Part CXXXVII: Return Salvo
"I have to admit, this is different from any Contest I've ever entered before."
Serena heard the familiar voice and turned to see Emily approaching her through the crowd that had gathered in the waiting room for the Laverre Contest. It was the middle of the Laverre Fashion Week which meant that it was time for the Laverre Contest, the big attraction of the week and Serena could see why.
She knew that the Wallace Cup would get the most coordinators in it, it always did as it was the most prestigious Contest that wasn't a Grand Festival and had 16 who advanced rather than the standard 8, but this Contest was more than any she'd been in so far. At least 32 coordinators or wannabe coordinators had signed up for it making it a highly competitive Contest.
Still, as Serena looked around at all the coordinators, all wearing outfits that matched the appeals Pokémon that they had registered and that had been prepared by Valerie and her assistants, she didn't see many that she recognized as heavy hitters on the circuit. It was more those who just enjoyed the pageantry of Contests or wanted to partake in the special Contest during the Laverre Fashion Week.
That said, Serena also didn't know many on it as she tried to stay away from the news, but she knew that there were the Big 3 and several notable coordinators like herself, Miette, and Shauna as well. However, until Emily had come up to her she hadn't seen anyone who Serena would call a threat, until now.
The Kanto girl who was considered to be one of the Big 3 on the circuit this year was not wearing her usual pink dress she'd worn at all other Contests she'd been in. True she was still wearing a lot of pink but this time it was different as it was designed to match her appeal Pokémon.
Emily was wearing a simple pink dress that was darker than her usual pink preference and that was done in the classic Valerie style. The dress fell to just above her knees though unlike most it had full sleeves complete with the usual hang down from wrist to elbow and a fold over the chest that was held there by a belt.
In Emily's case the belt was off white with a red band and black line in the center of it. The outfit was complete with dark pink slippers and stockings that came to her knees, a pink band in her hair that had a strange spiral quaff to it in the center and someone had done black wing-like eye makeup on the girl that oddly suited her.
It was similar in a lot of ways to Serena's dress though hers was pure white with an extra blue bit over the center and the upper half of the skirt and a thick yellow belt around her waist that had a red line in the center. There were also blue ends to the sleeve hang things and Serena wore blue shoes and socks that came up to her knees. To complete it she'd had a special white ribbon tied in her hair instead of her usual headband.
"Let me guess, you're appeal Pokémon is Spritzee." Serena said looking over Emily a second time to confirm. "I can't think of any other Pokémon that might produce that design."
"Yup, I chose her as a way to honor Valerie when I got in yesterday and told to register my appeals Pokémon as well." Emily said with a nod. "And it turns out that she already had this style ready, just had to alter it slightly it for me."
"It is her main Pokémon so I can understand that." Serena said.
"I can't tell what yours is though." Emily said.
"You will have to wait and see." Serena said with a smile. "But she's ready for this and I think appeals will really suit her personality."
"I can't wait to see it." Emily said.
"Wait, if you're here then that must mean you lost that Contest you were going to enter after the Fighting Tournament." Serena said as she remembered what the Kanto girl's plans had been after she'd last seen her. "I recall you planned to go for your 4th ribbon there."
"That had been the plan but alas I got beat by Jessilina in the final as she too went for her 4th." Emily said with a sigh. "She used a Pokémon from Unova that I'd never seen before that was part poison type in the final against me and, well, let's just say I had a similar situation to you against her only it backfired."
"Fairies are weak to poison." Serena said a little confused by what Emily was saying but understanding how she lost as the girl's biggest weakness was her type preference as that could be planned for with ease. "And that means that Jessilina is the first to 4 that I know of."
"Yup so she's taking some time off before going for her 5th." Emily said. "Hopefully I get my 4th today so I can do the same. I know that Brianna is also making a similar plan though I'm hoping she isn't here today."
"Well, I'm going for my third for the wildcard so I'm going to try and stop you." Serena said with a smile. "So, whatever this plan of yours is, it will have to wait."
"Oh, the plan is simple." Emily said. "All three of the favorites want to go for their 5th in the Wallace Cup. It will be the only time all 3 of us are in a Contest at the same time and fitting that we go for it there as it's the biggest non-Grand Festival Contest out there. Plus, those of us who lose can just get our 5th at one of the other Contests afterwards as a backup so it makes sense to try for it at the Wallace Cup."
"I see and it's the first time in years that Misty won't be in it." Serena said as she understood what Emily's plan was. "So, a new winner is guaranteed."
"Yup and as, she is a bit of a mentor to me I intend to be the one to win it as a way to honor Misty and all that she's done for me." Emily said. "It's only fitting."
"No, it's only fitting that I win it to crush that legacy and create a new one for those of us who have been wronged by villains like Misty though at least she's better, and kept beating, the worst of the worst in May." A new voice said causing both girls to turn and groan at the sight approaching them as the rest of the coordinators suddenly gave the trio a wide berth and for good reason given the pedigree that was now congregated in the room. "I am the best here, better than even them so I deserve it."
"Hello Brianna." Serena said coolly as the number 1 favorite, only remaining unbeaten coordinator, and royal pain in her ass because of reasons that Serena didn't want to get into reached them. "How unfortunate that you are here as well."
