Author's Note: Ladies and gentleman, here's the chapter you've all been waiting for and hope you all enjoy! Sorry for the long wait and make sure the next one will come sooner! Also, I'm thinking that the Kalos Region should be Denise's next destination for her career, but we'll see in the future anyway.

I don't own Pokémon or its characters, but I own Denise, her Pokémon group and my other OCs.

Pokemon: Friends to the End

Chapter 160: Last Call, First Round!

Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock have returned to Lake Valor where the twins are set to compete in the Grand Festival.

The night before the event hosted a meet and greet event for the participating Coordinators.

"Wow."Dawn gasped in awe.

"So many Coordinators."Denise chuckled.

Brock became lovestruck at seeing the various beautiful female Coordinators in the room, startling his friends.

"GIRLS!"Brock remarked in absolute excitement.

Brock started flirting with the many girls at the event.

"Excuse me, you're beautiful!"Brock declared and then went to two others."You're beautiful too! And you're joyfully beautiful as well! Not to mention-"

Croagunk then used Poison Jab to end the embarrassment caused by Brock.

"Why did I mention you?"Brock muttered in pain.

Brock then collapsed on the floor before Croagunk dragged him away.

Ash, Dawn, Denise, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken started eating the food in one of the buffet table.

"Man, this is good."Ash chuckled.

"Pikachu."Pikachu agreed.

"It's okay."Denise responded slightly."But my seafood curry is better."

"Combusken."Combusken answered with a nod.

"Excuse me, can I get a statement?"

The group notice Rhonda and the crew of 'Sinnoh Now' were interviewing Nando and Coordinators at the party.

"It's Nando."Dawn said.

Rhonda interviewed Nando about the Grand Festival.

"My Pokémon and I have been hoping for this glorious day would come to pass."Nando declared.

"So Nando won all five Ribbons as well."Brock assumed.

"What a fast recovery."Dawn stated.

"He must've trained hard."Denise assumed.

Nando started playing the harp that he held.

"I have a brand new performance to share and I'm so thrilled that all of you will be there~"Nando sang.

"Lovely. Thanks so much."Rhonda thanked and looked at the camera."And that was a view from our favourite Pokémon Minstrel, Nando."

Brock, Ash, Dawn, Denise, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken walked up to Nando.

"Hey, Nando."Dawn greeted.

"It's been a while."Denise stated.

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

"Combusken."Combusken responded.

Nando smiled at the group.

"So we meet again."Nando remarked.

Rhondo smiled when she notice the Twinleaf Twins and their companions.

"Oh, look. It's Dawn and Denise."Rhonda commented."What a wonderful surprise. May I have a word with you both?"

The camera turned to Dawn and Denise for a scoop, making them a bit nervous.

"Uh-"Denise started.

"Just a second!"Dawn instructed.

Dawn used a mirror to check the sides of her face before giving it to Denise to check if she was alright as well.

After putting the mirror away, Dawn and Denise started telling Rhonda about their thoughts of the Grand Festival.

"Now my next interview is with Top Coordinator Johanna's twin daughters Dawn and Denise from Twinleaf Town."Rhonda declared."So, girls, what are your Grand Festival goals?

Rhonda brought her microphone near Dawn and Denise as the twin sisters spoke to her.

"I hope to give the best Double Performance I can with my Pokémon."Dawn exclaimed and looked at Prinplup."What do you say, Prinplup?"

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

"The same goes with me."Denise stated."We have no doubt the Grand Festival will be fun."

Combusken smiled."Combusken."

After finishing the interview, Dawn and Denise went back to their companions and Nando.

"I was having a tough time whether to peruse Gym Battles or Contests."Nando explained."But you four were the ones that showed me the joy of both paths and I am grateful that we all met."

"What about your Gym Battles?"Ash asked.

Nando took out his Gym Badge case, revealing to the heroes that he had seven Gym Badges.

"As you see, I have seven Gym Badges."Nando stated."Which means to enter the Sinnoh League, I need one more."

