf, and a white blue belt with the ice type symbol as the buckle. The last thing she'd gotten for it was a simple white circlet of interwove snowflakes with shards to mimic ice evenly distanced around it and that ran around her near pink hair like a crown which had been short enough to not need styling. She looked like and ice queen and felt like one as well, that was why she approved of the outfit for the Wallace Cup.

Georgia was more than ready for the Cup and she knew that it was almost time for her to show the beauty and power of ice. Iris was just finishing getting feedback and leaving, passing Georgia in that monstrosity of a dress and hairdo that Georgia had had to help with just to get the girl ready in time. Iris gave her a glare that motivated Georgia to do her best, as well as to match it, as the girl walked back to the waiting room.

"The second of the three Unova trainers is up right after Iris's appeal and she couldn't be more different than Iris." Vivian said as Georgia snapped back to the task at hand, ready to show Hoenn just who she was, and upstage a dragon trainer in the process. "A self-proclaimed Dragon Buster, whatever that is, give it up for Georgia!"

Georgia walked out to the cheering crowds feeling slightly self-conscious in her outfit as her heels loudly struck the ground but knowing that it was necessary for the Contest. However, as she reached her spot her competitive nature took over and she grinned, she had a dragon wannabe to outperform. Time to cool down Iris's ego to absolute zero.

"Froslass freeze them." Georgia said sending out her newly evolved Pokémon.

They'd learned in a practice Contest battle between Misty and Georgia that the latter's Snowrunt was a female when Misty's Espeon's Attract didn't affect it at all. That had been just what Georgia had hoped for as it allowed her to evolve Snowrunt if Snowrunt wanted to evolve.

So after the battle, which Misty had won, they healed up Snowrunt before Georgia held out the Misty Stone, complete with Misty related jokes, to Snowrunt. Georgia asked Snowrunt if she wanted to be a Froslass and if so then she should touch the stone but if she wasn't ready or wanted to be a Glalie she should turn away.

Snowrunt showed no hesitation and touched the stone to evolve, clearly she wanted to be a Froslass and not a Glalie and felt that she was ready to be one. Georgia had been thrilled and promised to use her as much as possible going forward. Plus she was a beautiful Pokémon and would look great in an appeal so Georgia had decided to use her in the opening stage of the Wallace Cup.

She just needed a lot of intense training that week to have the move set that Georgia wanted, both for the appeal and going forward. Froslass had proven to be a quick learner and dedicated to Georgia and her training. It had all been worth it as the day before she had learned the final moves that Georgia needed her to know to really show her off today and take down dragons in the future.

The ball burst open and the ball seal activated. Georgia hadn't really understood the need for the seals but apparently entrance was just as important as the appeal in the Wallace Cup so she had accepted it and gone with something that worked for her. It took some searching but she finally found the perfect seal for her Froslass and allowed her to show off her ability without risking it during in the appeal.

As soon as the ball burst open a blizzard of snow and ice shot out and covered a small area with nothing in it apparently. However, as it melted and dissipated it revealed the oddly shaped, white, purple, blue and orange, ice and ghost type Pokémon hovering in the middle of the now gone cloud as she waited for instructions from her trainer.

The seal was one that created ice and snow and allowed for Froslass's Snow Cloak ability to kick in and practically disappear until the cloud ended surprising the crowd and making an entrance. Georgia grinned wider; they hadn't seen nothing yet.

"Froslass, Icy Breath." Georgia ordered holding her hand out. "Keep it up and freeze the entire pool."

Froslass calmly opened her mouth and blew out the cold breath while looking down at the pool. It took a lot of power and at least two moves to accomplish it but Georgia knew her Froslass had it as the ice former across the entire pool, freezing every inch of the surface a few inches thick. The move drastically reducing the temperature of the stadium in the process so that the judges and announcer were shivering at the sudden change int temperature. Georgia didn't care, she was basically immune to the cold at this point, she loved it, and the colder it was, the stronger Froslass was.

"Now Icicle Spear." Georgia said calmly not her breath fogging as she spoke but no tremor in her voice from the cold. "Make sure they are at different distances."

Froslass leaned back and sent out 5 spears of ice, leaning back further and further and further as she did, gracefully arching them so that they landed in different placed in the ice but in a rough line in front of her. The spears easily broke through the thin layer of ice and wedged there in a crude slalom course just as Georgia had wanted. This was the point where she showed of how maneuverable Froslass was.

"Froslass slalom that." Georgia called out. "Keep low to the ice and close to the spears. Then stop at the end."