"I knew you'd be in this Contest Serena so what better place to notch my second victory over you than in the fashion capital of Kalos itself." Brianna said with a sneer as she traced a finger along her cheek to show the Serena something there. "And after what I went through because of that evil Ash Ketchum when we last met, I am going to crush you to dust in front of your unrequited crush."
Serena couldn't look away as she looked at Brianna. What the Kanto girl had highlighted was a red scar that ran from just bellow the corner of her mouth, along her left cheek and ended in her hair just above her temple. There was no doubt in Serena's mind when that happened and what had caused it.
As for the rest of Brianna, she was like the other women present dressed in a typical Valerie dress though hers was even more elaborate than the others around them. Brianna wore a red and light-yellow dress that was red on the back and yellow on the front with a white belt sash. Her sleeves were complete and black with the lower half of the dangle thing white and unlike the others Brianna had white gloves on her hands. She completed the look with blood red shoes, black stockings, and a red headband with what looked like a pair of black antennae on it.
Serena knew that it had to be for a bug type Pokémon, but she wasn't sure which one it was for. It looked good on the girl though the sneer she had and the hatred burning in her eyes ruined the look, not that Brianna seemed to care about that.
"Brianna, you and I both know that it was Kenny's fault that that match ended that way." Serena said. "He was the one who pushed Ash to that point despite Ash giving him the chance to back out, so Ash responded the only way he could. Ash gave Kenny every chance and he blew it."
"That may be, but he didn't need to scar me." Brianna snapped back and Serena realized that she was a little more unhinged than before no doubt as a result of the climax of Mega Charizard and Mega Alakazam going at it. "I have other scars you know; my pretty face is just the worst one. I've got marks on my sides and arm as well thanks to that monster."
"And my back is a patchwork of scars now too." Serena said seriously surprising both Emily and Brianna. "I slid the length of that Pokémon Center on it, and it did a number there as well as dislocating my shoulder. I don't know if I can ever wear a bikini again because of it but I don't blame Ash. Neither does May or Misty and they have scars as well."
"Good, at least you all got what you deserved." Brianna spat back. "It's just a shame that the one innocent, good, person to get marked was me."
"Innocent?" Serena asked barely keeping her cool with Brianna as she glared at the girl. "You lot came up to us, you personally challenge us to this stupid war and when Kenny got all macho with Ash it was not going to end well, especially with Mega Evolution being used. I know yours and Drew's game and I don't like it, but May and Misty are my friends, my mentors, and now that you've started this I will respond, and I will end this. I am not going to let them down so come at me with all you got Brianna because this time I will crush you."
"Not if I get there first." Emily said just as serious as Serena. "Misty showed me the true beauty of Contests and that I could forge my own path while helping my parents at the same time. I'm almost as good as you so I hope we face off again today because I am ready for you this time."
"Please, a fairy specialist won't be of concern to me, I'll beat you worse than last time when I toyed with you in Geosenge to make a point." Brianna scoffed at Emily though it was more bravado than anything else as Emily was actually a legit challenger to her unlike Serena. "But I don't care the order, I'll beat both of you just like last time. I want Serena in the final though. My love is in the stands supporting me and is ready for when I crush you in front of the bitch who betrayed him and broke his heart."
"Keep living in your fantasy world." Serena said knowing that Brianna was too far gone to be saved at this point. "We'll see you on the battlefield and let our Pokémon do the talking for us."
Brianna just glared at them for a moment longer before she turned and walked off, the coordinators parting for her as they were all now afraid of her for multiple reasons. She'd come here to get that 4th ribbon and beat these two to get it, she'd made sure to do so after hearing of Emily's loss to Jessilina and knowing Serena would be here as well. She had to get ready for her appeal which was the very last one and then she would win over these two villains once again after they all advanced.
"Thanks for that." Emily said as Serena let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I haven't seen her since that incident in Geosenge, but she seems to have gotten worse. I know that she's become exceedingly aggressive in her battles and rarely wins on points but goes for the Battle Off despite not needing too."
"I had hoped that after what happened between Ash and Kenny she'd had some sense knocked into her." Serena said with a sigh. "But it's done the opposite and that Drew character isn't helping at all, I'm sure of that. However, we got this."
"Oh, we do." Emily said and Serena was a little startled by the grin the younger girl had.
It was clear that Emily had a plan but before Serena could press her on it the screen in the room came to life and Jillian appeared on it in her usual attire to introduce the Contest, go over the rules, and the special judge Valerie who was filling in for Mr. Contesta today while Sukizo and Nurse Joy were also there. At this Serena turned and left the room with a quick goodbye to Emily. She was second up for the appeals and as such she had to be in the wings to be ready for it. Plus, she already knew all the rules, so she didn't need to hear them again.
Instead, Serena thought on her appeal and what it would entail as she made her way to the waiting point where she'd stay until the first coordinator walked out. It had taken a while but after some encouragement and help from her team she'd managed to get this appeal down and her vain Pokémon had agreed to be part of it. If it went well then Serena might have a more reliable appeal Pokémon, but she didn't want any of her Pokémon to fall into that kinda set routine if she could help it even if this one might be the exception to that policy.
All this was on Serena's mind as she waited through the introduction and then moved to the wings to wait as the first appeal, a male coordinator with a Houndoom that might have been at the Fire Festival went. Once that was over and the feedback was given it was Serena's turn and she put Brianna and all the negativity the girl caused behind her as she got into the zone for the appeal.
