p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px; text-align: center;"span style="max-height: 999999px; text-decoration-line: underline;"span style="font-weight: bold;"Part CLVIII: A New Era Dawns/span/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Folks it is here at last!" Jillian said to the cheering crowd that packed the special stadium that had been constructed for the Wallace Cup, as well as for many future events in Snowbelle City, as she took her place to the side of the judges' panel. "The Wallace Cup has come to Kalos this year and it is here at last!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At this the crowd roared in anticipation though May, Misty, and Lucy just applauded and cheered more respectfully from the area in the stands were they were sitting. Piplup was with them as well and was currently sitting on Misty's lap with her Azumarill ready for his own brief moment that he knew was coming. Of the four not competing in the Cup, only Dawn was not with them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was because Dawn was sitting on the judges' panel sitting at the far end in the seat next to Wallace along with Mr. Contesta, Sukizo, and Snowbelle's Nurse Joy. As this was a major Contest the traditional judges were present. By this point May was certain that there were multiple Contestas and Sukizos given the number of regions that had Contests and all that, there literally couldn't not be, so that meant that they were like Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny in a sense. That was the only way it could be explained anyway./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"May herself felt a bit strange as she watched the Wallace Cup open from the stands and not the TV in the waiting room having participated in the last 3 Cups. However, she wasn't allowed to compete due to being a Top Coordinator, so she was here to watch and support all her friends competing, and many of them were. In fact, 14 friends and family were competing in it making it the largest such gathering ever for a single competitive event that any of them had been at. That meant one thing, this was going to be a good Cup./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It was also the first time that May had seen the Wallace Cup's layout changed since she'd first competed in one. For starters it was indoors, the climate in Snowbelle meaning that it made more sense to have it inside, though the stadium was larger than any May had seen for a regular Contest. That was done in part because it would be turned into a Showcase Theater for the Wallace Showcase a few days after the Cup ended and then be used for many other events, so it had to be big. It was the latest in stadium designs so it would get a lot of uses./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"There was one other change and that was the battlefield itself. In the past the Wallace Cup had historically been a pool, the only Contest to be one due to Wallace's water type specialty, with one side set up for the appeals before the other side was sorted for the battles that started tomorrow and ran for 3 days due to the top 16 advancing similar to a Grand Festival./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"However, in honor of Snowbelle's nickname as the city of everlasting winter, it's frigid climate, and the Gym Leader who called it home, and had actually not shown up despite being invited, the field itself was a smooth rectangle of ice rather than a pool of water. That would make things very interesting for sure./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'll admit this is the first time I've seen a Contest in person." Lucy said to the other girls as the crowd cheered, and Jillian began to go over the rules before the introduction of the judges which would also hopefully explain why Dawn was on the panel. "I've seen them on TV but sitting here in the actual atmosphere of one is a first. I know Wallace though, at least a bit."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""You do?" May asked surprised./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""May, I am from Hoenn as well remember." Lucy pointed out. "I faced Wallace in the Sootopolis Gym for my final badge there and won in a great battle that really got me pumped for the Evergrande Conference that year. Our Milotics met in the final matchup, and I won in the end because of my focus on offense though he taught me a few tricks to improve my Milotic and its skill. He would leave the gym a few years later, end up briefly being Hoenn Champion, and all this was after he won his Ribbon Cup, and then set all this up. He's as versatile as he is flamboyant."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""And he certainly is flamboyant." Misty said looking at Wallace and his slightly eccentric style that suited him perfectly. "It really helps sell his image."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""And now to introduce the judges before Wallace has a few words to open the Wallace Cup." Jillian said getting their attention once more causing them all to focus on her again. "As well as a brief clarification on a slight scoring change due to our second special judge."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Ah so that would explain it. May had been surprised when during the meet and greet the day before Wallace had come over to them to ask to speak to Dawn in private. She'd agreed and he'd taken her away. When she came back she seemed a bit shell shocked though all she'd say was that she'd be getting up early before them and that after last night she'd not be staying with them, but she hadn't said anymore. Apparently she'd been asked to judge and now they would learn of the special arrangements that had been made to allow her to do so./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""As this is the Wallace Cup only the traditional judges would do, so presenting the Kalos Contest Committee Chairman, Mr. Contesta." Jillian said gesturing to the well-dressed man all coordinators knew as the Chairman of the Contest Committee who just nodded and didn't say anything. "Next to him is the Kalos President of the Pokémon Fan Club, Sukizo."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Remarkable." The small man said which was his usual response to, well, everything./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Snowbelle City's own Nurse Joy." Jillian said moving to the middle judge./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A pleasure to be here today." Nurse Joy said giving her usual smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""And of course, the man who made all this possible, the charismatic and multi-facetted Wallace himself." Jillian said gesturing to him, and he offered the crowd a slight bow of his head and a smile at his introduction./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This one got the most cheers along with the usual swooning from the beret clad Wallace fan girls who seemed to follow him everywhere and were currently taking up a whole row at the front to themselves. All Wallace did was bow his head at the crowd and smile as his moment was still to come./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""However, this year we have a 5th judge who was requested by Wallace personally to join the panel for the appeals only though she will sit at the panel throughout." Jillian said as she gestured to Dawn at the end. "None other than the only 3-time winner of the Wallace Cup, those being the last 3 in a row by the way, Dawn aka the Prodigy of Sinnoh."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This got a great cheer from the crowd who were aware of her pedigree and accomplishments in both the Wallace Cup and the overall Contest world. When you added in Dawn's rising star as a rookie performer in Kalos this year and she'd built a solid fan base in Kalos as well, inadvertently serving as a bridge between Contests and Showcases and helping both gain in popularity./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It is this new addition that has led to a slight change in the appeals judging rules that will be in effect in this Wallace Cup only." Jillian said as Dawn waved awkwardly at the crowd still not used to be up on the judges' panel. "It is a known and reported fact that many of today's 47 stellar coordinators, performers, and trainers trying their hands at the Wallace Cup know her personally, one that would usually require either her or the competitors to withdraw due to a conflict of interest. To avoid any of this, there has been a slight rule change that could only occur in the Wallace Cup, which is also the only Contest that would allow for this anyway."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This would be it and the crowd murmured at that announcement wondering what it could be. May at least understood the need for it and it also explained why Dawn would not judge the battles. That just left two important question; what could they have done to allow her to judge the appeals and why couldn't it have been done during a regular Contest?/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""To avoid accusations of bias a new system for this Wallace Cup only has been implemented with how the appeals will be judged." Jillian said quieting the crowd. "All 5 judges will enter a score into the system for each appeal, and yes they will be published afterwards for transparency without any need for a formal request to see them, but the highest and lowest scores will not count."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That caused the crowd to begin murmuring again and Jillian paused to allow them to dissect it. It only lasted a few seconds however before she continued with her explanation./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Rather, an average of the middle three will count as the score a coordinator will receive for his or her appeal and the top 16 scores will advance to the battle round." Jillian explained. "That way we can avoid any potential issues or accusations of unfair judging from Dawn. This is only for the Wallace Cup and only possible due to there being 5 judges. Dawn will not judge the battle round however, that will remain the traditional 4 though she will remain on the panel due to her past accomplishments in the Wallace Cup."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was actually a good idea May realized. It was actually based off how a few other competitions were judged though she didn't know that, but Misty did as Pokémon Diving used that system. Regardless, it ensured that if Dawn's vote were biased one way or another, and with Brianna present it could be the other way, it wouldn't count. Add in the transparency of the scores and Dawn would have to be neutral regardless lest she be brought up on ethics violations by the Committee./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It was an ingenious system, one that would only work for the Wallace Cup but as this was the competition that Dawn had owned for years it really worked out for her. After all, Dawn couldn't compete, so it made sense that she was part of the Cup in some way and now she was without any worry of a conflict of interest./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Anyway, before we start we have a special announcement by Wallace." Jillian said as Wallace rose at his seat, a microphone now in hand, and the crowd silenced again eager to hear what he had to say. "One he has apparently been waiting a long time to announce."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That is correct, thank you Jillian." Wallace said smiling his dazzling smile at the crowd. "I have been waiting since the end of the last Wallace Cup to make this announcement as I needed permission for it to be done, permission which I received yesterday. This is something I have been planning since the end of the Cup two years ago when Dawn became only the 4th coordinator to defend her Aqua Ribbon and when she became the first to do so a second time, becoming the first three-peat winner of the Aqua Ribbon in the process, I knew that the time had come for this change."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Wallace paused here as the crowd listened intently to his words unsure of what was to come next. It was no shock to anyone who knew the Cup that Dawn had won it three times in a row, her prowess in it and the Coordinator world, along with her misfortune to lose two Grand Festival finals in heartbreakingly close fashion before winning it all the third time in a final that was already legendary, was well known. No, this was done for dramatic effect./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""When Dawn won the Wallace Cup last year in Petalburg City I said to her that she should cherish it because it would be the last Aqua Ribbon and I meant it because the Aqua Ribbon is no more." Wallace said which did get a gasp from the crowd as the Aqua Ribbon, the most coveted ribbon of the year and the only one to count in any region regardless of where it was won, had been the title of the ribbon since its inception. "In recognition of her accomplishments at the Wallace Cup, and with her permission that was obtained last night, from this day on the winner of the Wallace Cup will be awarded the Dawn Ribbon."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That did really got the crowd's attention, surprising even May though it did explain why Wallace wanted to speak to Dawn the day before and why she'd been so shell shocked by the conversation, as the screen behind the judges lit up. Who wouldn't be after you'd just been asked by one of the world's most famous coordinators to lend your name to the ribbon that held was held in the highest esteem./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"May would process all this in time however as first she had to look to the screen to see what was now displayed on it. On it was a new ribbon in the same style of the Aqua Ribbon, a gold crest with two strands down on the sides forming an obtuse angle. May had to admit it was a fitting design and explained the reason why Piplup was all puffed up with pride, this time at least./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The ribbon's color was a dark blue that was the exact same shade as Dawn's hair and bordered in hot pink, her favorite color. To cap it all off the golden crest was a replica of a profile view of a happy Piplup's head, the Pokémon that was not only Dawn's starter and best friend but also the one who'd bested May and her Glaceon three times in a row in the finals that Dawn had won. It was the perfect representation of Dawn in a ribbon and reminded May of how she'd lost the damned final each of those times./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""As with the Aqua Ribbon before it, the Dawn Ribbon will be valid in all regions as one of the 5 for entry into that region's Grand Festival." Wallace said as the crowd processed the sudden change and Dawn was just bright red in her seat. "And to commemorate the first Wallace Cup where the Dawn Ribbon is presented, and the first time in years where Dawn herself is not competing in it thus ensuring a new champion, as well as new finalists as the other stellar coordinator who faced Dawn in those finals, May the Princess of Hoenn, is also a Top Coordinator not competing but present today, Dawn herself will present the Ribbon to our new champion."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Well, that was something and even though May had lost those matches she couldn't help but grin at the predicament Dawn was now in. This Wallace Cup had not only her boyfriend but two love rivals, the closest person Dawn had to her protégé, Brock, a negative brat, and the one person who despite everything still didn't know how to pronounce Dawn's name correctly. Hopefully one of those people, well anyone but Brianna, won as it would be amusing to see Dawn have to present it to one of them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That is all I have to say so let the Wallace Cup officially begin." Wallace said with a flourish. "Jillian, if you will, please call our first coordinator."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you Wallace for opening it and announcing the new change that we are all excited to see who will receive it." Jillian said as Wallace sat down and a familiar looking woman with magenta pigtails, glasses, and a homely dress stepped out from the wings. "To start this off we have one of the two competitors present who's been in the Wallace Cup before, both of whom have actually beaten Dawn in Contests in the past, and the only Sinnoh coordinator in the Wallace Cup, so it's fitting that she kick us off. She's one of the Big 3 in Kalos this year going for her 5th ribbon in the Wallace Cup, as are the other two, it's the Maiden of Sinnoh, Jessilina!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At this the crowd cheered as the homely Jessilina gave them all a cute wave and small curtsy, an innocent smile on her face as she pulled out her Poke Ball for the appeal. Of course, the only ones who knew that it was an act were James and Meowth who were cheering her on from their spots in the crowd./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine, come on out and dazzle." Jessilina said as the appeals began./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Huh so that's why Wallace wanted to talk to her." Ash said idly as he watched the announcement on the screen from the waiting room. "Good for Dawn to have the ribbon named after her."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She certainly earned it." Serena said with a nod of agreement. "And given all who are trying for it, it feels fitting that one of us might win the first ever Dawn Ribbon that she will then present to whoever wins."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"While Wallace was announcing the surprising change in the Wallace Cup ribbon those in it were all in the waiting room preparing for the Cup. The one exception to this was Jessilina who was already in the wings ready to start the Cup off./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As with before, the Wallace Cup was the largest of the season with a total of 47 coordinators, performers, and trainers present for it. Most were on the Kalos circuit, at least 30 it seemed, but the rest had come from other regions to try their hand at it, take a break from their circuits, or had given up on another region and decided to use the Wallace Cup as a starting point for a year and change competing on the Kalos Circuit./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"For Ash, who had had the outfit he'd worn for the Grand Reception sent in for this complete with gloves, hat, cloak, cane and pouch, it was training. That didn't mean that he wasn't here to win it and now that it the ribbon was named after Dawn, well he had to go all out for it regardless of who he faced, and he was going to be up against some stiff competition to win the Dawn Ribbon that was for sure./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"In addition to all those from Pierre's party who were in it, including Brock, the complete Big 3 on the Kalos Circuit this year were present and competing in the Wallace Cup. Brianna was glaring at them with pure hate in her eyes from where she was in a simple green dress with purple ruffles and matching green gloves and shoes but thankfully she hadn't spoken yet. The last member of the trio, Emily, was in her usual pink and white dress with black tights that she always wore, was with their group alongside Adam who had decided to try it out for practice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The Hoenn boy who Ash knew looked up to him a little bit was dressed in something that Ash had complemented him on and caused Serena to roll her eyes at but then again Ash didn't seem to know fashion if it slugged him in the face given what he was currently wearing so it was understandable. That was because he was currently in a horrible brown suit with black pinstripes, an off yellow shirt, and black bowtie. Seriously, Serena was going to have to talk to Emily, who rocked her dress, about improving her, um, companion's fashion style./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Naturally, Serena was looking her best and loving the dressing up aspect of Contests as she got to show off so many different, extremely cute, dresses. One of the biggest things that she'd been able to bond with Dawn over was their mutual girly nature when it came to dressing up./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"May hadn't been much help with this aspect of Contests but Dawn was a veritable expert on it though even she acknowledged that Serena's range of styles was better than what she'd gone for in Sinnoh. That was a big complement to Serena, and she'd had Dawn take her dress shopping for this Cup back in Couriway where they'd had the time to go shopping to look her best and honor the Contest that now bore Dawn's name on its ribbon./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As for her outfit, once again Serena had decided to honor the city and event rather than go with her usual colors of pink, red, and white but this time she actually felt like she looked good in it unlike the green she'd gone for in Coumarine. For the Wallace Cup, Serena had opted for a simple yet elegant ice blue dress that hugged her chest well, slimmed through the waist, and flared out just enough to be in style but not cumbersome. It had a royal blue underskirt, sash and headband all with snowflakes in them to really show off the ice them she was going for./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"To complete it Serena had gone with matching ice blue tights, royal blue shoes with a low heel, small snowflake earrings, a royal blue choker with a snowflake charm that rested on her upper chest and ice blue, elbow length gloves. The dress was sleeveless like the one she'd worn for Pierre's party but otherwise it was very much like she'd wear for a Contest./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Overall, it was what she felt was fitting for the Wallace Cup in Snowbelle and given the changes in the field it was now really fitting for the Cup. Had the Cup been anywhere else then Serena would have gone with more royal blues to represent water than the light blue of ice. Plus, all this had the added bonus of still allowing her to save the dress that Elesa had given her for a latter Contest or maybe even the Grand Festival if she reached it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Of course, when it came to blue of any shade other than light blue, no one wore it better than Miette who was on Serena's other side. Even Dawn couldn't wear blue as well as the Kalos girl and Serena had to admit Miette's latest dress looked amazing in her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Miette had gone with a navy-blue dress with thick shoulder straps that hugged her curves just right while leaving no cleavage on her exposed upper chest and that went into a simple skirt that fell to her knees and was slightly folded over. She completed it with a white choker that had a blue stone in the center, white tights, headband that had a blue ruff that somehow didn't clash with her hair, belt sash with a water drop clasp on her hip and matching low-heeled shoes./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The one odd thing was that Miette didn't wear gloves. She was one of only three women on the circuit who didn't wear them and the only one of the three that was from Kalos where gloves were basically a requirement when a lady dressed up but with the exception of Pierre's party were something Miette always eschewed. The other two were Emily and Jessilina which made sense as neither were from the region. For Miette she was instead wearing a pair of white half sleeves on her forearms that looked good on her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I know right." Miette said from next to Serena. "Think of it, winning the Dawn Ribbon and having her present it to you, it would be amazing."