"Just like me and Ash."Denise remarked.

"So let's make sure we meet up in the Sinnoh League."Ash insisted.

"Pika pika."Pikachu said happily.

"Combusken."Combusken replied.

"Yes."Nando agreed with a nod.

Dawn turned around just in time to see the person was Kenny and he touched her cheek with a teasing grin on his face.

"Gotcha, Dee-Dee!"Kenny chuckled."Gotcha!"

"Kenny!"Dawn scowled.

"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.

Denise smiled at Kenny.

"Hey, Kenny."Denise greeted."You made it."

"Hi, Denise."Kenny replied.

Suddenly, something gives Denise an little electric shot causing her to freak out.

"Whah!"Denise shrieked in shock."Who did that?!"

Denise looked down and saw a female Pikachu (known as Sparkle) with a little pink bow on her right ear.

"Pika!"Sparkle giggled mischievously.

"A Pikachu?"Dawn said in confusion.

Amy then came forward causing Sparkle to go over to her Trainer and climb onto her shoulder.

"Well, if it isn't Dee-Dee and Neecy."Amy sneered.

"Hi, Amy."Dawn responded.

Denise frowned at seeing her Contest rival.

"Amy."Denise grumbled.

"Hey, Amy."Ash greeted and looked at Sparkle."Whoa. Is that your Pichu?"

"That's right, Ash."Amy answered with a small smirk and looked at her Mouse Pokémon."Sparkle evolved a couple of weeks ago and she's looking forward in competing in the Grand Festival as me and my other Pokémon are."

Sparkle smirked."Pika."

Both Denise and Combusken frowned at Amy and her female Pikachu.

"I can see that real well."Denise scoffed.

"Combusken."Combusken retorted.

Brock went over to Nando to explain to the Pokémon Minstrel, how Dawn and Denise know their rivals.

"You see, both Kenny and Amy are both from Twinleaf Town which is where Dawn and Denise are from."Brock explained.

Kenny smiled at Ash, Denise and Dawn.

"I'm going to win this with my great new fusion move."Kenny declared.

Ash smiled."That sounds cool, Kenny."

"What kind of fusion move is it?"Dawn asked.

"You and Neecy will both have to wait and see, Dee-Dee, dear."Kenny teased with a wink.

However, Dawn and Denise simply smiled, not bothered by the nicknames that Kenny were calling them.

"Then that's just what we'll do."Dawn responded.

"Best things come to those who wait."Denise chuckled.

Both Kenny and Amy became surprised to see that neither Dawn or Denise were reacting from the nicknames from kindergarten.

"Hey, what happened to you two whining on that is not your names?"Amy questioned.

Denise smirked at her rival's question.

"We got over our nicknames when my sister got her fifth Ribbon, Amy."Denise admitted proudly."It doesn't bother us anymore."

Combusken smiled. "Combusken."

"And I'm not afraid of Plusle and Minun either."Dawn declared happily.

"Prinplup."Prinplup agreed.

At that moment, a Plusle and Minun appeared and leapt onto Dawn's shoulders, giving Dawn a diamond dandruff frizz.

Amy burst out laughing at Dawn's state.

"Aw, man!"Amy chuckled in amusement while hugging her stomach."This brings back memories!"

However, instead of freaking out, Dawn was unfazed and quickly fixed her hair go back to normal.

"See?"Dawn said with a nervous smile."I told you there's nothing to worry about."

"Alright!"Kenny remarked."Way da go!"

Denise frowned at Plusle and Minun.

"Hold on. These aren't even your Pokémon, Dawn."Denise commented."So they're actually-"

This caused Ursula to walked forward and reveal herself to the group.

"Those are my little ones."Ursula responded.

"It's Ursula!"Ash and Brock said in unison.

"Pika!"Pikachu gasped.

Dawn and Denise glanced at Ursula as Plusle and Minun went back to their Trainer's shoulders.

"It is you."Dawn replied.