"Alright next up it's one of the local dark horses this year and a fan favorite due to being one of the best Kalos natives." Jillian said as Serena pulled out her Poke Ball for this. "She's going for her third ribbon today to reach the wildcard weekend and fresh off the biggest upset of the year with a win over the Big 3 favorite Jessilina in the Coumarine Contest, give it up for the Kalos Princess herself, from Vaniville Town, it's Serena."
Serena just smiled as she walked out and waved to the cheering crowd as she made her way to her starting point. All this was part of being a known name on the circuit and she'd gotten used to it even if it had been a while since her last Contest and Serena just went with it. She was here to appeal and that's just what she was going to do.
"Meowstic, let's go!" Serena said throwing out her Poke Ball. "Start out with Fake Out."
Meowstic burst from her ball and instantly shot across the stage as if there was an opponent there and attacked the air there. The point of starting with Fake Out was to show how Meowstic would start a battle and highlight the high priority move. Well, that and to get her to the other side of the stage as quickly as possible where she'd then turn and face Serena for the next part of the appeal.
It had taken a lot of training to get Meowstic to this point but in the end Serena had realized that it was her Pokémon's vanity that was the key to training her. Meowstic was incredibly vain and narcissistic, and she loved attention from others, especially when Serena pampered her. When Serena had tired to use her in a battle it had failed because Meowstic didn't like taking damage as it made her look bad and hurt so she didn't listen after that had happened.
However, an appeal didn't have a battle so instead she could show herself off to an audience that had to watch her. She would be the center of attention and if she did well then the crowd would adore her and give her the praise she loved.
Of all the Pokémon between the four of them that had managed to get through to Meowstic it had been Misty's Piplup, during failed flirting attempts, that had managed it. Now she was eager to show off for herself and get that attention she craved. Serena just had to tailor the appeal to maximize this, and she could do just that.
"Shadow Ball." Serena commanded as soon as Meowstic was in position. "Send at least 5 at me but keep them slow."
"Meowstic." Meowstic said as she opened her mouth and sent out the first ball of ghost type power at her servant.
In short order she'd sent out 5 Shadow Balls, all at different heights, that were slowly crossing the stage towards Serena. Good. Now it was time for the big part of the appeal to begin.
"Psychic." Serena said using Meowstic's latest and best move. "Use it on yourself to get into the air and then extend it to the Shadow Balls."
Meowstic just nodded as she closed her eyes, unfurled her ears, and glowed blue. She then rose off the ground the way her species could when using Psychic and floated high in the air for all to see. As soon as she was heigh enough she extended her power to the balls, and they glowed blue as well before stopping.
"Now as we rehearsed." Serena said. "Show off that control of Psychic and dance through the Shadow Balls."
What happened next was Meowstic showing off what her species was known for as she flew forward and played around the Shadow Balls, moving them as well, in a midair dance where she constantly skirted the balls but never touched them showing no fear for the super effective attacks that she was controlling as well as herself. She was just having fun as the whole crowd stared at her. However, this was nothing compared to the finale.
"Now, into position." Serena ordered and Meowstic flew up and over the middle of the stage before grouping the 5 Shadow Balls beneath her. "And hit them with Confusion before resuming Psychic."
This had been the hardest part of the routine and often ended in Meowstic getting hurt and taking it out on Serena while demanding the works afterwards but in the end they'd gotten it right. Meowstic just had to be high enough to turn, look down at her Shadow Balls, end her Psychic and launch the attack at the balls with her Confusion the second that she could.
She did just this sending out the weak telepathic psychic type attack into the balls causing them to blow up in a series of sparkles. The moment she'd let her attack off, and before the Confusion hit, Meowstic ended her fall to the ground with another Psychic, righted herself and began to rise as the explosion occurred before her and highlighted her glowing body as she slowly spun over it so that the humans in the room could bow to her glory like the peons that she knew they were.
This lasted a few seconds before it ended and Meowstic slowly returned to the ground, continuing to spin slightly at just the right speed to face the judges when she landed, and ended her Psychic the moment her feet touched the ground. Then she closed her ears and opened her eyes and she and Serena, in tandem, curtsied to the judges to show the end of the appeal and Meowstic returned to Serena's side to await her expected praise from the humans designated to give it to her.
"What an appeal to really kick this Contest into high gear." Jillian said excitedly. "And as usual we are seeing the dancing grace of a performance Pokémon in the context of an appeal. Do our judges agree?"
"Meowstic was adorable, and she and Serena look great together." Valerie said with a smile. "Totally in sync as a trainer and Pokémon should be."
"Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said as always.
"Meowstic really showed what she's known for with that graceful Psychic and highlighted how good she looks." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "She's clearly been well cared for and groomed by an expert who knows how to bring the best out of her coat."
"Well, there you have it, another good appeal from the Kalos Princess." Jillian said as Serena and Meowstic curtsied again before she recalled her Pokémon, turned and left. "Next up…"
Serena didn't care about who was next. She wanted to get back to watch the other appeals and see how they stacked up against her appeal. She knew she'd done well, and that Meowstic would be getting a pampering later for her work, but she had to watch the others to see how they did as well. Only then would she know if she had advanced.
Serena kept watching the appeals as they went on to see how good they were and was certain that she was going to do well as she'd had the best so far in her opinion. Of course, that could change, and would as the 11th up was Emily and her friend had already left to get ready for her own appeal, something that Serena would watch it closely.