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I agree which is why I'm going for it as hard as possible." Serena said looking around. "But it won't be easy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, we do have the Big 3, a classic trainer who can best Dawn, several wild cards, and Amelia." Miette said. "And I have a feeling that that last one is gunning for us as hard as the scar faced girl who seems to be trying to kill you with a glare Serena."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That would be Brianna." Serena said with a sigh. "I've explained her before."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Oh, I know all about her and if I face her I'll make it clear who I am, who I like, and that I'm another enemy for her to try and best." Miette said forcefully and Serena smiled, Miette may be confrontational and enjoy annoying her, but she was still a close and loyal friend with boundless confidence who stuck by those she loved as much as the rest of them did. "She'll have to destroy all of us and even then we'll be back. Just because she wins, even if it's the Grand Festival, doesn't mean that she's won overall. That won't break us, it will only make us stronger and her weaker because we are clearly less experienced than she is."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""True, we all showed that at the Master Class last year." Serena said. "And we are doing this to find that edge to rival Aria but after seeing her recently we still aren't there."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Not even close." Miette agreed. "But we will be. She has experience on us, but we will find a way. Well, most of us, the vibe from Amelia isn't a good one and honestly I think she's missing something that would take her to the next level of performing."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Her technical skill can rival even Aria, but her personality is why she loses." Serena said glancing over at the girl in the same purple dress as the Couriway Contest who was on her own just glaring at her, Miette, and Shauna who was off to the side with Tierno and Trevor discussing the change in the Dawn Ribbon with them. "And she's good at Contests. I saw her in one, this is something she doesn't have to worry about appealing to a crowd in like in a Showcase. If she masters the technical side, she may very well be the first Kalos native to win our Grand Festival if we fail to deal with the Big 3."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Upsets can happen at any time so no one will know until the Grand Festival who will win it for sure." Miette said. "And Dawn will face Amelia in the Master Class, I know our rival will make that, which will be good to watch."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Agreed but let's watch this now." Serena said and Miette nodded, Ash long since engrossed in it with Brock by his side and Max in front of them, as Jillian introduced Jessilina./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It was time for the Wallace Cup to start at last and that meant that they were all now rivals competing to win it. Time to focus and put on a show for the ages, the first ever Dawn Ribbon was on the line after all./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Jessie strolled out at her introduction and waved to the crowd with her homely, Jessilina, smile on her face and then gave them a small curtsy to show her gratitude to them for their support. Unlike in Sinnoh she wasn't mixing things up. No, she'd perfected her Jessilina persona over the year with her out of Contest appearances and the whole homely look was all part of that. Jessilee filled the other niche that fans loved so much so Jessilina could focus on this./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As such Jessie didn't change her style at all with Jessilina. After all, she was the hometown girl you take home to your parents and settle down with. That was who Jessilina was, that was how she'd earned that annoying nickname the Maiden of Sinnoh, but she played into it, and it helped her grow her support as the crowd cheered for her which was music to her ears. It was time to finally win the Wallace Cup and secure her place in the Grand Festival that she'd definitely win this time around./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine, come on out and dazzle." Jessie said having borrowed James's Carnivine for the appeals and it was time to show it off once again as she'd been waiting for this moment since the start of the year./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine!" Carnivine said happily as he burst out of his Poke Ball for the first time in ages, well first time in a Contest at least, as he'd finally been recalled a week ago for this very purpose even if he couldn't be with his beloved human at the moment he'd still listen to the female he knew his human wanted to mate with and vice versa./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The one interesting thing was that there was no ball seal on Poke Ball. While that was a Sinnoh affectation and one that Wallace had allowed in Hoenn the year before, with the Kalos Pokémon requirement it was deemed to be too much. As such they were not going to be used which really made things easier in the long run anyway./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Start us off with Bullet Seed." Jessie said as her appeal began. "Aim at the ice but be precise and loosen up a few chunks."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine." Carnivine said as he leapt high into the air and aimed the Bullet Seed at the ice as instructed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The grass type attack spewed forth from Carnivine's mouth and slammed into the ice. However, he was controlled with his shots, grouping them with short burst rather than a continuous stream to dislodge about 5 chunks of ice before he landed back on the ground. The move was just the first part of the routine and done to ensure that Carnivine had what he needed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now grab them with Bind." Jessie said. "And juggle using the multi turn aspect of Bind."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine." Carnivine said as he used his vine-like arms to grab the chunks of ice that he'd made and wrapped them in it, the ice cracking slightly as Bind activated but otherwise held strong./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"From there it was a simple matter of using it on all the 5 chunks that he'd made before he began to toss them into the air. It had taken a fair bit of practice, the main focus for them in the wake of Pierre's party in fact, to get this right but Carnivine's natural mobility, flexibility, and the looseness of what passed for arms with him made it easy as he used Bind to catch each of the ice chunks in order not only weakening them for what was to come but also keeping it for 3 rotations./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Excellent and now it is time for the grand finale." Jessie said raising her hand. "Toss those chunks as high as you can. Vine Whip on the 4 lowest then leap and grab the last one with Bite."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine." Carnivine said as he tossed each ice chunk up as high as he could and directly up rather than in the arc needed for juggling./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"From there it was only a matter of sending out his vines twice in his Vine Whip attack, each time hitting and shattering two of the ice chunks showing his strength and how accurate he was with the attack. Then, when the last one was done, Carnivine tensed his base and used the vine-like appendages to leap up high, right under the final chunk that was still in the air./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"When he reached it he opened his large mouth, his teeth glowing with dark type power, before he closed it on the final chunk destroying it in a shower of ice shards. That plus the ice bits he'd leapt through all made his green, well-watered, body shine thus standing out in the process./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Carnivine landed on his base as the rest of the ice lightly showered down on him and bowed to the judges to show that he was done as Jessie did the same only with a sweet, innocent curtsy and a small smile on her face. She'd done it and she knew it. She'd set the bar nice and high with her appeal and the others would know it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""My what an appeal to start off the Wallace Cup." Jillian said excitedly into her mic as the crowd roared at it and Jessie and Carnivine rose to look at the judges as she awaited their feedback. "What about out judges, do they agree?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine showed off its power, accuracy, flexibility and grace all things we love to see in an appeal." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "And the way Jessilina used the field to her advantage to make what she needed for her appeal was inspired, something a seasoned coordinator understands all too well."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile and a nod of his head./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine has clearly been well raised and cared for, that can be seen in his movements and how well his body shines as he moves." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "Jessilina really understands how to look after a grass type and ensure that it loves her."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I agree and what's more the love can be seen in how fluid and graceful Carnivine was." Wallace said. "It is clear that Jessilina understands the bonds between Pokémon and trainer and the need to be friends and have a good time together."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Carnivine really showed off both its type and how its physiology lends to moves of other types like Bind and Bite." Dawn said refraining from saying anything that might come off the wrong way given how well she knew this Carnivine well as it was the last Pokémon to beat her in a normal Contest battle that wasn't also a Contest final. "Jessilina really used it all to her advantage in that appeal while also using the terrain to its fullest and highlighting how well cared for Carnivine is at the end."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, there you have it a great review from our judges to kick off the Wallace Cup and really set the tone for all that we will see today." Jillian said as Jessie curtsied again while Carnivine bowed before she recalled him and headed to the wings. "Next up…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At this point though Jessie was no longer listening as she headed to the wings, not even paying attention to who was after her, and maintained her persona until she was clear, and a real grin could break through for a moment as she walked to the waiting room. She may have gone first but she knew that she'd just punched her ticket into the battle round. Now all that was left to do was wait and see who came near enough to her appeal to also make it to the battles as she prepared for her inevitable victory in the Wallace Cup./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Tierno eagerly stood in the wings waiting to go out for his own appeal. He was the first of their group up, the 6th overall, and he was ready to show off how he looked in an appeal and really impress his darling Serena. She'd really like what he had in store and while he would have preferred the traditional water he was still excited for the ice as it would work just as well if not better for what he had planned./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As for his outfit, Tierno was in his usual attire for these things, a special suit he'd had made that allowed him to move and dance at the same time. He didn't wear a jacket, just a simple black silk shirt with a frilly white collar cut deep and matching cuffs and nice and loose with matching pants that were lose and sturdy to avoid rips with comfortable black shoes. It wasn't the smartest, but it fit with Tierno's style and allowed him to dance along with his Pokémon as they appealed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your kind words." Jillian said drawing Tierno back to the upcoming appeal and his desire to both impress Serena and advance to the battles where he'd really shine. "Next up we have a trainer who reached the quarterfinals of the last Kalos Conference and has been an active coordinator on the circuit this year with 3 ribbons already, so he's already qualified for the wildcard weekend and is going for the direct Grand Festival qualification. Give it up for the Dancer of Santalune, Tierno."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Tierno took that as he cue and leapt out from the wings and began to make his way to the starting point showing off his moves as the crowd cheered wildly for him. His dancing, and that of his Pokémon, had always gotten the crowds going and once he'd perfected how to blend his moves into it for appeals in a way that showed off his Pokémon to their fullest he was able to really shine in Contests./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Alright Blastoise, let's dance." Tierno said as he finished his dance at the starting point and using his Contest entrance line and threw out his Poke Ball in one smooth motion. "Show off those moves with a Hydro Canon at the ice before you land."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Blastoise." Blastoise said happily as he flipped forward still in the air and blasted the Hydro Canon down at the ice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The powerful blast of water hit the ground from the canons on Blastoise's back and propelled him up where he used the momentum to flip and spin in a graceful dance that Tierno matched in perfect synchronicity on the sidelines before he landed on one hand thing to hold a handstand on the ice for a few seconds as the effects of the move were felt and Tierno planned for what was next in the same held pose showing how much strength both had./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Blastoise, Rapid Spin but invert it." Tierno said as he bent his elbow with Blastoise doing the same. "Spin on your shell and send out a Water Gun when you can to keep that spin up."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Blastoise." Blastoise said happily as he did just that, leaping into the air off his arm and withdrawing his head and limbs into his shell in the process./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"He was already spinning as he landed on the ice on his back, the spin only increasing on the ice as Tierno did the same on the sidelines where the coordinator stood. This lasted for the length of the move before the water shot out of the canons on Blastoise's back as he keep spinning thanks to the lack of friction on the ice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It wasn't as powerful as it would be with Hydro Canon, more steady and controlled but with the spin and ice it moved Blastoise who kept spinning as he arched over the ice in a graceful manner, his body always visible until the move ended, and he popped out of it leaping into the air his head and limbs appearing./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Finish this with an Ice Beam." Tierno said doing the same as everything had fallen into place. "Aim at the fresh water you've left on the ice."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Blastoise." Blastoise said with a smile as he pitched forward in a flip and blasted the Ice Beam from his canons./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The ice type attack hit the water and moved along it freezing it in a slide that Blastoise then landed on. Thanks to the angle he was heading in the direction and slid on the ice, his arms wide and a smile on his face as Tierno matched the pose with a slide to his right as Blastoise reached the end of the slide and the end of his appeal. With it over they bowed to the judges, smiling and panting a bit from all the dancing they'd done./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, that was something else entirely but the dancing with his Pokémon is what Tierno is known for." Jillian said. "How did our judges find that appeal?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Blastoise showed off a its strength, moves, and mobility in an appeal that is just what we've come to associate with the emerging Kalos style of appeals." Mr. Contesta said. With a nod. "Once again showing why expanding to new regions was needed because we get to broaden the styles of appeals and battles with the uniqueness that regions like Kalos can offer."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Blaistoise is clearly well cared for to show off moves like that." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "And the dancing together was adorable."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Fun and dancing with one's Pokémon, the essence of playing that all trainers and their Pokémon should do." Wallace said with a nod. "And despite the water type the ice field not only worked well but was actually better for Blastoise than a pool would have been given its style."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Tierno really showed how Blastoise's physiology can work to its advantage when dancing while blending in its moves and factoring in how ice is different was a traditional ground without losing its footing." Dawn said appreciatively. "Not an easy thing to do and to match it with the coordinator's own dancing shows a level of trust and symmetry that few see. A shame that Kalos doesn't let men into Showcases, I'd have liked to see Tierno in a freestyle, I think he'd bring a lot to the event."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, there you have it, the judges clearly understand what the Kalos style of appeals have to offer the Contest world, and we have many more Kalos coordinators who really show off what we here bring to Contests." Jillian said as Tierno smiled, bowed again as did Blastoise, before he recalled his starter and took his leave smiling at Trevor who was in the wings and next up. "Next we have…"/p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Trevor was nervous as he waited in the wings and adjusted the collar of his shirt. It felt a little tight and he wasn't used to the full formal shirt, done up to the top with a simple green tie that was hidden but for the knot by his vest. As Trevor usually wore nice clothes all he'd had to do was change his shirt to a more formal one, add a tie, and then put on a jacket that matched his pants. It wasn't as elaborate or as fancy as some of the others, but it worked for him, and he still had his camera around his neck resting against his chest as it was effectively part of him./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Still, Trevor was nervous about what was to come. He'd done a few Contests this year here and there, basically whenever he ended up somewhere that there was one at the same time he was in that town, for practice and to get some good photos as the rarest Pokémon were at them due to the wide range of international coordinators who'd come to Kalos to compete on the Contest Circuit. He'd even won one ribbon at a Contest before the Wallace Cup and after Pierre's Party, but this was different, this was the Wallace Cup./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This was the top Contest of the year out of all of them across the 8 regions that had Contests and only the Grand Festivals were considered more prestigious. Now he was here, about to compete in it alongside some skilled competitors./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Not only did he have to deal with the Big 3 coordinators who made this their profession and were clearly the best on the circuit, but he had to deal with plenty of other strong contenders. There were people like Serena, Shauna, and Miette who'd made the Master Class final, Tierno who was a top 8 in the Lumiose Conference and of course Ash Ketchum the recent Indigo Conference runner up and skilled trainer who's style was hard to counter./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"All that made Trevor nervous and the fact that he was following Tierno didn't help. Tierno wasn't just a good trainer with a unique style, he probably would have made the semifinals last year but for that Mega Sceptile's ability, he could also appeal well now that he'd gotten the hang of them. Trevor still hadn't gotten used to how Contests worked, but he was still going to try, and he had just the Pokémon for it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""…another Kalos native and trainer who is trying his hand at the Wallace Cup." Trevor heard and snapped out of his thoughts enough to look up and see Tierno coming towards him smiling showing that he was done, and it was time for Trevor to focus and he smiled back as his friend passed him reassured by the support Tierno was showing him. "He's a normal trainer and amateur photographer who's reentering the Lumiose Conference this year but who has also showed that you don't need to be a full-time coordinator to enjoy Contests. From Lumiose City, it's Trevor."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"With that Trevor just smiled as he walked out a little stiffly to the cheering of the crowd, giving them a small wave as he did and not concerned that they weren't cheering as loudly for him as they had been for Tierno. That was all he did as he walked towards the starting point and pulled out the Poke Ball he was going to use for this appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Florges, say cheese!" Trevor said as he tossed out the Poke Ball and it burst open to reveal the fully evolved fairy type with a white flower head that he'd raised from a Flabébé. "And start us off with Energy Ball. Aim it into the sky."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Florges didn't say anything as she leant back, opened her mouth and sent the ball of grass type energy into the air as high as she could. This was just the start of the appeal and one that would look really good as the next move was going to really add to it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Magical Leaf." Trevor said. "Arc it Florges."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Florges just nodded as she looked to the side, the Energy Ball still rising, and sent out the strange leaf from her body. Magical Leaf never missed and as the target was the Energy Ball it wasn't going to miss but because of the angle it arced to the side in a smooth curve before slamming into the Energy Ball right at the apex of its height and exploded, the moves blasting apart in a shower of green sparkles that awed the crowd. Hitting two moves together was always great for scores given the skill needed to pull it off or in this case the timing to look good./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Misty Terrain." Trevor said as the explosion happened. "Coat the field in it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Florges just nodded as she raised her arms and the mist rose up from the ice to cover it in a mist that was about mid-calf level on a human. It looked good on the ice but was purely for the effect as what came next was the big finish that they'd practiced a lot so that they could get it right./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""One more Energy Ball." Trevor said. "And stop it before it hits the other side with Grass Knot."