Froslass instantly shot forward, her head leading the way as she effortlessly gliding just above the ice and hugging the spears but not touching them as she passed each one as close as possible without touching it. It wasn't an ideal course but it showed off just how agile Froslass was as she bent, twisted and sped through the course without a problem. Once she reached the end she stopped, flipped over and turned to face Georgia. It was the final part of the appeal.

"Destroy the spears." Georgia yelled. "Alternate between Shadow Ball and Will-O-Wisp as you do but don't move. Show off your accuracy."

Froslass nodded as she held her arms together and formed the ghost type Shadow Ball. She then shot it at the nearest sphere. The purple and black ball slammed into it and blew it up but Froslass didn't let it bother her as she prepared her next attack before the ice shards hit the frozen pool.

As the shattered remains of the first sphere were still falling to the ground, Froslass shot out a sinister looking, blue/white, flame from her mouth. It shot between the falling ice, not touching any of it, and slammed into the second spear melting it almost instantly. She then turned to the third spear and shot a Shadow Ball at it, exploding it just like the first. That was followed by a second Will-O-Wisp that melted the fourth spear in quick order. The last Shadow Ball was already out before the 4th spear had finished melting showing how fast she was at switching between moves. It flew true and slammed into the last spear exploding it in a cloud of ice.

With that Froslass glided gracefully back to her starting position in front of Georgia as the remains of her attacks finished hitting the ice, and in some place water, but none touching her in the process. She stopped in front of her trainer before the pair turned and curtsied together, a move that Georgia had to be taught for the Cup, at the judges to show that they were done with their appeal.

"Well that was cold." Vivian said through chittering teeth, her breath steaming before her. "I think I get what a Dragon Buster is now given their weakness to ice type moves. What do our judges think of this while we get some help in here to melt this ice before the next appeal."

"That was a great combination of ice, ghost and fire type moves that allowed Froslass to show off her various skills and unique typing." Mr. Contesta said as he seemed to recover from the cold. "A great way to see her range and power while also giving us a display of her evasiveness and mobility."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said shivering violently as he spoke.

"I have chills from that and it's not just from the cold." Nurse Joy said rubbing her arms to try and warm up. "And Froslass looked beautiful creating those chills."

"What a way to turn the stage to your advantage and let us all see how closely related ice and water types are." Wallace said in his usual flamboyant style, he alone wasn't affected by the cold it seemed. "Pure ingenuity there while also allowing Froslass to show off more than just her ice type abilities or moves during the appeals."

Georgia smiled and curtsied again with Froslass mimicking her before returning the Snow Land Pokémon and leaving the stage as a few attendants with fire types worked to melt it. She felt that she had shown them enough to advance. Now it was just a waiting game as she watched the remaining appeals and hoped that her and the wannabe got through to the next stage. Then they just needed to bracket to be favorable to them so that they had a chance to battle. They had a score to settle and what better stage to settle it on then the Wallace Cup.


Dawn stood calmly waiting to enter for her own the appeal. She wasn't a coordinator and frankly this wasn't her scene but Wallace had asked all water gym leaders to try and come to it and she'd said she would. Well that and the fact that Ash was in it and it was an excuse to see him again even if it hurt her heart to know that he was taken and wouldn't be hers. Plus this was what Misty loved and Dawn knew that she had to make more of an effort to be friends with her so experiencing a Contest with her was a good start. They're talk would come later.

It also meant that Dawn got to dress up and break out an old outfit of hers that she knew looked great on her and showed off her beauty to the world. It was a little elaborate but it fitted the water theme of the Wallace Cup and her own type specialty so she had decided to wear it.

Dawn was wearing a simple, white, one-piece outfit that looked like a swimsuit but was in fact a dress even if it didn't have the skirt part. Instead it had a tail though that was styled and colored after a Goldeen's beautiful tail. Dawn had added a pair of white gloves that ran all the way up to just below her armpits and a stunning, but fake, emerald at the center of her dress right where her cleavage was. It was the same outfit she'd worn when she'd acted as some struggling magician's assistant and while she'd been embarrassed at the time, she knew that she looked good in it and it was perfect for the Wallace Cup.

She had her plan for the appeal and she knew who to use to make sure she had the best chance to advance to the next round. Dawn was really looking forward to was the battle stage, that was when she would show that her beauty also came with dangerous power. Well that and there was one particular coordinator she wanted to face in a Contest battle. First, though, she had to put on a good appeal and as Wallace had just finished speaking she knew that it was almost time for her to step out and stun Hoenn.

"Folks, it is time for our special guest, one of the several water type gym leaders invited to the Wallace Cup by Wallace himself." Vivian said Dawn got loose and ready, it was time to see how fun Contests really where. "The Cerulean City Gym Leader out in Kanto and a water specialist, let's welcome Dawn to her first ever Contest!"