"You've made it too."Denise scoffed."How nice."

"Dawn and Denise, I'm counting on you two to make us look good today."

Ursula snidely walked away as Kenny looked at Dawn and Denise.

"It sounds like you three have a history."Kenny assumed.

Dawn sweat dropped at Kenny's respond.

"I guess you can say that."Dawn answered with an embarrassed smile.

"In her mind, she thinks we do."Denise retorted.

"Dawn! Denise!"

Both Dawn and Denise turned around and saw Zoey waving at them.

"Hey."Zoey said with a wink.

The two sisters went up to their friend.

"Hey, Zoey."Dawn greeted.

"It's been a while."Denise chuckled."How are you?"

"Fine. I'm working hard."Zoey declared sheepishly."I'm working things up with Glameow."

Zoey then noticed Combusken next to Denise.

"Whoa."Zoey remarked."So you have a Combusken now. Your other teammates must've grown stronger too. Right, Denise?"

"That's right."Denise agreed with a nod and smiled at Combusken."We can say our training really paid off."

"Combusken."Combusken sneered.

"Cool."Zoey responded and looked at Prinplup."How you've been doing, Prinplup?"

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

Then Ash, Brock, Nando, Amy and Kenny walked up to the trio.

"Hey there, Zoey."Ash responded.

"Pika."Pikachu said with a small wave.

"Hey."Zoey answered.

"Zoey, you haven't seen Nando in a while, right?"Brock suggested.

"Not since the Hearthome Contest."Zoey commented.

"Correct."Nando agreed."But I've watched you in TV."

"Yeah. Me too."Zoey admitted."I always stocked at seeing the way your Pokémon performed."

Kenny smiled at Zoey.

"Hey, Zoey."Kenny remarked."Remember me?"

"Of course, I do."Zoey replied."Kenny, right?"

Kenny nodded."That's right."

"And you remember me too, right Zoey?"Amy assumed smugly.

Zoey frowned at seeing Amy.

"How can I forget."Zoey answered unhappily."You're the one who beat me in two Contests, Amy. But I've become stronger since I last saw you."

"Actions speak louder than words, but okay."Amy sneered with a shrug.

Zoey gives Amy a small glare, but didn't say anything.

"Things will be a completely different this time!"Kenny declared in excitement.

"I'm sure they are."Zoey complemented.

Dawn looked at Zoey.

"Zoey, by the way I hope you remember that you promised to meet me in the final battle."Dawn reminded.

"Of course."Zoey chuckled."That will be the absolute best at a big event like this."

"Wait, you two!"Kenny argued."The only one going to win and become Top Coordinator is me! Don't forget you're not winning this thing!"

Denise shook her head at Kenny's respond.

"Kenny, don't get so overconfident."Denise commented.

"Yeah."Amy retorted with a frown."With an attitude like that you've might end up disqualified before any one."

Kenny glared at Amy.

"Amy! That's mean!"Kenny scowled."I thought we were friends!"

"We are."Amy scoffed."But also rivals when it comes to Contests."

"Nothing but being around a bunch of rivals."Ash remarked.

Ursula just smirked as she watched the heroes and companions talking with one another while eating a plate of food.

"Children."Ursula insulted with a smirk."Every last one of them."

Later that Night…

Inside their grand hotel room, Dawn and Denise stood on a balcony with their Pokémon.

"This is it."Dawn declared with a hint of excitement."The Grand Festival is starting tomorrow."

"Starting tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of us."Denise informed proudly."So let's make sure to show our very best from our hard work."

Prinplup, Buneary, Mamoswine, Cyndaquil, Pachirisu and Togekiss along with Combusken, Torterra, Vaporeon, Luxray, Gardevoir and Drifblim all responded in agreement.

Dawn and Denise then showed their Pokémon the Ribbons that their mother gave her the day they started their journey.

"See these are our mother's first Contest Ribbons that she ever won and we're going to work extra hard to honour her."Dawn exclaimed.

Denise glanced at Dawn.