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Florges nodded as this was the big move, what she'd practiced so hard to master, for all to see. She opened her mouth and sent out another ball of grass type energy. However, this time it was directly horizontal and over the top of the mist, the color of the ball really working well with the mist below it. Then Florges raised her arms and activated Grass Knot. Suddenly an arch of vines appeared from the mist and right before the Energy Ball./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The grass type attacks collided and exploded. However, the key to it all was that it blew the mist back and away but with the distance such that it looked good as it slightly shrouded Florges rather than obscure her, that and her white flower also really stood out, to finish the move and appeal as the mist died down, dispersed by the collision rather than ending due to the time limit of the move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"With that Trevor let out a breath and bowed slightly to the judges while Florges offered her best approximation of a curtsy. It wasn't as good as Tierno's, but Trevor felt that it was good enough to maybe make it into the battle rounds as one of the last to qualify. If not then oh well, he'd had fun and he could take some great photos of the battles from the stands, but he hoped he'd make it and thus get a chance to battle./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, that was different for sure." Jillian said as the crowd cheered the conclusion of the appeal. "What do our esteemed judges think of it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A good display of skill, timing, and accuracy there while also showing off how strong Florges is with grass type moves." Mr. Contesta said. "The Grass Knot at the end was certainly unexpected and impressive to watch."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said which was the same as he'd said about everyone so far, so Trevor had no idea if that was good or not./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Florges looked beautiful and poised just as I'd expect from a fully evolved Pokémon like her." Nurse Joy said. "Though I'm still not sure why she's not a grass type, Florgeses are often good with that type, but they were always normal types until that shift thing changed it to fairy type."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Controlled and measure just as a Pokémon should be from a trainer with battle experience, especially with a Pokémon not as often associated with battles as she probably should be." Wallace said. "And the maturity of Florges is clear but that twinkle in her eyes shows she had fun out there. I'd have loved to see her as a Flabébé or Floette if this is what she's like as a Florges."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""When I found out that Florges was just a normal to fairy change after the shift I was surprised, I thought it was a fairy and grass type that had added the latter on evolution because of the whole flower thing, and this appeal showed me why I was mistaken." Dawn said. "Still, a great display of control and poise from a fully evolved Pokémon as I'd expect. Not every appeal needs to be flashy or involve a lot of movements, showing off power, accuracy, timing, and composure are just as important."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, there you have it some more kind words from our judges." Jillian said as Trevor smiled, bowed again with Florges doing her bob thing that was a curtsy before he recalled her and left the stage. "Next up…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Trevor wasn't sure how to feel but Dawn's words at the end showed that he'd done something right and perhaps being different but skilled would help him stand out a bit more in this Cup. Only time would tell however so he hurried back to see how the rest of the appeals went, support his friends, and hope that he advanced to the battle round of the Wallace Cup. Regardless, this was a lot of fun and Trevor was glad he'd come to compete in it./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Ash wasn't nervous about his appeal as Pikachu, who was already prepared for this, stood by his side in the wings ready for it as well. They were here for fun, friends, and training. There was no pressure to win, though Ash of course wanted to both for his own competitive spirit and because of the prize being the Dawn Ribbon now, and that made Ash relaxed and ready for his 3rd Wallace Cup./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges." Jillian said as the coordinator before Ash, the 9th to go making Ash the 10th, left clearly unhappy with her appeal. "Next up we have one of the most interesting trainers in the Wallace Cup. He's the only one who competed in it last year, where he lost to Dawn in the semifinals but not before beating a Top Coordinator in the quarters with the Contest debut of a Porygon2, and he's beaten Dawn herself in a Contest meaning he's the other person here to beat her after Jessilina. He's also the runner up in last year's Indigo Conference in Kanto where he revealed fairy types to the world in his quarterfinal match. Give it up for the Upset of Kanto, Ash!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Ash was a bit surprised that the nickname he'd gotten saddled with because of his few Contest surprises last year when he was using them as training and bonding with his newest Pokémon, or whatever that rival thing with Zoey was, had survived. However, he just shrugged it off as he waved to the cheering crowd as he walked with Pikachu by his side, cane in hand and hat low./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"One thing he made sure to do was not look at Dawn as he walked. Of all the competitors he was the one with the biggest conflict with her, after all it wasn't normal that your girlfriend judged your Contest appeal, so best to not draw attention to it and hope that she didn't show him any favoritism during it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Alright let's get this started." Ash said as he tipped his hat up and pointed the cane out as soon as he reached the starting spot. "Pikachu, I choose you. Start us off with an Iron Tail onto the ice."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Pikachu." Pikachu said excitedly as he leapt forward and flipped in the air, his tail turning to steel as he did readying for the attack that would start their appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"A second later he slammed his tail into the surface of the ice hard enough to crack it a fair bit and leaving behind a small creator with chunks of ice all around. All this was part of the routine though and as soon as his tail hit it Pikachu leapt up and forward to the part of the ice that was clear but for a few small chunks awaiting what was coming next./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Land on those ice pieces and skate on the ice." Ash said and Pikachu did that landing his legs on four pieces of ice and allowing his momentum to take him forward before he began to skate across the ice on his makeshift ice skates showing great coordination to do it on all fours. "Now speed it up with Quick Attack."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Pika pi." Pikachu said joyfully as he shot forward with his Quick attack, the lack of friction on the ice causing him to go faster than normal but he used his tail as a rudder to guide him and keep him stable as he skated all over the ice in a fun, fast, blur that barely slowed down as the move ended./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Good now Electro Ball." Ash said. "Aim it high into the air and then hit it with Thunderbolt."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Pikachu." Pikachu said happily as he began to form the ball of electricity on his tail, never slowing down or stopping his skating for a moment./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This was the key to the appeal, the sheer level of coordination to master it all and it was something only Pikachu in the team could do hence why he'd been tapped for this role. He had formed the ball and sent it up and high as he skated for all to see. Then his cheeks began to spark, and he sent a blast of electricity up at it even as he moved over the ice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"His Thunderbolt was his best attack and it shot up and at the ball with ease before it slammed into the Electro Ball a little before it would have reached its apex. With a boom the moves exploded sending sparks of electricity in a fireworks display for all to gasp at./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At the same time Pikachu leapt off the ice he was on, flipped a few times in the air, and landed on his feet, his forepaws up in the air as he skidded to a stop under the fireworks in a star pose smiling at the judges in the process. That was the grand finish and with that and the sparks ending he and Ash bowed to the judges, a little deeper than necessary but they were here to have fun and had just done that./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Wow what an electrifying appeal." Jillian said as it ended, and Ash and Pikachu rose from their bows. "But do our judges agree with me?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That was an impressive showing with Pikachu showing off both power and skill." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "The level of training to pull that off shows just how close you two are."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Simply remarkable." Sukizo said nodding as well though as always it was impossible to tell what the man was really thinking./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Pikachu was adorable there and really showed that even if a Pokémon is cute it can be powerful at the same time." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "Clearly he has been well raised by Ash to be able to pull of such an appeal."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I can tell from the start that you and Pikachu are best friends who play together all the time, only that kind of bond can produce such results." Wallace said with a nod. "And it was nice to see you appeal with a Pokémon other than your Buizel Ash, I do recall it from the last 2 Cups you've been in so I'm glad to see that you can mix it up a bit."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Pikachu certainly showed off how good he is not only with his own type, but normal and steel type moves as well." Dawn said as measured as possible as this was the judging above all else that would get the most questions for sure though she knew that her score for Ash was going to be fair despite the conflict. "It all came together well, and the level of coordination needed to pull that off shows how close you two are."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have it, another good evaluation." Jillian said. "And up next…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Ash, however, just bowed again as Pikachu scampered back to him before he and Pikachu turned and left while Jillian was speaking. Ash was just having fun and he was glad he did. Advancing would be nice as it would give him a chance to train against some unusual styles but otherwise he'd be fine having a good time with his friends. Next up was Adam and Ash nodded at him as he reached the wings and passed heading to the waiting room to continue watching the remaining appeals./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Next up we have a trainer making his Contest debut, all the way from Dewford Town out in the Hoenn region, it's Adam." Jillian said and May, Misty, and Lucy watched as a boy of around 13 wearing a horrible brown suit with messy green hair walked out of the wings./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I met him last night, right?" Misty asked as they guy made his way to the starting point. "Is he one of the ones you guys know from a couple of meetings or something?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Kind of." May said as Adam sent out a Hitmonlee for his appeal and ordered a kicking attack onto the ice that had been repaired while Ash was getting his judging comments. "He's a friend of Ash's, looks up to him a bit, and is a fighting specialist from Hoenn who's challenging gyms this year after Ash suggested it to him I think. We know him through Emily as he's traveling with her this year."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Oh, she's the Kanto girl that Dawn sorta mentors, right?" Misty said recalling the name. "She faced Dawn in the semifinals of the Grand Festival if I recall correctly."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That's her, she's one of the Big 3 this year given her past experience." May said as chunks of ice were sent into the air that Adam then ordered Hitmonlee to leap up and kick with a different kicking attack that shattered some before changing into a fire type kicking attack for the remaining ones in an impressive transition while still in midair. "She'll be going later and is a fairy type specialist."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Interesting, she'll be a good challenge for anyone then." Misty said. "That type is so new that it's still a bit of a challenge to deal with, especially given the sudden dragon type immunity."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She should be but of the three she's the easiest to predict and counter." May said. "A problem with a type specialist though she's been learning a lot about how to counter such weakness and the importance of using dual types. Her best in that regard is her Klefki as it negates the poison weakness entirely and removes the steel weakness though it does bring up fire and ground weaknesses. Adam's been a great help to her in that regard I believe."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I like how this one is a bit like Ash in how he's using the ice to his advantage." Lucy said clearly not listening to the conversation and commenting on the current appeal bringing May and Misty back to it as Hitmonlee landed and launched a kick across that ice's surface that looked good as the ice showed the kick's path better than normal earth could. "Plus, he's going with pure offense with those kicks, a solid strategy for a fighting type given how offensively versatile the type is. Shame about the ugly suit though."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""We'll have to talk to Emily about dressing him properly." May said looking to Lucy as Hitmonlee slammed his foot down to create a few rocks on the ice in what had to be a Stone Edge move. "What about Brock? What's he wearing for the Wallace Cup?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I actually don't know and that does worry me as he can sometimes be a bit clueless on fashion." Lucy admitted. "But he said to wait and see and that I'd like it, so I'll trust him on this."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Trust Brock? That is something you don't hear every day." Misty said though of all of them she was the one still struggling to process that Brock was engaged as the fact that he was even in a relationship, let along about to get married, was hard to believe. "Though I'll admit, this guy does know attacks and like Ash is using the ice well which seems to help get some good points in an appeal. That iron tail on the ice to stake around with Pikachu was classic Ash. Honestly, I'd totally see him doing that in a battle to get an edge so him doing it in an appeal really shows his style."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Very true." May said as it appeared that the appeal was coming to an end and Adam and his Hitmonlee turned to face the judges and bowed, it had been briefer than expected but really showed off the main power and style of Hitmonlee which would go over well with the judges. "And the way Pikachu skated and showed off his electric type moves while doing so worked well. It was also a great way to compensate for the ice battlefield."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'll admit, I was surprised that Ash didn't use a water type even with the ice field." Misty said as Adam got good feedback from Mr. Contesta about how he blended the style and moves of Hitmonlee's type well. "He used his handsome Buizel last time that I still want to help train a little, so I was hoping to see his latest one."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""He does have one water type on him, a water and dark type actually, but, well, there is a bit of an issue with it." May said as Lucy nodded. "So, while Ash has Greninja on him I don't think he'll be using him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Huh, why not?" Misty asked as Sukizo gave his usual remarkable statement. "If I recall a Greninja is the final form of the Kalos water type starter so a good choice for Ash and it's the first water type starter of his to fully evolve if I recall correctly."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It is but, well, Ash's is different because of course Ash would find the one Froakie that is different and bond with it." May said while Nurse Joy gave her usual Pokémon care remark and noted how well raised Hitmonlee was to have such strength in his legs. "We've known that it might be since it chose him in Lumiose City, and Olympia confirmed it after their battle with a vision of the future that involved Frogadier as it was at that stage at the time. Then, when it evolved in that battle at Pierre's..."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""The battle of Ash and three of us." Misty said with a chuckle at how Dawn must have felt seeing Ash and three of her rivals in a tag battle, which would have been a sight to behold but alas Misty hadn't seen it, so she'd have to live with the stories of it. "Fate loves to mess with us that way it seems."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It sure does." May said as Wallace noted that they had to have trained and played together to get Hitmonlee's kicks to that level. "But it was more than usual this time as Frogadier evolved and then, well, we're still not fully sure what is going on with Greninja. It appears that Greninja has an ability called Battle Bond and that causes a rather unique change."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Battle Bond?" Misty asked confused. "Never heard of that ability. Usually, a fully evolved water type starter has Torrent as its ability."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Usually but this Greninja is a generational one and has a unique ability called Battle Bond apparently." May said. "Which basically means that in battle, when he and Ash share their emotions, desires, and hearts, Greninja powers up and even takes on a slightly new appearance that has distinctly Ash-like characteristics. Right now, all that happens is that Greninja is in a water vortex after the change, except briefly against Diantha when she tested it on Olympia's request and did well to force her to Mega Evolve her Gardevoir as the vortex burst during it showing us what Greninja fully looks like, but it's still powerful with the vortex thing."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Huh so the water that encases it is only a temporary thing then but requires more to get rid of I guess." Lucy said as Dawn gave her own analysis of how the fighting type moves and styles worked well and how Adam had used the terrain to really show it off, terrain that was being repaired by an ice type on hand as they spoke. "Still cool and something I definitely want to face one day just to test myself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It is and it seems to be like Mega Evolution only without the stones aspect." May said as Adam and Hitmonlee bowed before leaving and the next coordinator, one of the few from Kalos who was here for the Wallace Cup was introduced. "At least according to Clemont's tests as they've concluded that the change occurs when Ash and Greninja's battle pulses as he calls them synchronize. That's why he traveled with us back to Snowbelle before heading home so that he could study it and hit Joule City on the way. However, as far as we know Greninja doesn't have a Mega Evolution like say Blaziken or Gyarados has."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That is interesting." Misty said. "Mega Evolution is certainly useful though. I'm glad I finally got a Key and Mega Stone for my darling baby."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was one thing that they'd all noticed the day before, Misty now had a Key Stone. She kept hers on her hair tie in her side ponytail and upon arriving in Kalos she'd gotten the corresponding the Mega Stone for her Gyarados, but none had seen it yet./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Apparently Brock also had a Key Stone, and his Mega Stone was for his Steelix, which made sense as it was his starter, but again they hadn't seen it yet though Lucy did confirm that Brock had a Key Stone which had been a gift from his father apparently. The fact that both were large, serpentine, Mega Evolutions meant that they needed space though naturally Lucy was excited to see them at some point./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It is but, well, Mega Evolution is banned from Contests at the moment while the Committee evaluates it to see how it can be used in Contests in the future." May said as the next appeal began. "So Ash probably can't use Greninja for the battles and with an ice field like this he was always going to use Pikachu. Greninja may not need a Mega Stone, but the effects are similar enough to be considered so better to not use him than risk disqualification for violating the rules. He does plan to use Greninja in his gym battle, so you'll probably see the change then Misty."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I can't wait for that." Misty said with a grin. "Even brought my outfit from the Indigo final to cheer him on, can't let Dawn upstage me in cuteness even if she won him in the end. Plus, it's been years since I saw Ash in a gym battle, I'm not missing my chance now that I actually have it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It will be cold, but Serena and I will also be dressed up as well until we have to reapply our layers." May said. "We've been joining Dawn since Coumarine in that regard and I'm sure she'll do something for Miette for whenever Miette has the time to cheer Ash on, probably go for a navy blue if I had to guess. Naturally, Ash still doesn't know about Serena, and she hasn't found the courage to tell him yet."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""He's too dense to realize but that is nice, it will be four this time unless Miette stays." Misty said. "I assume you've told them about Sabrina and her presence in Kalos right now."