Dawn calmly strode out to the cheers but ignored the crowd though enjoying how they appreciated her beauty. She needed to focus on her appeal rather than the crowd and that was what she intended on doing. Pulling out her chosen appeal Pokémon kissed the ball as she prepared to show them what a gym leader could do when she wasn't facing anyone.

"Staryu, I choose you." Dawn said sending out her oldest and closest Pokémon for her appeal, there was no other Pokémon she trusted as much as Staryu for this part of the Wallace Cup.

The ball burst open and the seal activated sending out a wave of stars similar to a Swift attack out and over the pool. She was using Staryu so she had to go with something that played to her cutie's shape and the stars did just that. Staryu itself spun out with the starts, its size and colors showing it off well before it landed on the platform in front of Dawn.

"Staryu, Bubble Beam." Dawn ordered as soon as it was standing in front of her. "Send it across the pool but slow it down a little."

Staryu hummed as it sent out the stream of bubbles from its red gem. They flew across the pool though not as fast as normal as Dawn had something planned for them. It would just come down to timing.

"Now go to the other side with Rapid Spin but don't hit the bubbles." Dawn ordered. "Skim the pool as you go."

Staryu bent its body before it leapt off the platform, twisted its body to the side and spun forward as fast as it could. It skimmed the surface of the pool leaving a small wake behind it as it arced around the still moving bubbles, its own speed greater than the bubbles so it soon passed them and flipped up and onto the platform on the opposite side that would be used in the battle stage. Staryu faced the oncoming bubbles ready for its next order. Timing was key for this next part.

"Destroy the bubbles with Swift." Dawn commanded. "One star per bubble. Show off how precise you can be!"

Instantly Staryu sent out the distinctive stars of a Swift attack. As Dawn had ordered it sent out the exact same number of stars as bubbles and destroyed each bubble at a one to one ratio creating series sparkles and shimmers as the moves collided over the water. It was just as they had practiced for back in Cerulean in preparation for the Wallace Cup. It showed off precision, timing, and skill to truly destroy everything.

"Now Rapid Spin back to me." Dawn called out. "This time go high."

Staryu did that as it leapt high in the air, pivoted and spun fast as it could while arched back to Dawn. This time it showed how it could cover the distance without skimming the surface as it easily reached the platform in front of Dawn. It was time to end this.

"Finish this off with a Water Gun." Dawn ordered. "Send it directly up in the air."

Staryu shot the water out of its top point in a high, strong, geyser of water. It kept it up until the move reached the apex of the attack before it ended the attack. The water all shot up and then spread out thanks to gravity and showered Staryu and Dawn in a mist of water that gave Staryu an eerie look with its single red gem glowing in it for all to see.

With the move done. Dawn gave a graceful bow, she didn't exactly have a skirt to curtsy with so she had to go with the bow, while Staryu bent as best it could, to the judges to show that she was done. It was a little faster than the others but Dawn had made up for it with her combos and moves.

"Well that was unexpected." Vivian said her eyes a little wide at the display. "I was expecting more on the sheer power and directness from a gym leader, especially one with your reputation, but that was pure grace and precision. Do the judges agree?"

"That was a display of how training and the bond between a trainer and her Pokémon can produce such trust and confidence in one another." Mr. Contesta said with respect in his voice. "Only through that could the timing be perfect to show of a combo like that and not miss a single target."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling as always, Dawn had a feeling that he was just a man of few words who enjoyed Pokémon and didn't need to say more.

"Staryu looked great during that." Nurse Joy said with her usual small smile. "Cute and precise as I would expect from a Pokémon like that."

"Dawn shows why a water type gym leader is more than just about the destructive power of water." Wallace said though Dawn had a feeling he might change that stance after a battle with her. "Water is ever changing and has many properties. Today Dawn showed the calmness and tranquility of it with that display. It takes a deep understanding of water to pull that off."

Dawn wasn't entirely sure what Wallace was going on but he was the gold standard for water specialists so she was listening keenly to his words and taking pride in his praise. When he was done she bowed again, returned Staryu and left with a smile on her face. She may not have been flashy but that wasn't all that an appeal needed, it also needed skill and grace and Dawn had shown just that. All she had to do now was wait and see if that had been enough for her to advance to the battle round.


Zoey wasn't nervous at all; she was ready and eager to actually be in a proper Contest again. While she could have competed in another region after winning in Sinnoh, she had felt it would take away from the other coordinators' chances of winning to be there as she had already won a Grand Festival. Instead she had decided to spend the year after her victory traveling and seeing the other 3 nearby regions while also growing as a person.