The 10th appeal ended, and Serena felt it was good enough to advance normally but there was more than usual at this Contest so who knows. Next up was Emily though and this was Serena knew would be good.
"Next we have a big treat for you lot, the first of the two Big 3 favorites this year that are in the Laverre Contest." Jillian said to the cheering crowd. "So, give it up for a coordinator who needs little introduction as she seeks her 4th ribbon. It's the Charming Fairy from Mt. Moon out in Kanto, Emily!"
The crowd roared as Serena watched Emily walk out and to the starting point waving a bit as she did but clearly a little overwhelmed by the attention. Serena could understand that, but she also knew that Emily wouldn't let the nerves get to her as she took her spot.
"Spritzee, fairy lights." Emily said throwing out her Poke Ball. "Start us off with Aromatherapy."
Serena watched as Emily's Spritzee let out a soothing scent that shimmered in the air as it crossed the stage and Jillian and the judges visibly relaxed as they smelt it. Serena had to admit, it was a good way to start out an appeal. It put the judges in a good mood and relaxed them to enjoy what came next which would be reflected in the girl's score.
"Now Spritzee, Double Team." Emily commanded on screen.
Another sensible and standard appeal tactic, one Serena had used herself and that Misty had used it in a battle once to overcome an issue her Pokémon had been affected with at the time. Spritzee quickly formed the series of shadow clones that Double Team was known for. However, unlike usual where a Double Team forms a ring or a line, this one was a vertical wall of Spritzees that appeared before Emily. This was different and would go over well, Serena was sure of it.
"Moonblast." Emily said. "Send it all into the middle.
Serena didn't understand that until she saw what was going on. The real Spritzee was in the center of the wall and sent out the blast of moon borrowed fairy type power across the stage in a line. A split second later the others shadow Spritzees sent out their own fake Moonblasts that hit the real one in the center of the battlefield before vanishing into it as they weren't real. It looked like all the attacks were converging on the middle to mix and produce a large blast from the center. It was certainly impressive.
"And to finish, Sweet Scent." Emily said as the Double Team and then Moonblast ended in a wave that added to everything. "Show off your flight Spritzee."
Spritzee then flew in a graceful pattern to the end of the stage and back, releasing the Sweet Scent as she did. Though Serena couldn't see it, she could see it on the faces of the judges as they enjoyed a nice end just as they had a nice beginning to the appeal. It was a good way to bookend the appeal with two similar moves that held different effects and showed why Emily was one of the better coordinators on the circuit this year.
"Another great and unique appeal from one of the Big 3." Jillian said as Emily and Spritzee bowed to the judges and Serena knew that the girl still didn't have the hang of curtsying. "Do our judges agree?"
"Spritzee was simply beautiful." Valerie said with a smile on her face. "And as graceful as I'd expect from one of her species."
"Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said as was expected from him.
"She was cute and adorable but still showed off that looks don't mean lack of power as that Moonblast was clearly strong." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "She's been raised well."
Serena watched as Emily bowed again, recalled Spritzee and left the stage. She would wait for her friend to return before speaking to here but there was little doubt in Serena's mind that Emily wouldn't advance from that appeal based on the others. Of course, there was still one more big one to watch and it would be at the end to cap off all the appeals. Regardless, Serena was going to watch all the appeals closely and see how Brianna did to end the round.
"And to close us out in the appeals, it's the number 1 favorite herself." Jillian said to the crowd to hype it up for the climax to the appeals. "It's the Flower of Kanto herself. From Chrysanthemum Town, Brianna."
Brianna strolled out and ignored the crowd as she set her appeal in her mind. She didn't know why she was last and frankly didn't care. She'd been able to see the other appeals and knew that the two insects she was going to crush beneath her shoes had done as expected and would advance. That was good. She was going to show them a true appeal and from there she'd blow through the bracket and take them out again along the way to reinforce that her and Drew were the best out there.
"Ledian, steal the stage." Brianna said as she reached her starting spot and tossed out her Poke Ball without any ceremony. "Start with Silver Wind. Cover the stage."
Ledian made a buzzing sound as she got up into the air and released the silvery colored bug type attack from her wings. She made sure to make it thick as she spread it out over the stage and ensured that it was below her so that she was still the center of attention and that her move could be seen by all.
"Cut it up with Swift." Brianna called out. "Just like we practiced. Make sure you fly around it."
Ledian buzzed again as she sent out the stars that were the normal type attack. However, they weren't random like usual but methodical and controlled as she used them to carve up the Sliver Wind while flying all around it.
It wasn't until she was done did the image begin to take shape. She'd done so that the Silver Wind now formed a more vertical blob in the air in the center of the stage that had a rough shape to it.
"Perfect it with Air Slash." Brianna said. "Show off and make what we've prepared for this Contest."
Ledian buzzed as she created the slashes of Air that were Air Slash. However, as with Swift, they weren't random but controlled and varied as she cut off parts of the still present Silver Wind until the final form came into sight. It was a rough, and slightly misshapen but still identifiable overview of the Kalos region. It was what Brianna was going for and it was time to end it by asserting her right as the best there was in the region.
"Mach Punch." Brianna said raising a hand. "You know the spot. Show everyone present who will conquer Kalos."