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Only Serena as she travels with us, and she will see Sabrina after me when we meet up in Gloire City before the Master Class." May said. "That is the plan at least. Miette doesn't know and she's not staying for the gym battle so it will be just four this time. I haven't had the opportunity to tell Miette about Sabrina and how she should probably seek her out for a chat."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""If you can then do but if not, well fate does like to ensure these things for people like us as I wouldn't have thought about it had Sabrina not been giving a talk about her past struggles in Cerulean and I'd been forced to attend out of common curtesy." Misty said. "Though I am very glad I did, that woman really helped me out when I needed it the most and I didn't realize that I needed help at the time. I'm sure Sabrina will either find Miette by accident or search for her once you tell her about Miette and her crush on Ash depending on what comes first."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""True." May said as the appeal ended, it wasn't a good one so no threat to their friends. "Sabrina is around, and we'll all need her, especially me as I want her perspective on, well, the whole Drew and Brianna situation. Shame she can't be at this, but I understand why."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes but she also had her own mission to undertake while here that goes beyond helping us." Misty said as the judges began to give their feedback. "She's got some personal things to sort out while she's here that she finally has the time and clarity to do so, it's why we separated as soon as we landed, we both had our own agendas to focus on, but when that's done she'll be able to help."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Good I am looking forward to seeing her, I could use her insight." May said as the remarks ended, and the screen showed who was next. "But time to focus, it's Bonnie's turn and I want to see what she does."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The other women just nodded as they sat back to watch May's friend Bonnie go. So far their friends had done well in their appeals, and they couldn't wait to see more. It may be a long day, but it was a good and fun one as the Wallace Cup really started to get into the swing of things./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Bonnie stood in the wings nervous for the Wallace Cup. She was by far the youngest here, one glance around showed that Max was the only one close to her age, and that had intimidated her a bit, but she pushed through it because she knew her friends and those she looked up to like Serena and after the year on the road with him Max were counting on her to do her best and advance. They all wanted to, and they were all aiming for it so Bonnie couldn't let them down./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She had to admit, she did love the dress she was in and the whole competing in dresses had been appealing to her with Contests and Showcases, it was in part why she'd tried them along with the Pokémon presentation aspects of the competitions, so she'd enjoyed getting dressed up for this. Add in that Serena and Dawn had taken her dress shopping during the trip her and helped her pick out the dress that she was now wearing made her feel even closer to them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Bonnie was in a dark yellow princess style dress that fell to her ankles with plenty of ruffles, a high boddice, and puffy sleeves. The ruffles, hem, and sleeve edges were black, as was the flower around her side ponytail and the choker she wore around her neck, while her gloves with the same dark yellow with a black lining and edging. It was all done to look a bit like her Pokémon of choice for the appeal and she was excited to show it off knowing that Clemont and their father were watching from the road and home, respectively./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your kind words." Jillian said snapping Bonnie back to the upcoming appeal as the coordinator, some guy who'd come from Unova especially for the Wallace Cup, left and passed her without a word. "Next up we have our youngest coordinator and a real darling. She's the younger sister of our own Lumiose City Gym leader and a first-year trainer, give it up for the Treasure of Lumiose, Bonnie."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Well, that was unexpected, but Bonnie still smiled and waved as she walked out, she hadn't been allowed to wear heels as she still could walk in them so she was in flats and with the dress not on the ground she wouldn't trip over it, to the cheering crowd. She hadn't expected a nickname, not all of them had gotten one and she'd not earned it she felt the way the likes of Serena, May, Dawn, or even Ash had, but she still embraced it as she reached the starting line and focused on what she had to do as she pulled out her Poke Ball./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Come on out my cutie, Dedenne." Bonnie said tossing out Dedenne's Poke Ball, this was the only thing she'd ever put him in it as Dawn had said she did the same with Piplup, so she'd do it for Dedenne, and it burst open as Dedenne did a flip with a cheer. "Start us off with Nuzzle."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Dedenne." Dedenne said happily as he sparked up his cheeks and ran forward before leaping into the air to show off the electricity that he then discharged into the ice when he landed on it and nuzzled the ice as that was the best way to show off the move without an opponent to face./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Bonnie knew that with her appeals she couldn't really be that showy, not like the others, because most of her Pokémon were small. Sure, Flabébé and Fennekin could do ranged attacks, but they were still small, Flabébé might even be the smallest Pokémon in the world, so they could get hidden by the moves easily. Bonnie only had one Pokémon large enough to really be showy but, well, that was her Chandelure which had other issues to consider./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Instead, Bonnie had come up with a different strategy, show off what her Pokémon could do despite their size with their speed and a bit of flash. Between Dedenne's coloring and the sparks he was starting to look really good and the Nuzzle into the ice showed how it could be transferred so now all eyes were on the small electric and fairy type./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Tackle." Bonnie said. "Show how you would do it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Dedenne let out a cheer as he charged forward over the ice, scampering across it without an issue, and fast before he lunged to show off a perfect tackle attack. It was just what Bonnie needed and moved into the next stage of the appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Play Rough." Bonnie said smiling. "And have fun Dedenne."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Dedenne." Dedenne said as he leapt up and began to play./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Play Rough was one of the earliest fairy type moves known to be confirmed as changing from normal to fairy type, second if Bonnie recalled after Dazzling Gleam which had been the first, and basically just involved a Pokémon roughhousing in a lot of ways. However, when applied without a Pokémon target, or other such thing, it just looked like a Pokémon playing around and striking the air or ground as if the Pokémon was just having a good time./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Between Dedenne's size, squeaks and smile it looked like he was having a lot of fun and that was just what Bonnie wanted before moving into the flashy finish that would shock everyone. After all, shock value was key to an appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now finish this with Thunder Shock!" Bonnie order./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Dedenne!" Dedenne roared as he finished Play Rough and moved into Thunder Shock./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"For a moment, his body sparked with electricity as he was coated in it before he let out another roar, well squeak but it was his version of a roar, and blasted the Thunder Shock into the air for all to see. It flew up, not reaching the ceiling but not arcing at all, just a simple electric type attack with Dedenne at the base showing off how strong he really was and highlighting him in the process thanks to his coloring. That was how Bonnie would finish by showing off that Dedenne was more than his size and adorable cuteness./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The move itself only lasted a few moments before it ended and so did the appeal. With it over, Dedenne stood on his hind legs as high as he could, which wasn't too high, and bowed as Bonnie expertly curtsied to end the appeal formally and await her feedback with her best cute little girl smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Another electrifying appeal just like the Pikachu one earlier only this one with our own native Kalos electric rodent that all regions seem to have." Jillian said with a smile. "Judges? What do you say to that?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Dedenne showed us that size doesn't matter and that even a small Pokémon can pack a powerful attack or two." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "Well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said smiling as he spoke./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Dedenne was super cute and the way its fur sparkles shows that Bonnie knows how to groom and care for a Pokémon." Nurse Joy said smiling her usual smile. "A sign of a truly close bond between human and Pokémon."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There was clear fun and play in that appeal showing the importance of being able to just relax and play with your Pokémon to bond with it on a deeper level." Wallace said. "And how that can transition into an appeal that also highlights what a Dedenne can do."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Bonnie really showed Dedenne off with its electric type moves despite the size, not an easy feat to accomplish." Dawn said. "And the addition of a fairy type move to highlight Dedenne right before that climactic ending was a nice touch to show the recent confirmation of Dedenne being the latest Pokémon to be discovered to have added a fairy type."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Bonnie just curtsied again as Dedenne hurried up to her and leapt into her arms. She then turned and hurried off not listening to what Jillian was saying. She'd done her appeal and felt good about it. Now she wanted to get back to the waiting room with her friends and watch Serena's as she was next. Still, she managed a smile at her friend, role model, and effective big sister who smiled back at her as Bonnie disappeared into the stadium hurrying back to watch Serena's appeal./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Serena smiled as she watched Bonnie's appeal. Her friend, and adoptive little sister in a lot of ways, had come a long way since they'd met almost 2 years ago and now that she was old enough to be a trainer she was really giving it her all. Unlike Serena who'd waited until she was 17 for various reasons, Bonnie had started at the age of 10, the youngest possible, like Ash and Max had and that meant she had so much room to grow into whatever she wanted to be./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Bonnie had plenty of time to find herself however, Serena knew that, and if it wasn't as a coordinator or performer then there were plenty of avenues for the little blonde girl. Serena knew how talented Bonnie was in some areas like Pokémon grooming where she was a natural, a few years of traveling and she'd find her true calling, Serena knew it. That said, Bonnie had clearly upped her game a bit as that was a powerful Thunder Shock to end the appeal showing just how much Bonnie was already growing from traveling with Max and Owen./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your kind words." Jillian said as Bonnie hurried off, smiling at Serena which she returned but not stopping and Serena knew that it was to watch her own appeal, so she didn't mind how Bonnie was rushing. "Next up we have another Kalos girl and arguably the most well-known of our local talent on the circuit this year as she was the rookie winner of the Master Class Showcase last year meaning that she earned the right to face Aria for the title of Kalos Queen. Going for her 3rd ribbon and a spot in the wildcard weekend event, give it up for the Kalos Princess, from Vaniville Town, it's Serena!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Serena just smiled at the cheers, one of the loudest yet given her native status and general popularity in Kalos, as she walked out waving to the crowd while pulling out a Poke Ball in the process. She'd spent a while deciding who to use for this appeal and while one of her Pokémon hadn't done one yet, she needed him for the battles, so she was going with one who'd already appealed and who loved doing so. Well, that and she was still refusing to battle for Serena./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic, let's go!" Serena said tossing her ball into the air as she started her appeal and the ball burst open to reveal her female Meowstic. "And blast the air with Shadow Ball, make sure there are 10 balls all over the field but keep it slow."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic." Meowstic said as she flipped and landed on the ice before looking up and opening her mouth sending out the first of 10 Shadow Balls nice and slow so that they'd hang in the air with a little while longer./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"This was what she was good at, and it showed the world the queen that she was. Meowstic loved looking good and being the center of attention and her human servant understood that fact very well now. Sure, it took a little training that she wouldn't fight in a battle but these things, appeals they were called, she could do because all eyes were on her as the human masses rightfully praised her superiority to them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Great Meowstic." Serena said as the Shadow Balls ended with all of them at different heights and points on the field though all moving away. "Now Psychic, fly and fly through them just as we practiced."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic." Meowstic said as her ears unfurled, and glowed blue before taking to the sky./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"From here it was just a simple matter of what to do next. With an elegant grace that Meowstic knew was unmatched by any other Pokémon she flew forward and danced through the Shadow Balls, coming close to them in smooth pattern but never touching them. Add in that the balls were ghost type power and there was a thrill of danger to it all as one mistake and she'd touch them and be badly hurt as they were super effective against her. Naturally, she was too good for that and didn't touch a single one in her beautiful dance./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It had taken Serena a bit to accept that Meowstic was an appeal only Pokémon, but she'd finally done so and now played into it. Her psychic type was a vain girl, so Serena made sure that she trained Meowstic to show that off hence the dance. The added danger of the ghost type move was just for the thrill and showed how good Meowstic was to both have no fear of the moves and fly through them without an issue./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The bulk of the appeal was this as Serena moved herself in a dance with Meowstic more out of habit than anything else, she was still adapting to the lack of involvement she had in appeals, but they were really teaching her more about how a Pokémon's moves worked. All this was helpful for when she returned to once again challenge Aria for the title of Kalos Queen but for now it was time to bring this to a close for all to see./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Alright Meowstic, let's end this." Serena said as Meowstic finished a run through the balls and was now high and on the other side of the battlefield. "Fly back to me and disperse the balls with Confusion as you fly back."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Meowstic just nodded as she let her Psychic fall for a moment to hit the first ball with a quick Confusion that burst it in a flash of purple before she caught herself with Psychic. From there it was child's play for a Pokémon as amazing as her to fly back, dropping the Psychic long enough to destroy a Shadow Ball as she reached it in a way that showed off her beautiful fur to the max and then resume Psychic. Only a Pokémon as talented as she was, which was to say only her, could manage this, and she did so with an easy grace before landing on the ice near Serena./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"With that done Serena and Meowstic curtsied to the judges to show that their appeal was over. The crowd was cheering at this point and Serena smiled as she knew she'd put on a good show for them and the judges./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Another stunning mix of the moves a performer would use with the appeal focus of a coordinator." Jillian said. "Do our judges agree with that?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic showed both grace and power in her moves and flight." Mr. Contesta said. "A strong blend that really showed her off in the Kalos style we've come to know and enjoy from the many performers in Kalos who are trying their hands in Contests."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Simply remarkable." Sukizo said bobbing his head as he spoke./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic was adorable there and the way her fur gleamed; Serena really knows how to treat her well." Nurse Joy said, and Serena had to repress a twitch as that would only make Meowstic's habit of desiring extreme and constant pampering even more but at least it looked good. "And the way she appealed with Meowstic really showed her off."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A fun and interesting midair dance, almost like a water dance without the water and something only a Pokémon with that level of control over Psychic could manage." Wallace said. "Clearly Serena knows how to bring out the best in her Pokémon through her bond with them."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes Serena really used Meowstic's type to show off her skills and what the species are known for." Dawn said in a measured tone and Serena understood and respected it as she looked at Dawn in as controlled a way as possible, after Ash she was the worst person present for Dawn to evaluate given that they traveled together, and the fact that Serena had a crush on Ash. "While at the same time showing moves it was weak to as a way to show her versatility all while putting on an appeal that wouldn't look out of place in a freestyle if Serena was dancing as well just as the emerging Kalos style has been come to be defined."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have it, the judges have spoken, and time will tell for our Kalos Princess." Jillian said as Serena curtsied before recalling a now preening herself Meowstic after the praise that the Pokémon had received and turned to leave, giving Miette who was next both a smile and a challenging stare that her rival and friend matched. "Next up…"/p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Miette calmly watched Serena's appeal and grinned at it. Fate had really smiled upon her today because not only was she going after Serena which gave her the chance to upstage her rival, in front of Dawn no less which only added to the whole thing, but they were using the same Pokémon only hers was the other gender. That was going to ensure that things were interesting to say the least./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Of course, Serena would be good, Miette expected no less, and she was more than ready to follow that with her own skill. She'd been watching the tournament closely and had a good sense that she had the skills to be in the top 16. After that, well she was more battle orientated than the average performer so she was looking forward to seeing how far she could get in the Wallace Cup./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Unlike most before her, Miette wasn't lost in her own world as the appeal before her unfolded but was instead watching it closely so when it ended, and Serena got her comments Miette knew what she was aiming for. Of course, when Serena grinned at her as their eyes met Miette grinned back with an equally intense glare to show her that she was ready for the challenge that Serena had laid down for her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""…we have another Kalos native and another one of the three Master Class finalists trying her hand at coordinating this year and in the process helping show that Kalos's own unique event has much to offer Contests." Jillian said as Serena passed her, and Miette focused on what was to come. "All three are present so now it is time for the second of those three. She's got two ribbons on the year so far and is going for her third, it's Miette!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Miette just smiled and waved at the crowd as she walked. Unlike Serena she hadn't earned a nickname not that she minded, it was for the best as it put less pressure on her, not that Miette minded with her confidence. It also meant that she had to try harder to earn a nickname, especially if it was one that she hated as it showed that she was doing something right./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Meowstic, time to perform!" Miette said as soon as she reached the starting spot and tossed out her Poke Ball sending out her male Meowstic in contrast to Serena's female one that had gone before her. "Start us off with Disarming Voice."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Meowstic was still in the air when he let out the vocal noise that did emotional damage loud enough for all to hear. The purpose of this move was to really get the people going by seeing Meowstic's strength and rattle them a bit so that the rest of the appeal really struck home./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Psychic to get high and then blast the ice with Psyshock." Miette ordered. "3 attacks should do and when done land with Psychic again but keep it active."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Meowstic just nodded as he unfurled his ears and rose slowly and majestically into the sky glowing blue as he did. From there he waited until he reached a good point where all could see him and dropped the Psychic. As he fell he sent out 3 waves of peculiar psychic power at the ice, each cutting perfectly into it and sending chunks flying as he carved a triangle into the face of the ice below him./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"All this he managed to do as he fell and right after the third one he activated Psychic again so that he could slowly come down the final few feet and stand on the ice. He needed it active for this next part as it would really show off what he could do./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now pick up all the ice debris." Miette ordered and the crowd gasped as all the ice that had been churned up by the Psyshock attacks was lifted off the field and into the air. "Toss it high and destroy it with Psyshock. Show your ability."