She had wanted to see if Misty would join her but Misty had been contracted to work in Hearthome for a few months and Zoey felt she would hold Misty back so she had set off. Alas because of that she'd missed Misty when Misty had arrived in Johto as she was traveling Kanto by then but she had watched Misty's run in Johto closely before returning to Sinnoh for the Grand Festival there.

It had been at the end of the year, after she had watched May win the Grand Festival there and watch Misty's heartbreaking loss to Ursa in the finals in Johto that she had been approached by the committee regarding the expansion. Instantly Zoey had accepted as she felt that her year off had been a bit much and she needed to do something with her life and helping the committee expand Contests was just that.

Plus it allowed her to visit a new region and teach her passion. She had chosen Unova as she'd heard it was very different from all others and wanted to check it out. after Ash's party of course as she got to see Misty again, even if it was painful to do so.

Her time there had been interesting to say the least and she couldn't wait to be return and continue her work but when she'd received the invite to the Wallace Cup, apparently at May's suggestion when they asked for a second Top Coordinator, well she couldn't pass it up. It was a chance to compete again and of course see Misty who had already declared her intention to enter it for the third straight year.

Zoey knew she had to move on from her crush but it was hard because she had fallen for Misty harder than she had expected and seeing her again just rekindled it. Still, she knew that Misty was Ash's and accepted that. That didn't mean that she wouldn't use the Wallace Cup as a chance to tell Misty how she felt and challenge Ash, especially if they faced off, to see if he was worthy of Misty. She had promised Dawn and May that she would do so and she was going to keep that promise.

Of course all that was in the back of her mind as Zoey prepared for her first competitive appeal in almost 2 years. She may be rusty but this was second nature to her. That and she was in the same suit as the last time she'd been in the Wallace Cup, only this one was pitch black and not red, so she knew she looked good even if it wasn't the feminine expected of her. She was a tomboy and bucked her gender stereotypes and her outfits were just one of the ways she did. It was time to show why she was a Top Coordinator.

"Our next coordinator needs little introduction." Vivian began as Zoey got in the zone for her first Contest in a long time. "She's a Top Coordinator who won it all in her home region of Sinnoh as a rookie a few years back and is here at the invitation of the Committee, it's Zoey!"

Zoey smiled and waved to the crowd as she calmly walked out and to her position in front of the pool. This was what she loved doing and wanted to continue even if she wasn't competing anymore, Zoey knew that she would always be part of the Contest world. The pageantry, the style, and the grace of Contests had always appealed to her and she was here again living it and ready to show what a Top Coordinator could do with a Pokémon few had seen in Contests before.

"Alomomola, curtain!" Zoey said sending out one of her new Unova Pokémon and the best one of them for an appeal in the Wallace Cup.

Alomomola burst out of its Poke Ball in a series of hearts, flipped in the air a few times, and dove gracefully into the water to the gasps of the crowd. Zoey smiled, it was the first Unova Pokémon to appear in the Wallace Cup so far and was clearly a Pokémon that few had seen before. It was the perfect appeal Pokémon because of its appearance and moves and Zoey was going to show that by adapting her last Wallace Cup appeal to her current one.

"Water Pulse." Zoey ordered calmly to begin the appeal. "Send it along the surface of the water."

Alomomola leapt out of the water in an arc that sprayed water behind it and opened its mouth. It then sent the pulse of water out while still in midair so that it skimmed the surface of the water in creating a small wave around it and showing off a different way to use a water type attack while in a pool.

"Dive and transition into Heal Pulse." Zoey said and Alomomola dove into the water again.

Once it was underwater it glowed with a pink glow that made its pink scales and fins really shine before it sent out the pulse in underwater ripples around it causing oohs to come from the crowd at the cuteness of the move. Zoey smiled as she prepared for a combo to end it.

"Alright Alomomola time to bring this home." Zoey said. "Surf and then Safeguard. Hold it there."

Alomomola knew exactly what to do. It swam up to the surface and kept going, bringing the water up with it as it rose on a wave but as it was an appeal it didn't use the move but held it there as it rode the top of the wave. Once it had reached the max amount of water that it could pull up, Alomomola activated Safeguard and glowed a bright green that sparkled with the water around it. In the process the wave from the Surf crashed back to the pool but Alomomola hung there for a moment longer glowing before it dove back into the water and ended the move once it was submerged again.

As it swam back over to Zoey she bowed to the judges to show that she was done. It was a similar appeal to the one with her Finneon the first time she'd been in the Wallace Cup but changed she had changed it to fit with her Alomomola's skill set and appearance.

"Our first Unova Pokémon and what a beauty." Vivian said with a smile as the crowd cheered. "So graceful and attractive, it could rival Finneon for the title Beautifly of the Sea though it lacks the back fins for that. Maybe it should be called the Chansey of the Sea as it is known to have healing abilities. What do our judges think?"