"We may have the same goals, but the two of us are rivals as well, Dawn."Denise informed smugly."And there can only be one winner tomorrow."

Dawn smiled sheepishly at her younger twin sister's words.

"Right."Dawn remarked.

Ash and Brock walked up to Dawn and Denise.

"No need to worry, you two."Ash assured confidently."You both make sure to give everything you got."

"Pika pika."Pikachu agreed.

"Yeah."Dawn answered with a nod."And thank you, Ash and Brock."

"It's because of you two we made it this far."Denise admitted gratefully.

Both Dawn and Denise bowed at Ash and Brock in gratitude.

The Next Morning…

Amy and Kenny went to look for their friends after getting dressed and eating breakfast.

The two Coordinators then see Ash and his Gible practicing Draco Meteor outside.

"Amy, there's Ash."Kenny remarked."Let's go talk to him."

"Sure."Amy agreed simply."I wanna see how his Chimchar is doing."

"Hey, Ash!"Kenny called out.

Ash didn't hear Kenny called out his name since he was focused on telling Gible how to use Draco Meteor.

"Come on, Gible. I know you can do it."Ash encouraged and pointed at the sky."Finally, point straight up to the sky and let it rip."

Gible unleashed his Draco Meteor in the sky, only for his attack to end up in another direction.

"Not again."Ash grumbled.

Both Amy and Kenny moved of the way from being hit by Gible's wayward attack.

Ash and Pikachu then went to check on their friends.

"Uh oh."Ash said nervously."Kenny, Amy, are you two okay?"

"We're fine, but what was that?"Kenny asked.

"Sorry. It's supposed to be Draco Meteor. But it's not working so good and usually what happens, it winds up hitting Combusken or Prinplup for some reason."Ash explained and glanced at Gible."Come on, Gible, say you're sorry to Kenny and Amy right now."

"Gib gible."Gible apologised.

Amy and Kenny then stood up from where they fell.

"It's alright, Ash. But it seems your Draco Meteor still needs some improvement."Amy exclaimed and changed the subject."By the way, how are things going with Chimchar?"

"Great, Amy. But you have to see for yourself."Ash declared and took out his Poké Ball."Infernape, I choose you!"

Ash's Poké Ball opened, revealing his Infernape.

"Infernape!"

Amy smiled at Infernape, impressed that he was all grown up now.

"Wow."Amy chuckled."That's great to see Chimchar fully evolved into Infernape."

"Thanks."Ash thanked."Infernape used Blaze to evolve from Monferno and save our friends after talking control of her ability."

"His gonna really come in handy for you during the Sinnoh League."Amy complemented.

Kenny then remembered Dawn and Denise.

"By the way, where are the twins?"Kenny asked.

"Dawn's going crazy about accessorising her outfit this morning."Ash explained sheepishly."So Pikachu and I ran away before she let me have it and Denise is trying to get her sister to take it easy and work on her outfit at the same time while Brock is finding Zoey for help."

Amy chuckled at Ash's declaration.

"Boy, we hear you."Amy responded and glanced at Ash's hotel room."That's the twins alright."

In the Hotel…

Denise got dressed and was ready to head to the Grand Festival while Dawn was still wearing her pyjamas and trying to do her hair.

Dawn scowled as she was struggling to brush her hair probably.

"Oh, why can't I get my silly hair to be fixed myself just once?"Dawn complained.

"Don't worry, sis."Denise assured as she sewed a gem on a bow-like accessory."Help will come any minute."

"Combusken."Combusken chirped.

Then Zoey and Brock came into the room.

"Oh, Zoey, it's great that you're here."Dawn declared with a hint of relief."I need to figure out how to accessorise my outfit since Dennie is working on her's, Brock says he's clueless, and Ash just ran away with Pikachu to perfect Gible's Draco Meteor."

Brock smiled at Zoey.

"You wanted to know why Denise asked to come get you."Brock remarked.

Zoey sighed and closed her eyes.