Ledian just buzzed one more time before she seemed to flash forward with the high priority, fast, fighting type attack. She shot forward and through the point on the map that was roughly where Laverre City was and was on the other side, fist raised, before the map, which held for a moment with the hole in it, blew apart and fizzled away in a series of silver sparks.
With the appeal done, Brianna turned to the judges and bowed as Ledian buzzed down and did the same before returning to her while the crowd recovered and began to cheer at what they'd seen. She had to suppress her grin as she knew she'd done well and advanced after that appeal.
"As with Emily, another memorable appeal as expected from a Big 3." Jillian said. "And what about our judges, do they agree?"
"Ledian showed great control and skill with its moves there, as well as an artistic talent I wasn't expecting." Valerie said. "As with others today it has shown that cuteness can hide fangs that we shouldn't mess with."
"Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile.
"Ledian was both cute and in control the entire time." Nurse Joy said with a small nod of her head. "It takes great care and skill to raise a Pokémon like that, let alone to produce such results, well done."
Brianna just bowed again before recalling Ledian and leaving the stage. As soon as she was done she broke out into a wolfish grin. She knew she'd done enough to advance and had made a statement in the process. She was the best here and soon she'd claim that 4th ribbon without a loss and get ready to win the Wallace Cup to go perfect on the year and bring its glory to the true heroes in Kalos this year.
To add to all this, she knew that Serena and Emily had done enough to advance so she was going to get to crush them as well on her way to the ribbon just as she'd done the last time they'd all been in a Contest together. Yes things were looking up Brianna and her mission to restore good to the world that May and those like her had ruined after all they'd done to poor, innocent, adorable Drew. Nothing would stop her now as she returned to the waiting room for the inevitable and to make it clear to those two villains who would win in the end.
"Damn, that was good." Serena had to admit as Brianna's appeal ended and she returned Ledian, a Pokémon that Serena hadn't expected from Brianna, before she returned to the waiting room to no doubt antagonize them some more once the results came out. "But then again she does have the most experience here."
"True but I think we've all done enough." Emily said from next to her as the judges began to huddle up. "We should all advance to the battle round."
"Alright folks the appeals are over which means that it is time to find out who advanced." Jillian said cutting off any chatter as all the coordinators now stared at the screen with bated breath, Brianna returning to the room as this was happening. "Who will advance? We will know that shortly."
Shortly was longer than usual as the judges seemed to have an issue but soon they were done, and Valerie nodded to Jillian as she pressed something on her podium. They'd decided on the 8 who would advance and now it was time to find out who those 8 were.
"Well, the judges have determined who will advance and they are." Jillian said as the screen turned pink, and 8 trainer cards were flipped face down on it in two rows of 4 to add to the suspense of the announcement. "They are these 8 coordinators."
The cards then flipped over and instantly everyone was looking at it to try and find their photos. It took a moment but soon Serena found her own picture up there in the first row at the end and right above Emily's on the second row. Brianna's was there as well at the start of the second row so all 3 had advanced as they had expected.
"Congratulations to those who have advanced, and we hope to see all of you again someday." Jillian said as the cards flipped over again, shuffled and fell to the bottom of the screen. "And now the random bracket."
A bracket appeared over the trainer cards and then they flipped over and the 8 remaining all looked at it intently to see who they were up against. It took a moment, but Serena found her own picture at the end again which meant that she was in the 4th and final match. It was the other ones that were interesting. Brianna was in the second match and Emily the third which meant one thing. Only one of them would face Brianna if she made it to the final as they'd have to face each other in the semis if they both won.
"And now we will take a half hour break for lunch." Jillian said. "Before we resume with the battle round."
"So, it looks like my ideal plan has failed." Brianna said coming up to them and sneering once more as those who had failed to advance left while the remaining 8 did their own thing to get ready for the upcoming battles. "Only one of you will get the pleasure of losing to me in the finals."
"If you win that is." Serena said though that was a given seeing as Brianna was the best coordinator on the circuit at the moment and hadn't lost yet.
"Oh, I will, and I want you to do the same Serena." Brianna said glaring at her rival. "I don't care so much about Misty, she's evil for sure but it's Kenny who's her soulmate and all that not Drew and it's Drew who I love. I am after May's protégé to show that Drew's is better."
"All I will say is that you will get one of us." Serena said simply. "And be happy with that."
Brianna just scoffed before she turned and walked off. She had to see Drew nearby and make sure that with his presence near the waiting room May and Misty wouldn't come to give advice to their protégés, so she had a constant edge. She was going to win again and remind them that she was the best in Kalos this year.
"Looks like it will be one us." Emily said turning to Serena. "No hard feelings though."
"None our rivalry is healthy." Serena said knowing that Brianna would be seeing Drew now which likely meant that she'd not see May or Misty until her Contest run ended be it with a loss or after winning it all. "Brianna's rivalry with us is unhealthy. Whoever wins though has to crush her."
"Agreed." Emily said with a nod.
The girls spent the rest of the break chatting about various things and their plans going forward after the Contest. During it Serena found out that Emily and Adam were only here briefly for the Contest and while Emily planned to speak to Valerie afterwards if she had a chance, they were heading out to Anistar first thing in the morning for Adam's next gym battle and possibly a Contest along the way if Emily lost. He was saving Laverre for last as Valerie would be his hardest gym leader to face and it would give Emily the most time with Valerie before the Grand Festival if they came here last.