"Zoey showed both why she's a Top Coordinator and why expanding to Unova is a good idea for the committee." Mr. Contesta said with a small nod. "There are so many unique and new Pokémon out there that don't live here that the variety they bring to Contests cannot be matched. I look forward to seeing more from the other regions and how they execute their Contests."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling as always.

"I agree with the Chansey of the Sea assessment." Nurse Joy said thoughtfully. "Both are cute, pink, caring, and healing Pokémon so it is an apt comparison, especially if Alomomola is a female only Pokémon."

"No matter the region, water types come in all shapes and sizes and that was on display here today but that is to be expected from the most common type in the world." Wallace said looking at Alomomola with an appraising eye. "Alomomola here showed what a Pokémon native to another region can offer us that is different from the ones we already know and see on a daily basis."

Zoey just bowed again and returned Alomomola. She had a good feeling she had done enough to advance. After a few months understanding how the judging worked she had hit what they would want with every part of her appeal. The only thing Zoey didn't know was the subjective factor of judging but she had done everything she could and showed she had no rust. She just had to watch the remaining ones and see how good they were. She was especially looking forward to Misty's.


Cilan stood calmly as he waited for his introduction, Poke Ball in hand and ready to experience this new aspect of Pokémon competition in the world they lived in. Unova didn't have Contests, though they would in a year's time, and Cilan felt that the only way he could become an S-Class Connoisseur he needed to experience all that the world had to offer. Contests were just one of those things that he had to experience and what better stage for a first taste then the Wallace Cup itself.

It had been why he had decided to come to Hoenn and compete in it when he heard about it from Misty when they'd met her in Unova, and then again at Ash's party. It was the top Contest that wasn't the Grand Festival so Cilan had to try it out at least once and it gave him an excuse to come to Hoenn and see the region afterwards. He'd even managed to persuade Iris to join him like old times in both the Contest and his Hoenn journey so it was going to fun. Plus Ash was here with Misty and it was good to see his friends again.

As the coordinator before him finished up receiving a pleasant but not encouraging critique from the judges Cilan smiled, it was almost his turn to amaze Hoenn with his impressive knowledge of Pokémon. He was going to show them how an A-Class Connoisseur showed off his Pokémon in a way the Contest Committee had never seen before. When he was done, they were going to be glad that Unova was going to have Contests next year.

"Our next coordinator is a full double whammy for you." Vivian said as Cilan straightened his bowtie, he alone didn't need to change his outfit as it was already formal enough, salivating at the buffet he'd been enjoying so far in the Wallace Cup. "He's both from Unova and, along with his brothers, one of the Striaton City Gym Leaders over there. He is also an A-Class Pokémon Connoisseur so get those evaluations in after this folks as Connoisseurs rarely come to Hoenn. Let's welcome Cilan!"

Cilan walked out calmly the cheering crowd not affecting him at all as he waved to them. This was his element, being as close to Pokémon and the many wonderous things that they could do reminded him of why he had decided to become a Pokémon Connoisseur in the first place and why he was now traveling the world to see it all. This was just the start of his Hoenn tour but what a way to start it.

"There is only one Pokémon worthy of such an honor as to be my first Contest Pokémon in my debut appeal." Cilan said as he elegantly tossed out his Poke Ball. "My constant partner Pansage."

The ball burst open with a storm of leaves created by the seal that Pansage spun around in as he formed. Pansage had been taking lessons from Piplup in how to emerge from his Poke Ball when it had a seal on it and it was showing as he gracefully spun and landed in front of Cilan on his platform.

"Let's show them what a grass type can do." Cilan said with a smile at Pansage. "Bullet Seed."

"Pansage." Pansage said happily as he opened his mouth and shot out the high velocity seeds across the pool, the seeds going near the surface but never disturbing it in the process in the process.

"Now destroy them with Vine Whip." Cilan said almost as soon so the seeds were out. "Make it as fancy as possible."

"Pansage." Pansage said happily as he shot the vines out of him.

The vines whipped across the pool in an elegant but controlled dance as they twisted and coiled, slapping into the still moving seeds and destroying them with ease. The entire time the vines were under Pansage's complete control and never touched the surface of the water. In fact nothing touched the water and when Pansage retracted the vines the water was still undamaged just as they had planned. That had gotten the crowd's attention as it required expert, control, precision and skill to pull off.

"Finish this with Solar Beam!" Cilan ordered.

"Pansage." Pansage said with a smile as he raised his hand in the air and it began to glow.

They were in an outdoor stadium and the sun was bright so the charge time wasn't as long as Cilan had feared. In seconds Pansage had the power he needed before he shot out a high-powered blast of pure grass type power high into the air. It cut through the air and through the stadium to fade out of existence as it passed out of the stadium and into the sky.