"When Dawn gets like this, it's always trouble."Zoey murmured and went up to Dawn to brush her hair."I understand you're feeling nervous but just look how relaxed Prinplup and your sister are."

Dawn looked behind and saw Denise was simply sewing her bow while Prinplup just smiled at her.

"If you want to know the truth, I'm pretty nervous as well."Zoey admitted.

A surprised look appeared on Dawn's face.

"What?"Dawn said in disbelief."I always feel jealous about how you and my sister are relaxed no matter where we are?"

Denise just smiled at her older twin sister's question.

"It's the Grand Festival, sis."Denise reminded."How can we be here and not feel nervous? I'm sure Mom was like that when she was competing in the Grand Festival."

"Denise is right."Zoey agreed as she continued brushing Dawn's hair."So what I do is try to think about my Pokémon instead cause remember what I told you back in Solaceon Town."

Dawn, Denise and Zoey smiled at each other.

"Pokémon are the stars."Dawn, Denise, and Zoey answered in unison.

Afterwards…

Fireworks announce the beginning of the Sinnoh Grand Festival as Marian appeared on the stage.

"It's here with all the best Coordinators in the Sinnoh Region! The Pokémon Contest Grand Festival!"Marian announced."108 Coordinators that earned five Ribbons will be showing off their greatest Pokémon right here in the ultimate menu! Today's Contest will all be double performances! Each stage will show several Pokémon and a variety moves will be on display! And our last Coordinator will be rewarded the prestigious title of Top Coordinator! Now let me introduce the people that will be judging in this competition!"

The crowd cheered loudly at Marian's announcement.

"First is our Pokémon Contest Director, Mr Contesta!"Marian stated.

"Hello and thank you!"Mr Contesta remarked."I'm truly pleased to be here on this beautiful day at this magnificent event! An event filled with excitement!"

"And the Head of the Pokémon Fan Club; Mr Sukizo!"Marian added.

"The Grand Pokémon Festival is remarkable!"Mr Sukizo admitted.

Marian introduced the three Nurse Joy, who were also sisters, from the Pokémon Centers of Jubilife, Pastoria and Lilycove City.

"And coming all the way from the Hoenn Region and we're glad to have from our midst, Nurse Joy!"Marian announced.

"Hello there, everyone."Nurse Joy greeted.

Ash was surprised to see a Nurse Joy from the Hoenn Region.

"She's from Hoenn."Ash said in awe.

"That's the Nurse Joy from Lilycove City."Brock declared in admiration.

Ash, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken all sweat dropped at Brock's reply.

"And to help assist in the First Round, I've brought my sister from Jubilife City and Pastoria City."Nurse Joy declared.

Nurse Joy's two sisters appeared between.

"It's so nice to be here!"the three Nurse Joys declared in unison

"And finally our special guest Judge and Gym Leader of the Hearthome City Gym, Fantina!"Marian admitted.

A shock looked appeared on Ash's face.

"Fantina too?!"Ash said in disbelief.

The crowd cheered as Fantina, the Hearthome City Gym Leader and a Top Coordinator appeared on the stage while a spotlight shun on her.

"To be here in this very event!"Fantina declared lovingly."I look forward to see all these beautiful, powerful and magnifique Pokémon!"

Brock looked at Ash.

"It really is Fantina."Brock murmured.

"I guess that means her Gym is still closed."Ash said with a sheepish smile.

At the Backstage…

Kenny, Zoey, Dawn, Denise, Amy and the other Coordinators were watching Fantina on the TV screens.

Zoey wore a stylish pale green suit with a bright green sash on it and a necklace with a deep blue gem on it.

Dawn wore a new light yellow dress with a red-pink ribbon sewn to the chest, an orange sash at the torso area, white ruffles, opera-length white gloves and white pumps. Her dark blue hair was styled in curls and had a red-pink ribbon headband on her head.