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At that Meowstic flung the ice as high as he could before ending his Psychic and looking at the ice as he blasted out a wave of Psyshock. The peculiar wave slammed into some of the ice, none of it missing and demolishing it. Even with mist forming now, Meowstic kept it up and never missed showing off that his ability was Keen Eye which wasn't something one saw in an appeal often./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now rise with Psychic again and end with a Sucker Punch." Miette said lifting her arm up to show what she wanted. "Right into the center of that triangle you made."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Meowstic stoically nodded as he unfurled his ears and rose once again. Then, when he was high enough, he ended his move and activated Sucker Punch on a spot in the middle of the triangle. He shot down and slammed his fist into it, cratering the ice and sending it all around but with his dark blue fur he still stood out as ice rained down around him and in fact the shine of the ice made Meowstic stand out more, something he could only do because he was male./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"All he did from there was rise from the impact, turn to the judges, and bowed while Miette curtsied deeply to show that the appeal was over. This got the crowd cheering as Miette smiled from her curtsy knowing she'd put on a great show to follow Serena./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A strong, powerful, appeal not in the usual Kalos style we know from Miette and our other Kalos natives but a good showing of how even we in Kalos can change to other styles as well as creating our own." Jillian said as Miette rose from her curtsy and Meowstic from his bow. "But do our judges agree?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Having two Meowstics back-to-back really shows that they are a versatile species with much to offer in a Contest appeal." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "As well as highlighting that a gender difference is more than just how a Pokémon looks."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said smiling broadly which was starting to be a good sign of his approval, more so than his lack of vocabulary in his assessments at least./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thanks to Meowstics always knowing which gender they are we can see in Miette's how to care for a male one and how it is different from a female one like Serena's." Nurse Joy said. "And as expected from a performer Miette's is a handsome and strong specimen of the species that looks great in an appeal."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There was plenty of fun and play in that appeal showing how close the coordinator and Pokémon are." Wallace said with a nod. "Something that is starting to define the Kalos style because of how much play a performer does with her Pokémon to get it ready from a freestyle performance which transitions really well into a Contest appeal."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Miette showed us a different range and style with the same Pokémon as a rival who went before her allowing us to see the versatility of Meowstics." Dawn said in a measured tone as Miette suppressed a grin at her rivals assessment of her Meowstic. "And highlighted the unique nature of how Meowstics have different abilities depending on their gender, something that is not easy to do in an appeal. Well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Miette just smiled and curtsied again, Meowstic bowing, as Jillian said some closing words that she wasn't listening to. Instead, she just recalled Meowstic and headed back to the wings, giving Shauna who was waiting for her turn next a nod as the third Master Class finalist was about to go. It was time to return to the waiting room, banter a bit with Serena if there was time, and watch to see if she advanced to the battles. Miette was ready for it all as the Wallace Cup continued./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Shauna had watched the Miette's appeal closely and had to admit that it was good. Miette may have come third in the Master Class final, but the girl knew how to make her Pokémon look good and understood power better than the other two finalists did. Likely what Miette got out of Contests would be different to Shauna and Serena but in the end all their goals were the same./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"If Shauna was asked she'd have said that of the three of them Miette would probably be the best at Contests in the long run. Her confidence was high and that added to her appeal in a freestyle but there was also a slight edge to Miette, something the girl probably didn't fully notice herself, that was sharper than others and came off in her confrontational nature on things./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It diminished whatever intangible thing was needed to be Kalos Queen. That was the thing that Shauna could accept that Serena had more than her and would likely hold Miette back from the next level./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That said, it was something that would serve her well in an appeal and make her a little more formidable in a Contest battle. She'd likely outdone Serena if Shauna had to guess as Miette used her own natural talents to show off more power. That and she looked good doing it in an outfit that matched the colors of her Meowstic. Well, in that regard she wasn't the only one who was going for a little matching theme with their appeal Pokémon./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was because Shauna was wearing a jet black, sleeveless dress with narrow should straps over her shoulders and a wide skirt part that was at her mid-thigh and rigid in a perfect circle in contrast to the more ruffled and flowing style favored in Kalos and by her personally, but this was all part of her chosen look./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She completed the outfit with black tights, pumps not heels like most of the girls went for, and black gloves that came up to her biceps. The only other color on her was a pair of large white bows, one on her upper chest just above her modest bust and one right in the center of her waist./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As for accessories, all Shauna had done was add a pair of black teardrop earrings, a matching choker, and done her brown hair side buns rather than her usual twin tail style. She'd tied the hair in place with a pair of white bows as well. It was a strange look, one Serena had noted when she'd arrived, but soon it would all be revealed as Miette's feedback ended and she turned to leave./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Another good reception and a rare treat to see two Pokémon of the same species but with a noted gender differences back-to-back in such different ways." Jillian said as Miette left and giving Shauna a nod as she passed to return to the waiting room while Shauna steeled herself for what was to come. "Next up we have the last of the three Master Class finalists from last year, yes the random draw put all three in order, and like Serena she hails from Vaniville Town right here in Kalos. Give it up for Shauna!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Shauna just smiled as she walked out to the cheers of the crowd ready for her appeal. It was going to really show off what she could and leave her with her stronger battle orientated Pokémon for what was to come in the later rounds, providing her first choice for the battles could survive the round of 16 if Shauna advanced to it. First though she needed to advance and that was what she was going to do./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gothorita, let's perform!" Shauna said tossing out her Poke Ball so that her second stage Unova native but caught in Kalos psychic type came bursting out with a sing of her name and showed everyone why Shauna was in the outfit that she was in. "Start us off with a Double Team as you get to the middle and face the judges."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Instantly Gothorita ran out on the ice and split into several shadow clones that was indicative of the Double Team move. It was a classic in an appeal, but Shauna was going to use it in a slightly different manner to most right now as Gothorita and her shadow clones reached the center with them spreading out evenly so that all could be see and the original was in the middle./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Psybeam." Shauna commanded. "Aim straight up."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Starting from the center and working its way out to the edge a wave Gothorita tilted her head back and sent out a beam of psychic power from her mouth. It looked like a coordinated, dancing, fountain rising up and around the center only with psychic power and not water just as Shauna had planned it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Next up is Rock Tomb." Shauna said. "Dance like we practiced."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"At that the original Gothorita created the first and only true Rock Tomb, several rocks sliding out of the sky and down to the ice, while the other made clones of the attack. That was just the creation part though, the true skill was as Gothorita danced and avoided the rocks as they fell but she'd made sure to dance so that none of her clones where hit either as they moved in a wave, and it wasn't just the rocks but the ice debris as well. It was an impressive achievement and with all the Gothoritas dancing they ensured that they were seen by all./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""End this by raising above with Psychic." Shauna said. "And call off Double Team once you are clear."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Gothorita just finished her last dodge, facing the judges naturally, before she glowed blue and rose her body off the ground and above the rocks, her clones doing the same a second later. Once they were clear she finally ended her Double Team and the clones vanished leaving the original back in the middle of the ice field to finish the appeal by floating down to land on the ice and end the Psychic attack causing the crowd to cheer at the ending of the appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""And the final of the trio of Master Class finalists has gone and once again we are seeing how the Kalos style has grown into its own this year thanks to ladies like these." Jillian said as Shauna and Gothorita curtsied to the judges. "Do our judges agree with me on this though?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""An interesting and unique use of Double Team in a way that only a performer would think of." Mr. Contesta said noting the opening move and how it had set the tone for the whole appeal. "Just what we are hoping to see over the course of the expansion period as the new regions take Contests in newer, bolder, directions that we could never have imagined."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Positively remarkable." Sukizo said./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gothorita looked amazing out there with its moves, it's clearly been well raised and cared for." Nurse Joy said with a smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""As I've come to expect from performers making the transition over to coordinating, the level of fun and play that comes from all that practice dancing with their Pokémon really translates well to an appeal setting." Wallace said. "Just as it should be between people and Pokémon."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Double Team in an interesting and useful move both in battle and an appeal." Dawn said. "But to use it in a freestyle-like manner in an appeal is new and shows the level of coordination the trainer needs to directed her Pokémon to create such a show and in a way that really suits how Kalos itself has adapted to Contests. Well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Shauna just smiled as curtsied again with Gothorita before recalling her, turning and leaving. She wasn't listening to Jillian as she made her way to the wings to leave and head back to the waiting room and support her friends as they too made their appeals or had already done so and were just watching the others and waiting for the results./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As she did she saw who was after her, the purple clad Amelia, a performer who Shauna knew by reputation as a skilled performer in terms of technique, possibly even better than Serena was, but unable to win over the hearts of the crowd the way a performer had to in order to become Kalos Queen. Amelia was just giving Shauna a simple smile that didn't meet her eyes and slightly unnerved Shauna as she passed her fellow performer./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Shauna would have to ask Serena more about this girl because there was something off and slightly dangerous about her, something that Shauna had a feeling was coming for them. Well, it would come for them if they advanced and that was the key to watch for as Shauna hurried back to enjoy the rest of the appeals./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Amelia stood in the wings calmly waiting in her now trademark purple dress that she often performed in and now wore for all her Contests as it was what had helped her win her first ribbon the other day in Couriway. She'd also gotten a chance to see one of her rivals for the Master Class this year in Dawn when she'd judged that Contest, just as she was judging the Wallace Cup and she wasn't impressed. The girl may be a Top Coordinator but that didn't mean she had what it took to be a top tier performer like Amelia was./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The fact that Amelia had had to wait until this year to reach the Master Class had pissed her off, however. She knew how good she was, but the crowd clearly didn't as they'd preferred that dumb blonde bimbo Serena in Amelia's own hometown and then again in the Master Class. Thankfully, Aria had wiped the floor with her but still, it galled Amelia that Palermo had seen something in Serena and not her. She'd show them, she'd show them all when she won the Master Class this year and then took her rightful title of Kalos Queen from Aria./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Of course, that was still to come, and Amelia was using Contests to train, perhaps next year when she was the Kalos Queen she'd even try for the Grand Festival as at least in Contests all she had to do was impress trained judges in her appeals and battles were fun, she liked winning them. Naturally though fate wasn't happy with Amelia despite her perfection and the three bitches who'd made the most recent Master Class final weren't just in this as they focused on Contests this year but were all before her as if to make her look bad./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Well, she'd show them, she'd nail this appeal and advance, but she didn't want those three to fail. No, she wanted them to advance so that she could face them herself in battles and put those mean girls in their places by beating them here and showing all who was the real best girl in all of Kalos really was./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Still, she had to put on an air of civility and poise, an easy task for someone as skilled at hiding her true feelings as Amelia was, as the appeal ended, and Shauna got her feedback from the judges. It was good but soon she'd be forgotten when Amelia blew her out of the water with her own appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for another good assessment." Jillian said as Shauna walked back seeing Amelia there and Amelia gave her a placid, simple smile that she used when looking at all those beneath her like Shauna was. "Next up and fresh off her first win a few weeks back in the Couriway Contest, she's one of the top performers this year and a potential favorite for the Master Class honing her art in Contests, from Fleurrh City give it up for the Pride of Fleurrh herself, Amelia!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Amelia kept that smile on her face as she waved to the cheering masses who would soon understand her superiority over them as she walked elegantly up to the starting spot. She was going to show everyone just how good she was right now as she pulled out her Poke Ball and tossed it out to start her appeal with an expert flourish to her throw./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix, perfection!" Amelia said as the ball burst open to reveal her fairy type. "Let's show them your type with Fairy Wind but keep it slow and condensed."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix." Swirlix said as she opened her mouth and spewed forth the move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Amelia grinned at that as the dark pink mist began to cover the stage. She'd changed up Swirlix's move set since she'd used her in the Couriway Contest to keep things fresh and show her range of moves better. It was a simple tactic and for someone as skilled as Amelia was it was child's play to change moves and then revert back as needed and today she needed the right moves for an appeal. There was just one move that she always kept with her Pokémon no matter what but that was for later on in the appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Again." Amelia commanded. "Fill the stage with Fairy Wind then get above it and ignite it with Flamethrower."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix." Swirlix said as she sent forth more Fairy Wind./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Soon the stage was filled with pink mist and Swirlix leapt into the air, her light body allowing her to effectively float and with what was coming next she'd easily stay aloft. As she got above the mist before it could cover her she bent down, opened her mouth, and spewed forth a torrent of flames from her mouth./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She'd made a pattern with it that no one could see because of how quickly with Fairy Wind ignited but it did and soon there was a burning conflagration atop the ice, the fire and ice working really well as the mist burned up. That was just what Amelia wanted for her next move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now in the middle." Amelia said as Swirlix angled her body to get there, the heat causing her to rise a bit, but it looked good and graceful in the process. "And spin while using Dazzling Gleam in a way that you are seen."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix." Swirlix said as she used the tail like appendage to stop herself in the middle and began to spin as she rose higher into the air./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Then, as soon as she could, she emitted a bright but controlled flash of light that Dazzling Gleam was known for however it was slightly muted than it usually would be. As such the small white and pink cotton ball that was Swirlix could be clearly seen well above the burning Fairy Wind, the fire and the Dazzling Gleam drawing all eyes to her as she smiled at the crowd and judges./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The move held for a moment before it ended just as the fire burned out as that had been how Amelia had choreographed it, her timing as always impeccable. Even then Swirlix had to flap her tail a bit to push herself down for the final part but so long as she was falling and spinning it would work./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now end this with an Attract to all." Amelia said. "Show everyone just how much we love them."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Swirlix just winked as she spun, first to the judges, then to her trainer, and finally the audience sending the hearts out in a circle above her as she continued to fall to the now slick surfaced ice. As soon as she landed, and the last hearts had faded, she was facing the judges and she bobbed her head towards them as Amelia gave them a perfect curtsy to show the end of the appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Another example of what Kalos performers bring to the table in Contests, am I right?" Jillian said as Amelia rose from her curtsy with an air of grace to it. "Judges, your thoughts on Amelia's appeal?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix really showed off a range of abilities for both offense and status in a good mix together." Mr. Contesta said. "And burning the Fairy Wind was new, just what we look for in these new regions."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile on his face./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Swirlix looked so cute out there." Nurse Joy said with a smile. "And the way it gleamed in both the move and the light of the fire really shows how cute it looks and how well cared for it is. You've obviously been feeding it plenty of sweets to get it to look that good."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A light element of fun and play with a coy ending, a good overall mix." Wallace said with a nod. "You have clearly bonded well with your Swirlix."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A well-choreographed and timed appeal." Dawn added. "To get all that down to ensure that every move was just fast enough while also being strong enough to show off and smoothly transition from move to move during the appeal was impressive and shows the talent required of a coordinator."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have it more good words from our judges." Jillian said as Amelia curtsied one more time, recalled Swirlix and left the stage. "Next we have…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Amelia didn't care as she smiled on her way out. She'd closely watched all the appeals so far and knew that trio of fakers would advance with her, though she was of course better than them as always, so she'd have a chance to put them in their places in the battles so long as the bracket fell her way. Yes, the Wallace Cup was going just as Amelia had wanted as she made her way back to the waiting room to await the inevitable news of her advancement./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brock stood in the wings a little nervous for this but all his friends, including his best friend and soon to be best man, were in it and his love was watching from the stands so he couldn't falter. This was his second Contest ever and he was going to go out and do his best while having fun at the same time. After him there weren't many left, he was the 30th to go after all, so it was almost over, and he'd then learn if he'd advanced or not./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Of course, the one thing that he didn't like was the whole dressing up part. Why he had to wear fancy clothes was beyond him, at least in Sinnoh it hadn't been a requirement just a tradition that almost everyone followed, here it was a rule. Still, he'd gone with something nice to look good and honor his fiancée at the same time./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As such Brock was in a full black silk suit that had been tailored for him, gotta love the tailors that Kalos was famous for, with a matching black waistcoat done up with silver buttons that he'd had customized to have the Luck Symbol etched on them. Under it he wore a formal button down in a royal purple shirt with a narrow black cravat at his throat rather than a tie. In the center of the cravat was a blood red stone like his love's eyes. To cap it all off he wore purple gloves and even a top had with a purple band. It was a good look, and one Lucy would love./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your words." Jillian said snapping Brock back to attention as the coordinator, one who had come in from the Galar circuit for a break it seemed, turned shaking his head as he headed to the wings, past Brock and into the stadium. "Next up is probably one of the most unique trainers who's competing this year. He's in Kalos looking at honeymoon spots, he's a Pokémon Doctor in training, a former breeder, one time coordinator with a Contest final appearance in his only prior Contest, and the former Pewter City Gym Leader. From Pewter City out in the Kanto region, give it up for Brock the Rock!