Cilan smiled, he had done what he hoped was enough and if not then oh well, it had still be fun and he was glad for the experience that the Cup offered him. Putting a fist over his chest, Cilan gave a clean, neat, perfect, bow at the waist to the judges, Pansage mirroring him to a tee in the process to show that he was done.

"Again we see what an Unova Pokémon can do, as well as a gym leader and man who is truly connected to Pokémon through his profession and passion for them." Vivian said into the mic as the crowd cheered for Cilan. "Do the judges agree with me?"

"A fine display of skill, precision and control there." Mr. Contesta, a man who Cilan picked up the taste of refined cuisine from a wide variety of sources, said. "To do all that and not only not touch the water but not make a single ripple takes practice and dedication on the level we like to see here."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling letting Cilan know that the man had a simple but well-honed taste to him.

"Cute and controlled." Nurse Joy, who like the others had a sweet, soft, warming taste to her even if she looked different from the ones he knew in Unova, said. "A new Pokémon to show me how the other regions also have wonderful Pokémon in them."

"A bold choice given the nature of the Wallace Cup but one that worked out really well by showing off attacks super effective against water types." Wallace said, his taste coming off as a variety of fine and mixed flavors that Cilan had expected given the man's many pursuits in life. "A nice change from the primary use of water types used in the appeals, a good way to stand out but I expect as much from a gym leader and Pokémon Connoisseur."

Cilan controlled his pleased expression as he and Pansage bowed again before he returned his friend to his Poke Ball and left the stage. It had certainly been fun and different from what Cilan was used to experiencing. Cilan hoped that he would advance to the battles to experience them as well but he wouldn't be upset if he didn't. Time would soon tell on that front as there weren't many coordinators left and Cilan wanted to watch all of them.


It was almost her time. They were almost the end of the appeals and as such it was almost Misty's turn to go out. She was in the wings waiting for the coordinator before her to end so that she could charge out and assert herself in the Contest that she loved the most, the Wallace Cup. She'd won it twice before and now she would win it for a third time and rebound after her loss to Ash to get back on track as she pursued the Kanto Ribbon Cup.

In addition Misty had a special Pokémon she'd brough in just for her appeal. She'd contacted O when she was out with her mother the day after she arrived in hopes that Ambipom could come for the Wallace Cup and had been relieved when he had said that yes she could. Ambipom had a 2-week break between competitions so Misty had instantly sent O Ambipom's Poke Ball to send her back in. While O was sorting that out, Misty had sent off Buneary to Professor Oak to make room for Ambipom. She would bring Buneary back after the Wallace Cup but for now she wasn't needed during the Cup.

Sorting Ambipom out hadn't been the only thing Misty had been up to while she was spending the day with her mother in Petalburg City. She had also been seeing the sites, planning her appeal with her mother, and most importantly, dress shopping. Misty needed a new dress for this Wallace Cup and she wanted something that was both her style and different from the past for the Cup.

They had found just the dress for her while they were in Petalburg City. It was a simple red dress with a white collar, belt and hem. There were white bows on the hips and near the collar that added to Misty's style. She topped it all off with a pair of elbow length white gloves and cute red pumps. The only thing she didn't have was a choker, instead favoring, and making sure that it was visible, the locket Ash had given her as it was a part of him and it gave her strength. Well that and the Cascade Badge in it reminded Misty of her drive to win, especially with Dawn present.

Of course in addition to her dress, Misty had had to do her hair as well. The only other girl present who had to really worry was Iris and that was a monumental task that had required almost all the girls to get ready. Misty by contrast only needed her mom to make it pretty.

Misty had opted for a simple high sheet of hair that fell down her back and was held up with her special Pikachu clip her mother had brough for her, the first time she was wearing it since the Johto Grand Festival, with her bangs framing her face, her usual yellow clips holding them in place. it wasn't much but given how stubborn her hair was it had taken a while to get it just perfect, with a few minor disasters in the process, but it had been done.

Misty knew she looked good, Ash telling her she was beautiful had just been the icing on the cake. It only added to her confidence for her upcoming appeal. This was who she was, this was her element, her Contest, and if she was being honest, being dressed up again made her feel whole again for the first time in months. Misty had found the informality of Kanto off putting at first and was still getting used to not dressing up. Now that she was in her dress she somehow felt complete and herself again.

The crowd's applause brought Misty out of her thoughts as she realized that the coordinator before her was done and that meant that her time was almost upon her. She waited for the judges to give their feedback and her own, probably over hyped, introduction. It was time to remind the Contest world why she was the one to beat in the Wallace Cup.