Denise wore an aqua blue themed dress that consisted of a green corset top laced with a baby blue ribbon. The skirt was green and decorated with swirling and floral designs in green and white. She wore a white petticoat underneath. The skirt's hemline was above her ankles, but well below her calves. Her sleeves at the top were short, puffed and striped with aqua blue while the rest are long and it's green with white lace at the hems. Around her neck was a choker with an emerald gem on it. Her navy blue hair was styled in a loose straight hairstyle and had an aqua headband with a green bow on top of her head. She also wore pale periwinkle leggings and aqua blue short heels.

Amy wore a ruby red coloured dress with crimson detail on the skirt and left of the chest. The chest was a sweetheart neckline with sheer crimson fabric covering the collarbone and neck. Dark burgundy strings and were tied in the middle while sewn to the right corner was a large ruffled ribbon held with multiple burgundy strings. Underneath she had reddish-brown tights and white shoes with red heels which each had gold clover shape on the front. Her medium-length caramel brown tinged black hair was pulled into buns on either side of the head and held with a braid. The rest of the hair was gathered into longer braids that fall over the shoulders. Her bangs were straight-cut with a tiny curled strand on the corners. On her right wrist was a red beaded bracelet with a long red tassel hanging from it.

"Fantina is a Top Coordinator as well as a world famous star!"Marian announced."She's counting on your best performances to judge you today!"

Denise started to feel intense at seeing Fantina.

"So Fantina is going to be watching all Coordinators' Pokémon Performances and will be also judging who she thinks will be perfect enough to go to the next round?"Denise thought as she clenched her fist near her beating heart."I won't panic and just focus on doing the best I could with my Pokémon. We've come all this way and won't back down."

Back at the Main Stage…

"Without further ado, time for the Performance Stage!"Marian declared."We'll have three stages operating today! The blue, the green and the red one! In addition, there will be two judges officiating on each and every Performance Stage! So which Coordinators will pass them and head to the Second Stage!"

Soon after, the Double Performances begin and Ursula was the first Coordinator to appear.

Ursula wore a periwinkle dress-coat held by a large white ribbon with a violet top and a soft blue skirt underneath. Around her neck was a white choker with a red flower and white heels.

"Eevee twins!"Ursula remarked."Let's go!"

In her portion on the blue stage, Ursula starts out with two Eevee.

She uses Song Seals and it causes musical notes to shoot upward out of the Capsule Balls, revealing the Eevee twins.

"Eevee!"

"Eevee!"

At the Backstage…

Dawn, Denise and Amy were surprised to see that Ursula had two Eevees in her position.

"She's got two Eevees."Dawn said in awe.

"Whoa."Denise murmured."That's a rarity."

Amy scoffed and folded her arms.

"Sure is."Amy responded with a frown."I feel almost jealous."

At the Main Stage…

"Use Iron Tail!"Ursula ordered.

The two Eevees then launched themselves in the air before they exchange Iron Tail attacks.

"Now Hidden Power!"Ursula ordered.

The Eevee twins then use Hidden Power which created multiple small luminous balls.

"Okay! Now here goes!"Ursula declared and tossed up two Evolution Stones."Now, evolve!"

At the Back Stage…

"Evolve!"Dawn, Denise and Amy said in disbelief.

At the Main Stage…

Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup were amazed at what they were seeing.

"Brock, are those-"Ash started.

"Yes."Brock answered with a nod."A Fire Stone and a Water Stone."

Ursula tossed a Fire Stone and a Water Stone in the air and each Eevee grabbed an Evolution stone causing them to evolve into Flareon and Vaporeon and the luminous balls to change colour.

The crowd cheered loudly at what they witnessed.

"Right here on the Blue Stage!"Marian remarked."The fans are really enjoying this incredible Performance! Both Eevees magnificently evolved at the same time!"

Flareon and Vaporeon then fire the Hidden Power before landing onstage.

Ursula smirked as she curtsied at the cheering crowd.

"We did it."Ursula sneered.

"A truly unexpected achievement to be sure."Mr Contesta declared."Evolving during a Performance and without the waste of any movement at all."