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brock just walked out not smiling, he was too nervous for that, as the crowd cheered for him though not as loud as it had for many others as they barely knew him, and headed straight for the starting spot. He was focused on what he had to do, he had just the Pokémon to appeal with, and he was here to have fun which was what he planned on doing. Taking out his Poke Ball, Brock expanded it as he zoned in on his appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey, I choose you." Brock said as he tossed out the ball and his Chansey burst out of it. "Start with Secret Power. Show what it can do on ice."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey." Chansey said as she activated the power./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The thing about Secret Power was that its effects changed depending on the terrain one was on and that was what made it interesting as few knew what was coming due to not looking it up unless they had a Pokémon who used the move. Brock of course did and knew that ice led to a freezing effect, he was sure it had actually been done by someone in the Wallace Cup in Sinnoh he'd been at, but he couldn't recall who'd done it, so that was what he was going for. There wasn't an opponent but that didn't matter because what happened next would work just fine./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was because Chansey had created the power and sent it out towards were an opponent would be. When it reached that point and ran out of momentum it acted as if it had hit and formed a fragile block of ice as if a Pokémon were frozen there. That was just what Brock had needed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now break it with Pound." Brock said. "A single leap will do it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey." Chansey said happily as she leapt at the ice block she'd made./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The force of her leap cracked the ice at her feet, and she showed off her immense strength by covering the distance in seconds before slamming into the ice with her Pound attack. Naturally, it shattered but it showed how a real opponent would have been bowled over by it and put her just where Brock needed her to be./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now aim back at me." Brock said as Chansey turned on the ice to face him. "Secret Power again."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey." Chansey said as she activated the move once more./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Again, the same effect happened, and the ice block was formed in front of Brock. This time though he was going to show off her latest move for all to see and the effect should work well given where the ice had formed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Mega Punch." Brock ordered./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey." Chansey said happily as she again leapt at the ice block, this time the normal type power building in her right arm thing as she approached./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Once again it took only seconds for her to reach the block, cocking her arm back as she neared it before she punched it as hard as possible. This time the block exploded from the impact to show just how strong the move was, and the ice blew all around Brock cooling him and making his jacket flap as he grinned. It was time for the finish with a move that showed Chansey's true nature./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now back to the middle and end with Soft Boil." Brock said./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey." Chansey said as she backflipped from where she was in a graceful and high arc to land in the middle of the ice field, spinning slightly so that she was facing the judges in the process./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She then activated Soft Boil as she brought her arms to the egg in her pouch which began to glow yellow. She then raised them, and the image of an egg rose from it and into the sky glowing brightly as it did before it burst sending healing light in a graceful dome over Chansey to end her appeal. With the appeal over Chansey and Brock bowed to the judges and awaited their comments./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Wow I don't think I've ever seen a Chansey used like that." Jillian said. "Judges? Your thoughts on Brock's unorthodox Chansey?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""When we think of Chansey or the other Pokémon in her evolutionary line we think of healers and while that aspect of them was shown we forget that they are just as strong in battle." Mr. Contesta said. "Brock and his Chansey reminded us there that she has a lot of power, and more than healing moves while also keeping true to her natural nature, well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes, remarkable." Sukizo said with a bob of his head./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey was adorable, now I can see why my family in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh use them while the ones in Alola use her evolved form in Blissey." Nurse Joy said. "That was a great display of what a Chansey can both as a healer a protector with her power."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""To have a Chansey that is willing to battle for her trainer is not a common sight and to get her to do that shows a deep bond of trust and love that might even lead to her evolution into a Blissey in time." Wallace said. "Brock and Chansey clearly have that and if I had to guess he's had her since an egg, which shows impressive raising skills. I can see why you are on track to become a Pokémon Doctor."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Chansey showed that even without an opponent or obstacles she can make them and thus allow her moves to shine." Dawn said keeping things measured as she spoke as Brock was one of the higher ups on the list of who might be complained about given how they'd traveled Sinnoh together. "And by using the same move to create the same result we have a baseline for the next, different, move and as such can clearly see how strong each is. Then to end with what Chansey's are known for with a healing move reminds us that your Chansey is your partner as well when doing your work."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Another good review from our illustrious judges." Jillian said as Brock and Chansey bowed again before Brock recalled her and left the stage. "Next is…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brock was just glad it was over and whether he advanced or not he'd had fun and shown off for Lucy with it, she'd have loved the power Chansey was showing. It was time to go back and watch the remaining few appeals, support who of his friends were left, and enjoy himself./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As he made his way into the wings he nodded at the interestingly dressed Owen who was next who nodded back before Brock disappeared and headed to where his friends were waiting for him. the Wallace Cup was entering the last phase of appeals and would stop for no one so Brock was going to get back to the waiting room quickly to watch the last batch of appeals./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Huh so that was Brock's outfit, honestly it was really smart." May said as Brock's appeal ended. "I was surprised."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Same, you're a good influence on him Lucy." Misty said. "Though, um, the nickname?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Not my idea." Lucy said her hands raised in defense, the light glinting off her engagement ring which further reminded them of the implausibility of Brock landing a woman, let alone one like Lucy. "Apparently that's what he was called in Pewter back in the day."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It's new to me." Misty said as the judges' comments came in. "And I traveled with him for 3 years."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Two for me and it's the same here." May said. "I've never heard him called that."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'll have some words with him then." Lucy said as the comments ended and Brock walked off the stage while the next person, Owen it seemed was being announced. "If you guys don't know then…holy hell what is that outfit?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Wow." Misty said her eyes wide as Owen walked out. "Just wow."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Not even Ash would wear something like that." May said her eyes just as wide as Misty's. "And that's saying something."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The girls weren't wrong, the Galarian aspiring breeder was decked out in, well, whatever that was. It was surely unique and had enough of a flair to qualify as formal by Kalos standards, but it still seemed a bit much to them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was because Owen was wearing a light, mint green doublet with darker green lines crossing it in a diagonal pattern over a pale white shirt that was visible as he moved his arms to pull out a Poke Ball. He complemented it was light green pants tucked into light boots that came to just below his knees and were blued at the top, pink in the middle and white at the shoe parts./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Over it he wore a cloak that started out light blue before transitioning into pale pink in the middle and then went into white at the bottom that fell to his ankles and was done at the throat with a purple bow like clasp. Under the clasp was an ascot like thing that, as with the cloak and boots, went from pale blue to pale pink and finally white at the bottom. To top it all off he was wearing a wide brimmed hat in the same light blue as his cloak with a pale pink band around it. It was a spectacular clash that was memorable to say the least./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Then he topped it off by sending out his Pokémon, an Alcremie apparently, and the girls all stared at it in confusion. The Pokémon was about a foot tall at most and seemed to be made of, well, sentient cream as it stood on a base with two stubby arms that had 3 fingers, a face with bright green eyes, and what looked like a cream swirl hairstyle with long ear things and purple ribbons on the corners of its head. As for its coloration, it was mint green, the exact same shade as Owen's doublet with diagonal dark green stripes going into a white base, top of the swirl and end of its ear things./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Overall, it was a strange Pokémon that none of them had ever seen, and Owen started off with a Draining Kiss to get things going before transitioning into a Sweet Scent while Jillian noted that the Pokémon was a Galarian species making its Kalos debut and was one of the many former pure normal turned fairy types by whatever caused the change 2 or so years ago. That certainly explained things as the girls recovered from their shock that had been caused by Owen's outfit./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That is eccentric to say the least." May said. "And with a unique Pokémon from his home region. So long as he shows off what it can do and do so in a graceful manner then he should be able to advance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yeah I've never seen a Pokémon quite like it." Misty said. "It's very cute. Shame it's not a water type. Who is he again? I am pretty sure I met him last night, but I met so many new people that it's all a bit of a blur."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""He's Max's friend and an aspiring breeder from Galar." May said as Alcremie used Substitute to move to another point on the ice and sent out a Draining Kiss at the substituted thing to show the strength of its move hitting an object. "Max said that he's been hunting the 8 or so sweets that can evolve one of his Pokémon but with a different coloration depending on the sweet as part of their journey. I think this is the result of that hunt and whatever Alcremie's prior form was, I can't actually remember which of his Pokémon it evolved from."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""The green certainly stands out on the ice and that move showed how strong it could be." Lucy noted as Alcremie used another substitute and this time sent a Sweet Scent at it. "An interesting style though not offensive enough for how I like it and it is pretty similar to what Brock just did only using a different makeshift target."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It's not an offensive Pokémon I think, at least it doesn't appear that way, but I've learned not to judge a Pokémon based on its appearance." May said. "Still not bad and given the quality we've seen so far he should advance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""How does he know Max?" Misty asked./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""They met in Lumiose City a day or two after we arrived." May said. "Max and Bonnie went out for the day so that the latter could show the former the city and get away from us while Ash and Dawn had a date day and Serena, and I did our own thing. They met because he noticed Max's Gardevoir and how well he'd raised her. Apparently they ended up having a battle and he asked to travel with them afterwards. Max and Bonnie already planned to go off on their own so accepted it and we just had to deal with it. Given how Ash found companions we couldn't really say anything, and it's worked out well for Max and Bonnie."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Ah and can he cook?" Misty asked as the appeal ended with a final Substitute to place it in front of the judges who it then sent an Attract at as the finishing move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Very well, he's an expert in the traditional Galarian dish of curry which has many connotations depending on ingredients." May said. "Not as good as Brock or Clemont's I'd say but that's more my own preferences."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Ah so he's their version of Brock." Misty said as the judges began to give their feedback. "Minus the lover boy routine as that is now Bonnie for her brother."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yup and I'm glad I preempted her with you." May said. "That could have been a bit uncomfortable."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It's ok, I think she would have realized quickly anyway as she seems to be pretty sharp in that department despite her age." Misty said as Owen bowed again before recalling Alcremie and leaving the stage. "She's got a good head; she just needs some growing up like we did back then."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""True and a year with Max and Owen and away from the rest of us has really helped her." May said as Khoury was introduced. "And now it's another one of the people we know in Khoury so let's enjoy what he has to offer, he does have 4 ribbons this year so it should be good."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Misty just nodded, Lucy was already watching intently, as the aspiring breeder from Johto walked out in his gaudy outfit that really didn't suit his personality. Still, it was formal, so it worked. The appeals were going well, and they were in the home stretch as they enjoyed the final batch of appeals in the Wallace Cup./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Khoury wasn't a big fan of the outfit Lyra had chosen for him for the Wallace Cup. Usually, he went with simple formal, but she'd insisted on this for the Wallace Cup and as she was going with a similar color scheme with her dress so he couldn't say no to his girlfriend. Still, it was a bit much for him./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Then again when one was in a pale gold suit and shirt with a sparkling silver waistcoat with crystal buttons and silver gloves all done up with a crystal studded neck pin thing and matching cloth beneath it was a bit much. Still, it was formal and Khoury couldn't deny that it looked good to match with Lyra in her simple gold dress with a little flare in the skirt, silver sash over the shoulder and belt, elbow length silver gloves edged in gold at the hem, silver tights, and gold shoes with a crystal pendant at her throat. They looked like a power couple, and they intended to both advance together./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"For Khoury that shouldn't be an issue. He was used to Contests and had 4 ribbons to date so even if he didn't win the Wallace Cup he'd still have plenty of time for that final ribbon as they made their way to Lyra's final gym battle. However, he was worried about Lyra. She wasn't into Contests, she was a straightforward battle girl, and was making her debut in them today so Khoury was worried for how she would do. However, that would have to wait as Owen's appeal before him was ending meaning that it was his turn./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your kind words on that unique appeal with a Kalos debut of Alcremie in one." Jillian said as Khoury watched Owen turn and head back, the aspiring breeders giving each other a nod as Owen passed him, and Khoury got into the zone for his own appeal. "Next up is one of the coordinators going for his 5th ribbon in the Wallace Cup and thus secure his qualification for the Grand Festival. He's an aspiring breeder and rising coordinator from New Bark Town in the Johto region, give it up for Khoury!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Khoury just smiled as he walked out to the cheers glad he didn't have a nickname to live up too. He was aiming to be a top breeder and coordinating had helped him learn so much more about Pokémon and Pokémon care, he didn't need some silly nickname to live up to as well. That also didn't mean that he wasn't going for the win and aiming for the top in the Grand Festival, Contests had lit his competitive spirit and as he reached the starting line he prepared himself for his appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gabite, go." Khoury said as he tossed out his Poke Ball and started his appeal. "Show that ice means nothing to you and start with Dig."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Gabite didn't say a word as he leapt up in a dive and dove into the ice. The stage may be block of ice, but it was the terrain and despite Gabite's weaknesses to ice type attacks he could still manage to get through it with ease as he activated Dig and dug into the ice. There was one additional advantage to this, well in addition to the whole ice and dragon showing and using Dig on an unusual terrain, it allowed for him to be seen doing so./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The ice wasn't transparent, it was too think for that, but it wasn't as obscuring as earth, so thanks to that and Gabite's coloration the crowd and judges could just about see the move working as Gabite dug through the ice. They were able to watch him carve out his path under the ice before he bursted out the other side in a shower of ice with a spinning leap and landing lightly on the ice next to the hole he'd just made./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"It was an interesting use of the move and would actually help as they could see how it worked, even make out the rough tunnel that had been dug. Of course, that wasn't the end of it for Khoury and Gabite and the Dig had created just what they needed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Rock Smash." Khoury said. "Use it on all decently sized ice pieces your exit made."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Gabite just roared as he infused his claws with fighting type power and began punching the ice chunks he'd made. They were after all basically small rocks, so Rock Smash worked great on them as it easily broke them up showing the power and purpose of the move and with Gabite's speed he had it done in only a few seconds./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Strength." Khoury said. "On the ice."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Gabite again roared as he infused his body with all his power, his Rock Smash attacks having taken him to an unspoiled piece of ice, and then lunged down with a punch into the surface of the ice. As with Miette's Meowstic's Sucker Punch it cratered the ice only this time it was significantly more and deeper sending spiderwebs of cracks all over the place. It was a great show of raw, well, strength and as Gabite rose he tilted his head back and roared which was just as planned for the final move of the appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Draco Meteor." Khoury said and instantly the orange glow of dragon type power began to build in Gabite's mouth./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That lasted for a few seconds before he shot it up and out and into the sky. It soared high, but not near the ceiling, before it exploded and send several smaller meteorites raining down onto the ice. Each hit with a small explosion leaving a crater to pockmark the ice with several of them. It would take a few moments to fix, but it had worked and the entire time Gabite was in the center for all to see./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""What an ending to an interesting and powerful appeal." Jillian said as Khoury and Gabite bowed to the judges. "What do our Judges think of that?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gabite showed great strength in that appeal just as one would expect from a Pokémon like that." Mr. Contesta said as the ice was already getting repaired by the Bergmites that were on duty for that purpose. "And a solid versatility while also using the terrain to add to it all."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Simply remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gabite looked so strong there, clearly he's been raised well by a trainer who knows just how to raise a dragon and ground type." Nurse Joy said with a smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Just what I'd expect from an aspiring breeder, bringing out the best in his Pokémon." Wallace said with a nod. "And there was a little fun there showing that this is not all serious just as it should be."