"Well that was the penultimate appeal so it is time for the final appeal of the Wallace Cup and we have saved this coordinator especially for last." Vivian said as Misty fought down her nerves, going last had been a mistake but she just focused on the Wallace Cup and winning it again and that calmed her down enough to hear the last of Vivian's hyping. "She's the coordinator who has called the Wallace Cup hers for the last two years and is looking to do what no coordinator has ever accomplished before; win it for a third straight year. Make some noise for the 2-time defending Wallace Cup champion, a two-time Grand Festival finalist, a favorite on the Kanto Circuit this year, and the Prodigy of Sinnoh, Misty!"

Misty ran out at a controlled pace as she pulled out Ambipom's Poke Ball, she wasn't going to trip up this time. The crowd was going wild for her, though not as much as that had for May but she was the hometown coordinator so it made sense. Misty beamed at the crowd. She was ready to defend her Aqua Ribbons.

"Ambipom, spotlight!" Misty said happily sending out her old Pokémon in a Contest for the first time in ages, this time much more smoothly than she had 2 years ago. "Welcome back to the scene girl."

The ball flew into the air and burst open triggering the special, and slightly expensive, seal that Misty had had made just for Ambipom. The effect was a mix of ping pong balls and ribbons that flew everywhere when the ball burst open, Ambipom forming in the middle of it and batting the balls with her tails and showing them, and her Pokémon ping pong skills, off in the process. It was a way to show her Pokémon's two passions, Pokémon ping pong and Contests.

"Show them you haven't lost a step." Misty called out as Ambipom landed. "Swift! Send it high."

Instantly Ambipom chittered and sent out the trademark stars of the normal type attack. They were sent forward and across the pool while also being high in the air so that they didn't touch the water once. Misty was going for something different this time.

"Now in the air and surround it with Double Team." Misty ordered and Ambipom instantly did that leaping high with a happy chitter before making several copies of herself that surrounded the still airborne stars. "And now, Double Hit! Strike those stars."

Ambipom's tail glowed pink as the attack activated and she began to lash it out destroying the stars, showing off her tail, and looking great in the process. In addition, her doubles mirrored her move with a slight delay though they vanished as they made contact with the stars. It all added to her appeal. Misty smiled at the sight. It was time to end it with a repeat of her first Wallace Cup and show that her Ambipom was as strong as she was adorable.

"Finish this with Focus Punch." Misty commanded holding her arm out. "Just like last time, hit the water with it."

Ambipom chittered happily as she backflipped a few times, her tail hands glowing white with fighting type power she was building up, before she landed on the platform and punched the water at the same time with both her tails. As with before, she sent out two streams of water from the impact point and along the water until it hit the other end and fountained up when it hit the opposing platform, splashing the front row of cheering crowd in the process.

Ambipom knew she had done well and backflipped several times before posing in triumph forming a heart with her tails that framed cheering Misty behind her. With that done they both turned and curtsied to the judges to show that they were done.

"What a stunning display but then again we expected as much from the two-time Aqua Ribbon winner and the Prodigy of Sinnoh." Vivian said as the crowd cheered the final appeal. "Misty showed why she's a favorite for the Kanto Ribbon Cup this year. Judges? What do you think?"

"As we have grown to expect that was a great display of the range that Ambipom has from a seasoned coordinator such as Misty." Mr. Contesta said with a nod at Misty. "That highlighted many of Ambipom's skills and showed off her signature tails at the same time."

"Simply remarkable." Sukizo said smiling as always.

"Ambipom was both cute and strong in that display." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "As I would expect from such a Pokémon and its coordinator."

"As with the last two years, Misty has shown just what the Wallace Cup is all about." Wallace said with a smile at her. "The love and bond between a Pokémon and its trainer as they show off their moves on the unique stage despite not being a water type."

"Well folks that is it for the appeals round and what an appeal round." Vivian said into her mic as Misty and Ambipom curtsied again before she returned her Pokémon and headed back stage. "We saw 42 great appeals and now the judges will have a hard task deciding which 16 coordinators deserve to advance to tomorrow's battle stage but they will do so and we will get those results to you as soon as we can."

Misty just hurried back as fast as she could, her usual nerves taking over as she ran to be in Ash's arms. She was positive that she had done enough to advance as she had seen the other appeals and hers was definitely top 16 in her mind but of course it was in the hands of the judges and they could easily disagree with her. That was why she needed to be with Ash and her friends as they all anxiously waited for the results to come in, which could be any moment.


Misty had just returned to the coordinators' waiting room after her appeal with Ambipom, both enjoying being back together for the appeal, and had snuggled up to Ash when Vivian came on the TV set up in the room so that the coordinators could watch all the appeals. All 8 of them were in their own little group, though Iris and Georgia were at opposite ends to avoid fighting here and were now eagerly awaited the results of appeals. Now it seemed they were in.