"What an amazing sight to see."Nurse Joy commented.

At the Back Stage...

Dawn, Denise, Amy, Kenny and Zoey discussed Ursula's Performance.

"Now Ursula has a Vaporeon and a Flareon."Dawn stated.

"That was some way to use Evolution."Kenny commented."I never thought of doing that."

"Interesting."Zoey said with a frown."Though it only worked once, its impressive as well. So she gets high marks."

A unfazed look appeared on Denise's face.

"Since Ursula's Eevees only seem to know basic moves like Iron Tail and Hidden Power, it sounds that she recently caught them and saw the advantage of evolving them in her Double Performance as the easiest route to appeal the judges and the crowd."Denise retorted in disappointment."Regardless if Eevee is the Evolution Pokémon, a Trainer or Coordinator should take time to bond and teach it new moves before deciding the decision on which evolution form for it to evolve too."

Surprised looks appeared on Dawn, Kenny and Zoey's faces at Denise's reply.

"I hate to admit it. But you're right, Neecy."Amy agreed with a nod."It took me several weeks for my bond with my Eevee to grow before she became an Espeon."

At the Main Stage…

Nando, on the Green Stage, used Kricketot and Altaria for his Double Performance.

Kricketot and Altaria start by floating through the air, with Kricketot circling Altaria.

"And now in the Green Stage, here's a Performance that will amaze you all!"Marian declared.

Nando looked at his two Pokémon.

"Altaria use a Perish Song!"Nando ordered while playing his harp."Kricketot, I want you to Sing as well!"

Altaria then goes upward using Perish Song and Kricketot follows with Sing.

The two moves combine and the beautiful glowing musical notes from Sing become surrounded by the coloured aura from Perish Song that floated around the stage.

Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Prinplup and the rest of the audience were amazed at what they were seeing.

"Wow."Ash chuckled."Kricketot is singing."

Ash then took out his Pokédex to scan Kricketot.

"Kricketot the Cricket Pokémon and the pre-evolved form of Kricketune."Ash's Pokédex buzzed."Its legs are short and if it stumbles, its hard antennae can make a xylophone-like sound when they rub together."

"It's just like Nando."Ash remarked."You sound like performing."

"For sure."Brock agreed."And his technique is so high level."

"That music, remarkable."Mr Sukizo praised.

"Using such beautiful sounds in a performance is wonderful."Nurse Joy praised.

After Nando's turn, Jessilina and various other Coordinators performed on the main stage.

Soon it was Amy's turn to perform.

On the Red Stage, Amy took out her Bellossom and Clefairy to perform for Fantina and Nurse Joy.

"Bellossom use Petal Dance!"Amy ordered.

Bellossom started dancing before lovely pink petals started forming around her.

"Clefairy use Icy Punch!"Amy ordered.

Bellossom unleashed her Petal Dance before Clefairy jumped into the air and used Icy Punch to hit the Petals to make them frozen before they began cracking which caused sparkly little blue and pink gems to fell down on the stage.

"Here we go!"Amy declared."Bellossom! Clefairy! Dance!"

Bellossom and Clefairy held hands and started dancing together below the falling and sparkly frozen gems.

"Bellossom and Clefairy are now dancing after their lovely combination!"Marian informed.

"Now Clefairy use Thunderbolt!"Amy ordered."Bellossom use Energy Ball!"

Both Clefairy and Bellossom then went into the air unleashing their moves.

Clefairy's Thunderbolt connected with the frozen petal gems causing it to form a lotus flower before it combined with Bellossom's Energy Ball causing numerous sparkly colourful firework-like sparks to fell down on the stage.

The crowd cheered loudly at Amy's Performance.

Afterwards, it was now Zoey's turn to perform.

"And now on the Blue Stage, Zoey from Snowpoint City!"Marian informed.

Afterwards, it was time for Zoey to do her Double Performance.

The Blue Stage opened to reveal a pool, Lumineon and Gastrodon blast out of it.