As for Serena, she told Emily that they were going to be here for a bit as Ash would face Valerie in a gym battle after the Fashion Week ended before they headed on to Dendemille Town for a Showcase for Misty and maybe a Contest for Serena if there was one there like with past Showcases. She also told Emily of the last two days here and their adventures at the Fire Festival though Serena didn't mention Delphox as that was a card she was keeping close to the vest for when the time was right.
It was a good and relaxing chat, and the girls were in a good spot when the bell rang to signal 10 minutes left before the start of the battle round. They were ready for them and ready to see who would get to face Brianna in the final.
First though they had to get there, and they watched the first match together before Emily went to the wings and Serena watched Brianna and her Flygon easily handle her opponent's Houndour with a quick Battle Off before she went to the wings to watch Emily's match while making sure to avoid Brianna along the way. It had been brutal to watch Brianna's though and it was clear the girl was getting worse as the year went on, but Serena knew that there was no way to help her at this point.
After Brianna's win came Emily's. That was more a matter of grace and ease as she used her Clefable against her opponent's Diggersby in an even matchup until an impressive combo happened. Diggersby landed a hit on Clefable that triggered her Cute Charm and infatuated Diggersby revealing it to be male. Emily didn't waste a moment in using Sing and then a super effective and extra powerful Wake-Up Slap to almost knock out Diggersby and drastically reduce his points. From there it was just a matter of running out the clock and Emily won.
She smiled at Serena as she passed in the wings and Serena smiled back. Now it was her turn to win and win she intended on doing. She did that in short order using her Rhydon against her opponent's Durant and his ground type really helped win it for Serena. She was able to secure a Battle Off with a minute left to advance to the semifinal and face off against Emily in it.
Rather than head back though, Serena just stayed in her wings and watched as Brianna went out for her own semi, thankfully from the other wing. Again, it wasn't close, and Serena had to wince at what happened. Brianna went with her Trevenant against an opponent's Lunatone so a huge mismatch in Brianna's favor. She didn't even need half the time to win by Battle Off and advance to the final without another word. It was clear that she was going all out but Serena had a Pokémon that could hang with any of Brianna's, she just need to reach there first.
"Well, that was quicker than expected folks so we will move right onto the next semifinal." Jillian said sounding a little startled by the quick semifinal as Serena and Emily walked out of the wings. "This is actually the second matchup between these two coordinators as they have previously faced off in the final of the very first Kalos Contest that was held in Odyssey Village. This time though it is a semifinal as the Kalos Princess faces a Big 3 again in the Charming Fairy to try and claim another victory over one of them and possibly break into the ranks of the favorites this year. Folks, it's time for Serena verses Emily."
"That wasn't as bad as usual." Serena said to Emily as she took out her Poke Ball and the crowd cheered at their introductions.
"No not too bad." Emily said with a grin. "And I have been saving this Pokémon just for you Serena, so don't disappoint me."
"I won't." Serena said wondering if Emily had a new Pokémon to face her with or if it was maybe that Alolan Vulpix that Emily had gotten as an egg at the Alolan Fair.
"Alright ladies, begin!" Jillian said.
"Sylveon, let's go!" Serena said sending out her Poke Ball.
"Sylveon, fairy lights." Emily said in return and Serena, and the crowd, gasped. "Thank you for using your Sylveon as well. This is just what I wanted"
"Your Eevee evolved." Serena said before she recalled what Emily had said to her at the start of the day about her last Contest and it all clicked. "Against Jessilina in the last final you were in which is why you lost because it went from normal to fairy thus making it weak to poison."
"Bingo." Emily said.
"Folks this is a real treat." Jillian squealed as Valerie was now leaning forward to get a good look at the matchup between two Sylveons. "A Sylveon matchup in the city of fairies itself. This is perfect."
"That it is and let's start this with Dig." Emily said.
"Protect." Serena countered and the semifinal began in earnest as Emily's Sylveon dove at the ground and used Dig to get into the earth.
As this was happening Serena's Sylveon activated Protect. The move had priority and the sphere of protection flashed around her for a moment before vanishing and Serena knew that it would last until Sylveon was hit. That meant that it was a waiting game as Serena began to plan what was next for the match.
That came a moment later when the ground beneath Serena's Sylveon's feet burst open and she was thrown into the air. However, it was only because of the contact with her Protect and she easily landed on her feet and turned to face Emily's Sylveon that had burst out of the ground before her ready to keep fighting after the failed attack that took some points from Emily without damaging Serena's Sylveon.
"Swift." Serena called out.
"Toxic." Emily countered to Serena's surprise. "Yup, Sylveon can learn that move."
Serena's Sylveon opened her mouth and sent out the series of stars that made up Swift at Emily's. At the same time Emily's Sylveon mewled and turned the ground beneath Serena's to poison that rose up to hit Sylveon and poisoned her as the stars hit Emily's Sylveon. Both lost points and then Serena lost more because of a poisoning that rocked her Sylveon a second later.
"Good, now hit it with Quick Attack." Emily said.
"Fairy Wind." Serena countered as Emily's Sylveon began running at her.