"What an appeals round." Vivian said as she stood by the judges on the stage. "That has to be the best in years and really a testament to how great the Wallace Cup is. It was a close one but these 16 coordinators have advanced to the Battle Round that will begin tomorrow with the round of 16 and the quarterfinals."

The screen changed to show the 16 pictures of the coordinators who had advanced. They were all face shots and it wasn't a slow reveal, just a sudden, quick one of all 16 at once. Instantly Ash and his friends looked intently at it searching for their own faces with nervous worry at whether they had advanced or not.

It took a moment with various gasps of relief from them and others in the room, as well as a few curses, but in short order the found all of their pictures in the collage of advancing coordinators. Somehow all 8 had advanced to the next round which meant that they were all now rivals as some were bound to face off in the last 16 and definitely in the quarters as there were 8 of them.

"And this is how the bracket, randomly generated, will be." Vivian said though the screen didn't change, rather the pictures moved and formed into two brackets of 8, one on the top and one on the bottom, on the screen before them. "We will begin tomorrow with the top left matchup and progress from there. Again congratulations to all our coordinators and see you tomorrow."

Instantly they were all looking at the bracket to see who their opponent was. Ash started at the bottom right, last matchup, and saw May's picture in the final bracket so she was going last this time and would be throughout the battle round. She was against someone he didn't recognize so May wouldn't be facing one the group.

Ash continued along the bottom row until he found Georgia's picture in what would be the 6th battle though he didn't recognize her opponent just as he hadn't with the May's. However the 5th matchup was one in which Ash recognized both people in. It was the first matchup that pitted two of their group against one another that he'd seen.

"Ha, you're going down connoisseur boy." Iris taunted happily as she looked over to Cilan who would be facing her. "This is going to be fun."

"I eagerly look forward to our upcoming Contest battle." Cilan said with a slight bow of his head as he found the match to confirm that he would be facing his friend, an act that clearly annoyed Iris. "It is an honor to face you in my first Contest battle Iris."

"Whatever, you're still going down." Iris said shaking her head, Axew mimicking her in her arms as he couldn't be in her hair. "I can't wait to beat you."

"Make sure you do." Georgia said surprising them all that she was supporting Iris in a battle, that was until she pointed out why she was rooting for Iris. "I intend on winning as well and then we can face off in the quarters. That will be our decider wannabe and where I beat you in international TV."

"Oh now it is on." Iris said as her and Georgia were suddenly butting heads again, sparks flying between the snarling girls. "I can't lose to Cilan, I have to face you and show everyone that you're all talk and no game."

"Same to you." Georgia said before they devolved into their usual sparking growling much to the confusion of the remaining coordinators who had stayed and looked at the Unova girls warily.

"Well Ash, you had better win as well." Zoey said from next to Misty surprising Ash for a moment and looking over at his friend. "I don't want to face a randomer in the quarters."

"Huh?" Ash asked to which Zoey just pointed at the screen.

"Look at the top row Ash." Zoey said as Ash looked at the screen again.

Ash did so and saw that his match up was third against someone who looked familiar but he couldn't quite place the other coordinator's face. Next to his face, in the fourth match and against one of the many other coordinators present, was Zoey's face. It looked like they would face off in the quarters if both won.

"I really want to face you and see just how good you are." Zoey said though Ash didn't notice the glint in Zoey's eye as she spoke. "Don't fail me, I know you can do it after you beat Misty."

"I intend to win." Ash said with a grin accepting the challenge from his friend though he had no idea that there was an underlying reason to Zoey's challenge, yet. "Looking forward to it."

"Same." Zoey replied with a wide smile. "More than you know."

That was when Ash realized that Misty hadn't said anything but was rather quiet as she stared at the screen. He looked up to the screen one last time and his jaw almost dropped when he found Misty's picture in the first matchup of the battle round. It was paired with Dawn's. They would begin battle stage with a rematch between his girlfriend and his oldest friend who Ash had learned had a crush on him back when the girls last faced off. it was certainly an interesting way to start out the battle stage.

For her part Misty had a grin on her face as processed it and turned to look at her first love rival, meeting Dawn's steely gaze, the dark haired girl smiling just as much as she was. Both were looking forward to the rematch and knew what they had to do for it.

Misty would have to go straight to the Pokémon Center after this and sort it out but she was ready for it. The Wallace Cup was about to get a show that it had never seen. Misty's first challenge to her third Aqua Ribbon was Dawn, she couldn't have planned it better if she tried. It was almost time a rematch, contest style.