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Khoury and Gabite showed that a move like Dig doesn't need earth just solid material to work." Dawn said in her now usual measured tone she'd been trying to affect the entire time so as to avoid giving away who she knew in the field and who she didn't not that some were already well known as her friends. "And to then use the results of it to further the appeal shows how well coordinated it all was before ending with a good amount of style. Well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have it, more kind words from our panel of judges." Jillian said as Khoury and Gabite bowed once more before he recalled his Pokémon and turned to leave the stage. "Next up is a…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Khoury just smiled as he walked off the stage to the wings and his friends in the waiting room. He knew he'd put on a good show and was glad for it. Hopefully, Lyra could as well so that they would both advance with all their friends and really make this a tournament in the battle round. There wasn't much left and Khoury hurried back to enjoy the last few appeals of the Wallace Cup./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Lyra stood in the wings awaiting her moment to go out and have fun. She would be the first to admit that she didn't fully understand Contests or their appeal. Sure, she'd seen plenty what with Dane showing her one in Sinnoh, the last one Dane didn't make the finals in apparently, and Khoury doing them over the last few years but even then Lyra didn't understand them. She was all about that battle between two trainers, using moves to show off was odd to her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Still, this was what her love enjoyed, and she was here at the biggest regular Contest of the year that happened to be in the region she was challenging at the time so she may as well try it out. Add in that Ash was using it to train meant that there had to be some value in them for people like her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Ash was one of the best trainers she knew, he'd comfortably beaten her in the semifinals in the Indigo Conference and Lyra was eager to face him again in the Lumiose to best him this time around. Plus, he'd already beaten her this year at the Battle Chateau a few months earlier, so she really wanted to face him again./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The last, and most recent factor compelling Lyra to try her hand at the Wallace Cup was that now the Contest had a new name to the winning ribbon, the Dane Ribbon named after her friend because of her success. After all that how could Lyra not participate in the Contest and do her best at it. She also got to dress up for once and that meant matching outfits with Khoury, so they looked super cute in their gold and silver styles with just a hint of crystal. Yup, whatever happened this was going to be a lot of fun for her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for you analysis of that last appeal." Jillian said and Lyra snapped to attention as it was now her turn to go out and show what she could do. "Next up we have a standard trainer going for the Lumiose Conference and a semifinalist from last year's Indigo Conference who is in town and making her Contest debut in this Wallace Cup. Give a warm Kalos welcome to Lyra from New Bark Town in the Johto region."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Lyra walked out and waved a bit to the crowd that gave her a polite but quiet cheer, the light catching her clothes really well, as she made her way to the starting point. She was here for some fun and if she advanced then good, if not then oh well she'd get to watch with Misty, May, and Lucy and support her man and all her friends in it starting tomorrow./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Alight Mothim, it's your turn." Lyra said as she reached the starting point, pulled out her Poke Ball, and sent out her Mothim. "And start us off with Bug Buzz."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Mothim let out a sound that bug types like him did as he began to really beat his wings fast, sending out a sonic vibration that was the Bug Buzz attack. It wasn't the most visually stimulating move but could be seen easily still as the wave cut through the air. That was when Lyra moved onto her next move a shade too early./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Lunge." Lyra said. "Show that speed and precision."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Mothim let out another buzzing sound and suddenly lunged forward behind the wave. However, in a testament to the speed and power of Mothim he ended up catching up to the tail end of the sound wave and was thrown slightly off balance. It wasn't enough to send him to the ice, but it was noticeable, and Lyra quickly corrected things./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Steady yourself with Confusion." Lyra said. "And then arc high and back with a twist."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Mothim did just that, activating the psychic type attack to steady his wings and balance his body, while showing it off in the process before he flapped once more and shot off forward steady and sure again. He then went into a glide before arching up and twisting slight during it so that he was now facing Lyra at the apex of it and began to fly towards his human. That meant one thing, it was time to end this./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gust." Lyra ordered./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Mothim let out a buzz and beat his wings creating a powerful gust of wind that blew around him and the stadium. It was a good, powerful, attack only with the positioning Mothim was in the middle of the winds and wasn't fully visible from it thanks to the air currents he created. Still, it showed off his strength which was the goal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"With the Gust dying down Mothim slowly started to lower himself to a hover over the middle of the ice and in front of the judges. Only once there did he bob his head as Lyra bowed to the judges, she wasn't used to dresses so a curtsy was out of the question, to signal the appeal was over as the crowd applauded a second later as they processed that the appeal was over./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well, that was an interesting appeal." Jillian said sounding a little startled now that it was over. "Judges?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Mothing did show some solid strength there." Mr. Contesta said. "Shows that a bug type can still produce winds like that."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Remarkable." Sukizo said though for once his tone seemed a bit off and he wasn't smiling as he spoke./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Mothim looked great during that appeal." Nurse Joy said but she left it at that./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""To have that powerful a Lunge there is clearly a strong bond between Mothim and his trainer." Wallace said. "And the grace shows that they play together."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Lyra showed good coordination and quick thinking at times combined with a simple grace that showed how well Mothim can fly." Dawn said. "And the Gust was powerful at the end which reminded us that Mothim is as much a flying as he is a bug type."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Lyra just smiled, bowed, and recalled Mothim before turning to leave while Jillian made some final remarks. She knew that it wasn't the best notes, all of the others had gotten better, but she didn't mind. She was here to have fun and if that weren't enough then she'd join the others and enjoy some good battles in the coming days. She still didn't understand Contests, but they didn't seem too bad after all./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Max stood in the wings ready to go out and have fun in his first Contest. He'd never done one before and was looking forward to trying it out. This was what his sister loved to do, so much so that she was now a Top Coordinator, so he may as well experience it. Plus, after traveling with her, Ash and Brock for two years he'd seen 11 Contest with them and 2 Grand Festivals as well as watching the Wallace Cup for two years before attending the one in his hometown and going to a few Contests with Bonnie and Owen this year. Now it was his turn to have a go./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"He knew that he should have done it in Petalburg last year, but he didn't want to get in the way of May. She was the center of attention at it because she was the Top Coordinator and the hometown girl so she should get the spotlight. That and she'd lost in the last 2 finals, this was her turn to win it and to do so in front of her hometown crowd. Alas Dawn had been there to stop her once again. Not this time. This time the field was wide open, and Max intended to win it, as well as win over the crowd with his snazzy outfit./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"May had balked at his outfit but Ash had approved and as it was the same as he'd once worn at Cameran Palace Max knew that he looked good in it. He was wearing a simple white formal shirt with short sleeves and a ruffled center, blue poofy shorts with white stripes, white stockings, brown boots and a green cape held around his neck with a gold clasp. To top it all off he had a yellow cap with a red band on his head at a slight angle to accent everything just right./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Yes he looked good, and he knew it. Unlike at Pierre's party where he had one option for style, he was now wearing a style that he liked, and it was time to really show it off as the coordinator before him got his final remarks from the judges. That meant it was go time for Max and he set himself for what was to come and how he'd ace the appeals with his best Pokémon for it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges." Jillian said as the coordinator turned and headed back, the look on his face clear that he didn't think he'd done enough to advance as he ignored Max to get back to the waiting room which was good for Max as he was going after that, so he'd look good if he pulled this off. "Next up we have another trainer making his Contest debut. He's going for the Lumiose Conference this year after a top 8 performance in the Evergrande Conference in Hoenn last year and to top it all off he is the younger brother of the Princess of Hoenn herself, so I guess he's the Prince of Hoenn. From Petalburg City, it's Max!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Max walked out confident and prepared as he reached for his Poke Ball and pulled it out ready for his appeal. It was time to live up to that intro and make May proud that he could partake in what she loved every now and then as he reached the starting spot./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gardevoir, let's go." Max said sending out his closest Pokémon and the only one who'd come with him to Kalos. "And show off how strong defense can be with a Protect to start off."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gardevoir." Gardevoir sang as she burst from her Poke Ball and raised her arms to create a dome of Protect around her as she landed on the ice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The purpose of the move was to show it off just as an appeal should do and the dome perfectly covered her, shimmering as it was formed before vanishing indicating that it was there and doing so faster than most were expecting. It showed that Gardevoir could immediately protect herself if need be and highlighted that a Pokémon wasn't just about flashy and powerful offence or status moves but defense as well./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Right now, dance with Disarming Voice going." Max said. "Just as we practiced."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gardevoir." Gardevoir said as she began to gracefully dance over the ice, the slippery surface showing her no issues it seemed./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As she danced in an elegant and graceful way that surprised many given the trainer, Gardevoir brought her arms to her chest and opened her mouth to let out the fairy type emotional based attack. The attack was as it had been when used earlier, a harsh blast of emotional sound but coming from a female Gardevoir there was almost a musical note to it which was only added to it by her movements./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Good now Psychic." Max said. "Float and dance to the middle."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gardevoir." Gardevoir said as her Disarming Voice ended and her eyes glowed blue./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She then engulfed her full body in blue light and began to float. As she did she began to dance and moved to the center of the ice field showing off her moves as she did so in an elegant grace that allowed all to see how strong and in control she was. As she reached the middle she let the Psychic fall and landed on her feet before falling back slowly so that one hand was on the ice and looking up to the ceiling with her other hand raised to it for the big finish./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Hyper Beam." Max said./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Gardevoir didn't speak this time as the orange light built in her mouth before blasting up and at the ceiling in a blast of intense normal type power. It didn't reach it, though it was close which showed how strong it was, and it was over in a few seconds leaving Gardevoir in a final pose for all to see. She held it during the recovery period before raising, her earlier dance had ensured that she was now facing the judges and went into a proper curtsy lowering her head respectfully to the human judges as Max offered a bow of his own./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""What an elegant and powerful display using a Pokémon all in Kalos know well as it is Diantha's primary one." Jillian said as the crowd cheered and Max and Gardevoir rose. "Do our judges agree?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""We saw both grace and strength in that appeal along with defense showing just how well rounded Gardevoir is." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "An impressive display of a Pokémon who mainly battles but has the skill to appeal as well."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Simply remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Gardevoir looked so mature and poised during that." Nurse Joy said smiling as well. "It is clear that it is close with its trainer and that Max has raised Gardevoir well."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yes the dance was a nice touch and shows a fun-loving side to the maturity." Wallace said. "Just as it should be even with fully evolved Pokémon like Gardevoir."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Max showed off Gardevoir's range in both offense and defense as well as her types well." Dawn said. "In a good mix of beauty for an appeal while reminding us that Gardevoir is a fully evolved Pokémon more than capable of power in battle as well as grace in an appeal."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have it, another solid batch of feedback from our judges." Jillian said as Max bowed once more with Gardevoir offering a curtsy before he recalled her and turned to head back to the wings. "Next up is the second of the Big 3. She's…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Max wasn't listening at this point as he reached the entrance to the wings, nodded at Emily who was next as she stood there looking oddly worried despite her status as one of the Big 3, and proceeded past her to get back to the waiting room. There weren't many left, and Max wasn't sure where his appeal put him, but he was eager to find out as he hurried back to catch the final appeals of the Wallace Cup./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Max was good there." Misty said as Max finished his appeal with a powerful Hype Beam that almost reached the ceiling and showed off how strong Gardevoir. "I didn't realize how powerful his Gardevoir is."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yeah he did well, I guess seeing so many Contests rubbed off on him." May said proud her brother had showed off his Pokémon well, he should advance with that appeal though May was a bit biased with her brother. "And it's no wonder Gardevoir is strong, she's been with him since she was a Ralts. He saved her when we were in Hoenn and he was too young to catch her, so he promised to return for her, a promise he upheld. She was his first capture, and I wouldn't be surprised if he can Mega Evolve her when the time comes but I don't know if he has the stones for that just yet."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""If he does he's keeping them hidden." Misty said as Max was getting his remarks while the ice was quickly fixed for who was to come next. "Probably to keep Ash guessing just in case, you know how he looks up to Ash, so he'd likely want to keep a few surprises in store for when they have a serious match."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""True which means it will be revealed in the Lumiose Conference if he has them which will be good." May said as Max returned and Jillian announced the next coordinator who happened to be Emily, the second of the Big 3 to go today and there were only a few more to go which meant that Brianna was likely last as she too hadn't gone yet. "And now we've got Emily up, this will be good."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She is one of the favorites for the Ribbon Cup so I would expect as much." Misty said as Emily sent out her Pokémon announcing that it was a Vulpix. "Though a fire type is a bit of a surprise given her specialty in fairy types but with the ice…hang on, that's not a normal Vulpix."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I agree." Lucy said her eyebrows furrowing as she looked at the pure white Vulpix with light blue feet. "Is it a shiny variant?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""No, it's a regional form." May said as Vulpix leapt into the air before sending an Ice Beam at the ground to create an ice mound to stand on and be seen by all. "That's an Alolan Vulpix. We saw one in person at an Alolan fair that we ran into, also saw Iris there after Ash literally ran into her just before we reached the town. During the fair Emily won a battle which netted her an egg that hatched into an Alolan Vulpix which is an ice type. When it evolves it will gain a fairy type however."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Huh interesting, I've heard of regional forms from Ash after he faced that Alolan Marowak that Blaine has, but this is the first time I've seen one." Misty said as Vulpix spun and sent out a series of Ice Shard attacks showing off its strength atop the mountain it had made. "Though I'm surprised you didn't slap Iris when you saw her. It took all my own willpower not to do so when I first met her, still does actually but I'm doing a lot better with my anger."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""It was hard not to for both me and Serena." May admitted as she went a little wide eyed as Vulpix switched to Dark Pulse while still spinning and destroyed the Ice Shards that had imbedded into the ice in a smooth transition that would look good and the black of Dark Pulse was such a contrast that it really made Vulpix stand out. "But we managed it and learning that an Alolan Ninetales is her nightmare Pokémon was interesting."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Iris, she's that aspiring dragon type expert I met and discussed my Dragonair with at the party right?" Lucy asked as Vulpix leapt into the air with another Ice Beam but this time making an ice slide around the mountain to slide on as it made the needed ice to do so before practically skating on the ice in front of the judges with a slow turn to face the ice mountain. "The one who somehow managed to get through Ash's density."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yup she's a nice, if childish, girl and unique amongst us." Misty said as Vulpix finished the appeal with an Extrasensory that destroyed the mountain without causing any obscuration of the Pokémon while showing off its power and cleaning up the stage in the process making it easier to clean for the next coordinator. "She's the only female to travel with Ash and not fall for him. Still not sure how she managed that but somehow she did."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That is a surprise and unique given what I've heard about the rest of you." Lucy said as Emily curtsied to the judges while Vulpix bowed its head./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""We don't know how she managed it." May admitted. "But she did, and it was nice to see her this year regardless as we weren't actually sure when we'd next see her. We met her Alolan friends who were with her as they were running the fair for their Pokémon school out there and had a good time in general. I just wasn't expecting to see Emily use that Pokémon as it's not yet a fairy type."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She's probably getting it experience for when it's ready to evolve though as a normal Vulpix needs a Fire Stone I'm not sure what an Alolan one needs." Misty said as the judges began to give feedback. "But I'm pretty sure that she'll advance with that appeal."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""No question, that was probably one of the top 8 we've seen so far so she's easily through to the next round." May said as Emily's review was done, she curtsied again, recalled Vulpix and left. "And with her done that leaves Brianna as the only one left to appeal of the people we know in the Wallace Cup."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""The bitch after Serena because of some bull with your asshole of an ex." Misty said. "So not a friend of ours but one we know, well you lot know but I'll at least be able to identify soon enough."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yup." May said with a nod. "And what's worse is that she is the best on the circuit this year without question just as Dawn was last year in Kanto or I was in Sinnoh or people like Robert and Solidad were during my first two years as a coordinator. She wouldn't challenge me or Dawn directly, she lost the one battle I had with her several years ago in Kanto, so she wouldn't challenge you Misty, but she's enacting Drew's revenge by beating Serena as she knows Serena is my protégé just as Brianna is Drew's despite the clear gap in their skills."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That doesn't sound good." Misty said as the next coordinator began with only 2 more left after this one so one of the last two was definitely Brianna. "You've told me about him, but I suggest speaking with Sabrina about it. This may not be what she knows personally but she no doubt knows about similar situations through her meetings."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I know and I will." May said. "She gave me some good advice for traveling Kalos with Ash and Dawn and I've already asked to speak to her, and I will do so about this. After an update on how I feel regarding traveling with Ash and Dawn of course, that is the update she'll want."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Good." Misty said. "That will help but for now let's watch and hopefully one of our friends faces her in the battles and puts her in her place. She may be a good coordinator but if she faces a traditional battler like Ash or Max, well that could be interesting."