Alas the speed that Quick Attack worked at meant that Emily's Sylveon was on Serena's as the first wisps of pink smoke appeared in her mouth and slammed into her hard thus ending the move before it began. The force sent Serena's Sylveon tumbling back and rolling over. However, Emily's Sylveon didn't move and just stayed there staring at Serena's. Serena couldn't see it from her angle so had no idea what had happened, but she got a good idea when her own Sylveon got up and she saw the hearts in her Sylveon's eyes.
"Your Sylveon is female?" Emily asked sounding shocked from her position.
"Um yes." Serena said. "And yours is male I take it."
"Well yeah like most of them are." Emily said. "It's rare for one to be female, that goes for Eevee and all the evolutions it can have."
"So, I've heard." Serena said unable to comprehend how both Sylveons Cute Charms had triggered at the Quick Attack hit. "But mine isn't and it really throws people, same with Misty's Espeon. That was actually a factor when Misty and I had a mock Contest battle a while back."
"I know Misty's Espeon well and there is a chance that hers could be the rarest Eevee evolution out there given that she's a shiny variant." Emily said as Serena's Sylveon was rocked by another poisoning. "But what now?"
"A Pokémon can still attack with infatuation." Serena said recalling a story Misty had once told her about her Ambipom being effected in a similar way in a Contest final. "Sylveon, Double Team."
"Disarming Voice." Emily countered as Serena's Sylveon activated Double Team, but Emily's didn't respond due to the infatuation he was under.
"We have it." Serena said. "Swift."
Unfortunately, this time it didn't take and Sylveon was rocked by poison again and Serena knew that it was going to be super effective given her type. This wasn't going well for her it kept getting worse as for the next two minutes neither Pokémon did anything their trainers asked of them in one of the strangest matches in a Contest anyone present had seen. Both Pokémon were infatuated and as such just stared at each other until either one wore off or the poison finished off Serena's Sylveon.
In the end it was the latter but only by a moment. Serena's Sylveon shuddered and fell to the side, the hearts in her eyes turning to swirls before she hit the ground with a thud just as the hearts left Emily's Sylveon's eyes and he looked around confused. As soon as it was clear that it was over the red Xs for a Battle Off sounded.
"And there we have it in what has to be a Contest first." Jillian said as the crowd cheered when they realized that it was over. "A joint infatuation thanks to the Cute Charm ability that Sylveons have but due to a clever Toxic from Emily's Sylveon she had the edged and won in the end. She advances to the final."
"Sylveon return." Serena said recalling her Pokémon and smiling at the Poke Ball in her hand. "You did well girl, that Toxic threw us and with the double infatuation it was just a matter of time before we lost. I'm still proud of you, don't feel down. Next time we will do better."
"I'm sure you will Serena." Emily said and Serena looked up to see that she'd recalled her Pokémon already and put it away for the Pokémon she planned to use in the final. "And I look forward to it."
"As do I." Serena said. "Now win this, for all of us."
"I will." Emily said and Serena nodded before she turned and left.
She had to walk past Brianna who just scowled at her and made some snide comment, but Serena ignored it. She was going to head back and join her friends to watch the final. She'd done her best, but she was still behind Emily and certainly Brianna. All that meant was that it was time to train and get better so that she could win her next Contest. First though she had to support Emily as the Laverre Contest came to a close.
"Well folks this is the final that I am sure everyone expected and what a final it will be." Jillian said excitedly to the crowd as Brianna walked out while Ash and his friends, along with Adam and Elesa, watched from the stands having just seen Serena lose in a strange semifinal. "It's another Big 3 showdown and a rematch of the Geosenge Contest Final where the two first met and Brianna was victorious. This is also Emily's second straight final against a fellow Big 3 after her recent loss to Jessilina. Can she redeem herself in this all-Kanto final. Stay tuned as the battle between the Charming Fairy and the Flower of Kanto begins…now!"
There was no fanfare this time, no pause for trash talk, nothing. It seemed that Jillian wanted to get the final started right away and Serena had barely made it back in time to take her seat next to May when the final began.
"Roselia, steal the stage." Brianna yelled tossing out her Poke Ball.
"Klefki, fairy lights." Emily said.
"Yes, I predicted it correctly." Adam said from the end of the row causing Ash and the girls, including Elesa who had spent most of the Contest idly grooming Pikachu on her lap, to turn to him. "This is just what we planned for. Emily has it now."
"Care to explain?" May asked instantly curious as the battle began in earnest below them with a Draining Kiss from Klefki as it dodged a Shadow Ball from Roselia to get in close for the attack. "You planned for this?"
"Well yeah, I'm always making notes, so I did that for Emily's Contests as well after she asked me to evaluate her and analyze her opponents." Adam said holding up a notebook that he'd been furiously scribbling in the entire time. "I have a whole profile on Serena in this as well actually and of course I have an extensive profile on Ash in my trainers' notebook. With Emily though, she asked for help with Brianna as she's the biggest threat, so I've been studying her intensely lately and made a prediction if she and Emily faced off again. It's come true though Emily was always going to use Klefki against her just in case."
"Why Klefki?" Ash asked as the Draining Kiss landed but Klefki was sent back with a second Shadow Ball before just avoiding a Gigi Drain and countering with Mirror Shot.
"Because it's part steel type." Serena said realizing it at once. "Which is the best possible type combo for a fairy type. Valerie said as much yesterday when she used Mawile against Elesa."