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""True and it would piss her off to lose to a non-coordinator, so I'll be praying to Arceus for that." May said with a grin. "So, let's watch and wait to see how the appeals play out, who makes it, and how the bracket falls."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Misty and Lucy nodded as the appeals began to draw to an end. A few more, with the big one still to come being Brianna, and then they'd know who advanced before they retired as a group for the night and those who advanced got ready for the battles. It had been an interesting day so far and there was still a little more to enjoy as the first day of the Wallace Cup began to wrap up with the number 1 coordinator on the circuit this year as the bow to finish the appeals./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brianna fumed in the wings as she let her anger and rage wash over her to fuel her to even greater heights than she was already at. Sure, going last had its advantages. She was the cherry atop the appeals, she was the best here after all, and she'd end with herself as the last thing the judges saw but still, it was galling have to wait and watch the parade of absolute villainy go before./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She had known that the evil people who dared stand against her darling Drew and all that he stood for, including the bastard in chief who'd dared to scar her beautiful face, would be here but the sheer volume of them wasn't expected. Sure, there was the woman she had to crush at all costs in Serena, she was the worst of them, and that included Ash, as she was the proxy for that cruel bitch May, and of course after past Wallace Cups Ash would be here but the rest, really? What had poor, innocent Brianna done to deserve this abominable treatment./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Alright sure Emily, the vessel of Dawn that was a secondary target for Brianna and only because of Drew accepting Kenny's alliance though that had been what had led to Brianna's scars, was here but the Big 3 Kanto girl was to be expected, as was Jessilina though Brianna had no issue with the last of the Big 3. That said Emily was the one who'd denied Brianna the clean sweep with some cheap tactics that had clearly come from that boy she was with so she would enjoy putting that brunette in her place in the Wallace Cup./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"However, the rest had been unexpected. Brianne knew some of them, Shauna and Miette had appeared in a few of her wins and hadn't been much of a threat but seeing them all buddy-buddy with Serena showed that they were close so now viable targets for her righteous justice, but others weren't expected./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Sure, there was May's little brother Max, a more than valid target according to Drew as it would hurt May to see him humiliated by Brianna and the girl with him, Bonnie, was close to Serena so another valid target but most of the rest were basically unknown besides the few on the circuit. Even those were nothing to Brianna, if she didn't know their names then they weren't worth her valuable time./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Anyway, Brianna knew that she was the best here and she'd go out and show it in the appeals before she won the whole Wallace Cup. It was a slap in the face that Wallace had even acknowledged one of the villains by changing the name of the ribbon to name it after Dawn, even if she'd won the last 3 Cups, so the least that Brianna could do was win it and force her to acknowledge Brianna's skills by giving her the very first Dawn Ribbon./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Yes, that and the trail of defeated villains that she was going to leave in her wake for all to see would be perfect for her as Brianna showed the world who the true hero was here. This was the first of her two moments for that and a great appetizer for when she won the Grand Festival and proved that Drew was better than the excuse of a woman who'd broken his beautiful heart./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Thank you judges for your kind words." Jillian said and Brianna had to force herself not to roll her eyes as the appeal had been lackluster at best from some Alolan in for the Cup who wouldn't advance and put on her game face to show how it was really done. "Next up we have our final appeal of the day and what an appeal will it be. She's got 4 ribbons to her name already so is trying for her 5th in the Wallace Cup but beyond that she's only lost once this year and is the only coordinator with a Grand Festival finals appearance. She's the top of the Big 3, the circuit's favorite, but you know her as the Flower of Kanto, from Chrysanthemum Town, it's Brianna!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brianna smiled as she walked out to the cheers, some of the loudest yet but still not at Serena's level given the home region girl's appeal but they'd get louder once Brianna put that villain in her place when they had their battle in the Wallace Cup. It would all start with this breathtaking appeal, an ode to her love and all the good that he stood for./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Roselia, steal the show!" Brianna said as she reached the starting spot, pulled out her Poke Ball, and tossed it in one smooth motion. "And start us off with Petal Blizzard as you dance my darling."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Roselia practically sang her name as she began to move, the flowers that were her hands spewing forth pink petals as she moved across the ice creating a blizzard of them in a pattern as she danced. However, with her green body and red and blue hands Roselia was easy to see in the blizzard dancing around on a graceful dance that seemed as if to avoid all the petals showing a really high level of training and coordinating to pull off./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Now Shadow Ball." Brianna said. "Cut through the petals in places."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Roselia." Roselia sang as she didn't break her dance for a second only opening her mouth to let out a ball of Ghost type power that she shot out into the air, cleaving a path through the petals that were still swirling around her./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Roselia kept it up for a few more Shadow Balls so that in total 5 were around in different places and heights while never breaking her dance showing great control to manage it all without causing any incidents or Shadow Balls to hit each other. That was just the start for Brianna, however./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Venoshock, same order and target the Shadow Balls." Brianna said with a grin that really made the scar on her face all the more sinister./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The audience gasped as Roselia proceeded to keep her dance and then at the same moments as she did each of the Shadow Balls she spewed forth a purple, poisonous, liquid reminding all of her second type and having it hit the balls one by one, destroying them and finishing cutting a path through the final petals that were finally settling on the surface of the ice. All the time Roselia was moving to the middle of the ice for the final move./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""End this by draining the petals with Giga Drain." Brianna said. "Show them why we've earned our spot in the rankings."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Roselia." Roselia said as she spun into position for the final move and activated Giga Drain./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Usually, the move worked only on Pokémon but in a Contest appeal it could be used to drain energy from other organic things that were present on the stage, a fact Drew had told Brianna about and why she'd started with Petal Blizzard as the energy from the petals on the ice was drained in arcs from all around her and towards Roselia. The Thorn Pokémon practically sang and smiled at the judges as the energy came into her in the center of all the streams before it was done leaving wither leaves and the remains of her earlier Venoshock on the ice./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"As soon as it was done Roselia bowed to the judges while Brianna curtsied, a grin on her face as she looked right at Dawn the entire time. This was going to be that evil woman's toughest challenge of the whole day and while she wasn't as bad as May, she'd actually caused May heartbreak which was a rare good thing about her, she still love that monster Ketchum so that made her evil and an enemy to true heroes like Brianna and her darling Drew. Time to see if she could contain her spite and villainy when assessing Brianna's amazing appeal that would certainly be the best of the day./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""What an appeal to end the day on just as we started on a great appeal from another of the Big 3 this year." Jillian said. "And do our judges concur with my own assessment?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Roselia showed off her types and power, as well as her accuracy, training, and coordination in that appeal to pull it all off." Mr. Contesta said with a nod. "And to keep it all up while dancing was something else."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Positively remarkable." Sukizo said with a smile and a bob of his head that Brianna took as complete acquiescence to her brilliance and superiority in her appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Roselia looked so cute as it moved and yet reminded us why it's the Thorn Pokémon because every rose has its thorns." Nurse Joy said in her usual bubbly tone. "It's been well raised and cared for; Brianna knows what she's doing with one."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There was a lot of fun and play in that appeal." Wallace said. "It is clear that Brianna and Roselia practice this together and have a close bond that can only come from properly playing with your Pokémon."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""A well-coordinated appeal from a talented and accomplished coordinator." Dawn said using every ounce of her control to get the words out as she met Brianna's gaze and saw the hatred burring in the younger girl's eyes. "Few without Brianna's extensive Contest experience could have pulled off a chorography like that using moves and dance at the same time in such a manner in the middle of a Petal Blizzard while still showing off the Pokémon at the center, well done."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""There you have if folks a great end to a great day." Jillian said excitedly as Brianna curtsied while Roselia bowed one more time before she recalled her and headed in. "We will now take a moment to compile the scores and soon we will know who has advanced to the battle round that begins tomorrow."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Brianna heard Jillian pause at that and knew that the woman was taking a breather while the scores were added up. Brianna didn't care though; she knew that she'd advanced and with the system in place to prevent Dawn's clear bias against a good person like Brianna that would ensure Brianna got the highest score which she more than deserved for her appeal./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"She was moving on and hopefully the key villains were as well so that she could crush them beneath her feet and show all who the hero really was. Yes, soon they'd all know who'd advanced and Brianna would find out who she was facing next in the Wallace Cup as the appeals came to an end./p
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p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Well folks that is it, the final coordinator has gone, and we will soon have the 16 who have advanced to tomorrow's battles up on the screen for you." Jillian said as Serena, Ash and the others watched Brianna's appeal end and her comments be given by the judges. "And I'd like to take this moment to thank all our competitors for coming out today and giving us a great show."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Brianna will advance, no question." Serena said coolly, everyone present in their group who weren't already in the know had been informed about the girl's issues the moment she'd left the room to get ready for her appeal. "That was a top tier appeal for sure."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""She is the best on the circuit this year but that just means that we have to beat her." Miette said simply. "And we will."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Serena was about to respond when the conferring of the judges ended, and it looked like the announcement was imminent, so she shut up. At the same time Brianna returned and glared at them but said nothing as this was a moment of truth for all of them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""The scores are in and here are the 16 who advance." Jillian said as suddenly the screen changed to show 16 trainer cards face up with the headshots of the trainers. "Congratulations to all of them and to the rest well done, we hope to see you again soon."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The entire group looked to the pictures to see how many of them advanced. There were 14 of them so it was going to be tight and the two other members of the Big 3 were also present so they'd likely advance as well, which would fill all the spaces if all 14 of them advanced. That was clear as they all quickly saw Jessilina and Brianna's pictures along with Emily's showing that the Big 3 had all advanced./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"After that it was a bit of a scramble but in short order they saw Serena, Miette, and Shauna's pictures followed by Ash and Tierno. In fact, it ended up being easier as almost all of them were up there, but it was Serena who first saw the picture that wasn't in their group or the Big 3 and it was the one she'd expected to be the most likely to eliminate one of them based on all the appeals that she'd seen./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Amelia is up there." Serena said seeing the image between Trevor and Bonnie's on the screen. "She's advanced to the battle round."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That means that…" Shauna began./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm going to be watching from the sidelines." Lyra said simply with no sadness in her voice as it became clear that she was the one missing from the images. "Oh well, that was fun, and I'd have liked to battle even if I don't understand how Contest battles work, but I'll be cheering you all on tomorrow. Of course, Khoury will be getting my full support."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Are you sure you're ok Lyra?" Khoury asked as she turned to him./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Yeah I'm a battler, I just did this to see what they are like and to share it with you." Lyra said giving him a chaste kiss. "Now win it for me will you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'll do my best." Khoury said blushing slightly as Lyra turned and left the room along with the other coordinators some pissed, others understanding, and a few like Lyra just glad to have had fun leaving the 16 who had advanced remaining in the waiting room./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""And now for the random bracket." Jillian said as the cards flipped over, shuffled, and then split apart with the top row of 8 going to the top of the screen and the bottom row to the bottom as the bracket formed showing the paths to the final where the last remaining person from each row would meet before finally the cards flipped over. "Good luck and we'll see you tomorrow as the Wallace Cup continues."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Um…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Oh…"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Wow."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That's unexpected." Miette said finding her voice as they all stared at the bracket that had been randomly generated with wide eyes. "And brutal up top. All 3 are there so only one will make the final."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Miette wasn't wrong as they stared in shock at the bracket. The top half that branched down to send one of the 8 to the final started with Ash verses Emily to open the day tomorrow. That was followed by Jessilina verses Brock in the second meaning that there was a chance that two Big 3 coordinators would meet as early as the quarterfinals which was earlier than expected. After that was a normal looking match of Max verses Owen but then the final match of the top half was Adam verses Brianna./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That meant that all of the Big 3 would be in the top half so only one could make it to the final. It was going to be tough to say the least and to top it all off it looked like Brianna might get to face at least Max which wasn't going to be pretty as he was May's brother. That and her opening match against Adam which wasn't going to be much better as he'd been the strategist behind Brianna's loss to Emily./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""That's bad but guys, have you seen the bottom?" Shauna said just as surprised by how that part of the bracket looked as the top part did. "7 of us remaining are from Kalos, the host region this year, and all of us are in the bottom of the bracket with Khoury the lone nonnative there. That means that there's a high chance that Kalos has a native going for the Dawn Ribbon in the final."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Serena looked closer at that, and her eyes widened as well. It was true, they were all in the bottom half and she was the one kicking it off with a battle against Bonnie. After that it was Tierno verses Trevor, Shauna verses the lone non-Kalos native in Khoury, and to finish it was Miette against Amelia to wrap the first day of battles up./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'd have it no other way." Amelia said walking over to the group but standing a fair distance away her arms folded across her chest glad that the bracket had fallen as it had. "This way I get to face at least one, if not all, of the girls who took my rightful spot in the Master Class final. The others of you had better win so I can beat all of you because I'm coming for you all. It's even more fitting that it's Serena I'd face last with that spot in the final on the line."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Amelia, we don't have to be negative to each other." Serena said calmly. "We can be positive rivals. I know how good you are, there's no need for this spite."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""After how you humiliated me in my hometown last year, not a chance." Amelia said pissed at the way Serena was lying to her about being positive rivals when the honey blonde had always been negative to her. "You started it back then, but I'll end it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Please, you are nothing." Brianna said also walking over from her spot and ignoring the black-haired nobody who wasn't even a blip on her radar other than the fact that she at least recognized Serena's true nature. "I don't even know who you are so go away. If you beat someone as evil as Serena then we can talk but if not, which I hope so as Serena's mine, I'll enjoy crushing her in the final for all to see."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Hello Brianna, charming as ever." Serena said with a sigh while Amelia spluttered at the short, younger girl with a scar on her face that dared talk down to her but by now Brianna was focused on Serena alone. "I was wondering when you and that awful personality of yours would show up."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""I'm a sweet, charming, flower." Brianna said in a sickly-sweet tone. "Unlike you, the pawn of the queen of villainy May and I will crush you like the insect you are. Win out, I expect it so that I can beat you in the finals for all to see. Same with you Emily, I'll take down your boyfriend first, he needs to pay for what he did to allow you to defy me in Laverre, and then I can beat you in the semis. Max too, I want to ensure any that are worth beating are knocked out by me and my Pokémon personally as I demolish all those who support someone as cruel as May right in front of her and force Dawn to present that ribbon wrongly named after her to me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"With that Brianna turned and left not waiting for a response from the angry or embarrassed villains that she left in her wake and headed to the exit where Drew had appeared waiting for her, a smirk on his face as they left together though not as a couple. Amelia was still spluttering but she controlled herself for a glare at them before turning and leaving as well deciding that it was best to just leave it like this and let tomorrow show that she was superior to the other Kalos girls./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""What a charming personality." Miette said once they were gone. "Both of them."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Brianna has been like that all year." Ash said with a sigh. "And it seems to be getting worse. I don't really know the other one though."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""Amelia has some pride and anger issues." Serena said. "She's a performer who's technically best but lacks the ability to move a crowd and its made her resentful I feel. That and I don't think she's very good at reflecting on her own drawbacks. As for Brianna, we all know about that one."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;""All this means is that we all have challenges to face, but we will all win and come out on top." Shauna said as the rest just nodded. "So, let's go back to the hotel, relax and get ready for tomorrow. We all have important matches to prepare for."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"That was the right thing to do and with some murmured agreements they all headed off as a group to meet up with May, Misty, Lucy, and Lyra and head back to the hotel. As Dawn was a judge she would have stay elsewhere during the Cup and couldn't help but the rest could, and they'd all be breaking up into small groups to get ready for their coming matches./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"The only person left in the room was Jessie in her Jessilina personality and standing in a corner unnoticed by everyone else. In this persona she wouldn't have gotten involved, she had to maintain her image after all, and had held back while things went down before finally letting out a sigh of relief that it was over and James and Meowth came to her. It had been a long day but for the first time she'd advanced in the Wallace Cup, and she was here to win it. First up that Pewter twerp, revenge against him was going to be oh so sweet./p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;"Yup, the long first day of the Wallace Cup was over and everyone was headed home to rest up and prepare for tomorrow when the battles kicked off. When that came they were all rivals as they all vied to be the first to raise the Dawn Ribbon as the newest champion of the Wallace Cup./p