"Precisely." Adam said as the Mirror Shot landed, but Brianna responded with a successful Giga Drain that began to even things up again and restore Roselia in the process. "Ash keyed me into the use of dual types as a good way to bolster a type specialty and negate potential weaknesses. I've done that with my dark and fighting types are immune to psychic types though extra weak now to fairy types and it's why I'm trying to find a Croagunk or Toxicroak to counter Emily's type preference. Likewise, a Lucario is one of the few fighting types not weak to flying because of its steel type. With fairy types, their weaknesses are poison and steel."
"And a steel type is immune to poison type attacks." May said realizing as Klefki launched a Mirror Shot that was blocked by a Shadow Ball from Roselia. "Thus, negating that weakness."
"Yup which was annoying yesterday, and my queen knows a poison type attack, but she couldn't use it against that Mawile." Elesa said. "A shame as that might have been the deciding factor."
"Well, there is also the fact that, in general, steel types are really strong defensively with fighting, ground and fire as their weaknesses." Ash said. "And they resist their own type which negates a fairy type's other weakness. Of course, that doesn't prevent the steel type weaknesses from coming up though, at least with fire and ground as Elesa's Zebstrika showed yesterday but it does negate the fighting weakness thanks to the fairy type. Clever."
"I though so." Adam said as both Pokémon missed their next attacks, another Shadow Ball from Roselia and a Foul Play from Klefki. "And I predicted that with her coaching and desire to win Brianna would make sure that she used everything to beat Emily given both this strange vendetta she seems to have. Well, that and she properly planned to face Jessilina in order to beat her and Emily is only slightly worse than Jessilina based on experience so a legitimate threat which meant that Brianna would actually go after Emily with her strongest option."
"And her only poison type is Roselia." Serena said realizing as Brianna's frustration at not being able to use a poison type move seemed to reach a new level and she launched a Petal Dance with Roselia which would do a lot of damage but had the side effect of confusion when it was done. "Which usually is good against a fairy type but Klefki is also as steel type so she can't use that advantage on it."
"Correct and as Emily doesn't usually use Klefki in battle we guessed that Brianna wouldn't be thinking much about her having one." Adam said as Klefki took the attack and pushed through it while Emily shouted an order at it. "And we made sure that Klefki knew a move that would work well against Roselia. That meant fire, ice, or psychic attacks were best but that turned out to be a problem until we realized there was a good move that Klefki could learn."
It turned out that the move was a psychic type attack as Klefki unleashed a Psyshock through the Petal Dance that slammed into Roselia and did a lot of damage and sent the Pokémon back a few paces. This was followed by another Draining Kiss that was clearly done to get health back after the Petal Dance that ended just afterwards leaving Roselia confused, and Brianna clearly pissed off.
"The first time they fought Brianna showed off with Flygon as it is a dragon type, but she used tactics in that as well that were mixed into her show." Adam continued. "She had a plan and used Clefable's immunity to her advantage to create a smokescreen before revealing a steel type move that it knew to do some serious damage to Clefable. We took that idea and made Klefki into Emily's counter for Roselia and likely Brianna. Any other matchup may have been different, and after today we're going to need a new strategy, but this was the one that we knew we had."
This was seen a moment later when Roselia hurt itself due to its confusion followed by another Draining Kiss that had to put her on the ropes and helped Klefki. However, after that Emily showed a grace and respect by calling Klefki back and not attacking despite having the Battle Off in her grasp.
Brianna was forced to control herself, but the group could see her rage as she trembled with it. Well, that and it was all over Drew's face from where he was in the crowd.
It was clear why both were angry. Emily was showing class by not attacking a confused Pokémon more than necessary as that would be cruel despite having the chance to guarantee the victory.
It also didn't hurt that the points were on Emily's side and the time was not Brianna's friend. Roselia did snap out of her confusion before the time ended and Brianna ordered a Giga Drain but time ran out before Roselia's attack could reach Klefki and the Laverre Contest came to an abrupt end.
"And that is it folks, the Laverre Contest is over." Jillian said as Roselia returned to Brianna while both girls looked up to the scoreboard to see who the winner was, and it was clear as one of the girls had about 30% to the other's 20% points remaining. "And the winner is…Emily."
At this the crowd cheered and roared. May couldn't resist the grin as Drew got up and stormed off without so much as a look at them while Emily thanked Klefki and walked out to the center of the battlefield. As with Geosenge, that act forced Brianna to do the same and she walked out a second later to shake Emily's hand before they broke apart and Brianna left having already recalled Roselia the moment Emily was declared the winner.
"Folks that is the first loss for Brianna all year and Emily's first win over a fellow Big 3, as well as her 4th ribbon putting her one away from the Grand Festival." Jillian said as Valerie came up with a tray holding the Laverre Ribbon, a bright pink one in the Kalos ribbon style with the city crest as the gold seal in the middle of it. "So, congratulations Emily."
Serena and her friends all got up and cheered and Emily took her ribbon and posed with it and her Pokémon for pictures. It had been an interesting Contest for sure and their friend had won thus evening the score with Brianna, but that war was far from over and it wouldn't be until the Grand Festival. However, for now it was time to celebrate and enjoy the moment before they got ready for the next thing, Ash's upcoming gym battle with Valerie.
Their time in Laverre was far from over and they were enjoying every minute of it. It was time for some more of that as they geared up for the end of the Fashion Week and Ash's 6th gym battle.