"Use Aqua Ring!"Zoey ordered.

Lumineon then used Aqua Ring as Zoey tells Gastrodon to come out from the water.

"Gastrodom, come on out!"Zoey ordered.

Then Gastrodon came out from the pool.

"Use Water Pulse!"Zoey instructed.

Gastrodon used Water Pulse which fused with Lumineon's Aqua Ring to form rings with a water veil.

As the rings float over the water's surface, Lumineon and Gastrodon jump through them before they float closer to the surface and flatten out to shoot up whirlwinds of water.

Zoey finished by jumping onto the whirlwind in the center as her Pokémon stand next to her.

"A performance dripping with water types spectacle."Mr Contesta praised."Completely marvellous."

"Amazingly well trained too."Nurse Joy added.

At the Back Stage…

Dawn, Denise, Amy and Kenny watched Zoey's Performance on the screen.

"Zoey is so amazing."Dawn said with a hint of worry.

Denise gives Dawn a gentle squeeze on the hand.

"You'll be amazing too, sis."Denise assured kindly."Don't ever doubt yourself."

Dawn gives Denise a smile.

"You're right."Dawn answered."Thanks, Dennie."

At the Main Stage…

"And here is our next Coordinator taking the stage!"Marian stated."It's Denise!"

The crowd cheered loudly as Denise made her way to the Red Stage.

"Look."Ash remarked."It is now Denise's turn."

Denise felt her heart pounding as she felt all eyes on her and took out her Capsule Balls.

Then a confident smirk sprung on her face.

"Drifblim! Luxray!"Denise declared."Stage on!"

Denise twirled and then threw her two Capsule Balls up into the air.

The two Capsule Balls releases small stars that change colour as they streak downward before revealing Drifblim and Luxray.

"Drifblim!"

"Luxray!"

Drifblim and Luxray then appeared on the stage.

"Luxray use Shock Wave!"Denise ordered."Drifblim use Ominous Wind!"

Luxray went up in the air and prepared to charge up to use Shock Wave.

"Drifblim use Will-O-Wisp!"Denise ordered.

Drifblim nodded at her Trainer before her body becomes surrounded by light blue fireballs.

"Release!"Denise ordered.

Drifblim and Luxray unleashed their attacks at each other causing the blue fireballs and Shock Wave to combine creating bright yet pretty fire flames and yellow electric waves.

"Now Drifblim use Ominous Wind on the attack!"Denise ordered."Luxray follow it up with Wild Charge!"

Drifblim went above Luxray while waving her arms and releasing a purple wind towards Luxray, who closed his eyes and began releasing a bit of electricity.

Luxray's charging electric waves went up in the air a bit by Drifblim's Ominous Wind that waved carefully about, creating a mysterious yet cool combination.

"Such fascinating power by Luxray and Drifblim!"Marian informed."I've never seen anything like it before!"

"Time to wrap this up!"Denise complemented."Luxray use Night Slash! Drifblim follow suit with Astonish!"

Luxray's claw turned dark and slashed his shock waves creating sparkles while Drifblim uses Astonish on her Ominous Wind.

This caused the sparkles to attach on the Blimp Pokémon's body as well as Luxray's, making them look beautiful to the crowd.

The crowd clapped and cheered loudly at Denise's Double Performance.

"That was splendide!"Fantina praised while giving a twirl."The way Denise showed her Drifblim and Luxray's power before they powdering themselves in beauty was outstanding! Exactly what I love to see in a Ghost Type Pokémon when performing with a different partner!"

"Yes."Nurse Joy agreed with a smile.

Denise gasped in joy before she curtsied at the cheering crowd while Drifblim and Luxray bowed at them.

Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup smiled at Denise's Double Performance.

"It looks like Denise will be getting high points."Ash assumed.

"Both Luxray and Drifblim have experience in performing in Pokémon Contests."Brock exclaimed."But training for Gym Battles helped them a lot too."

"Pika pika."Pikachu agreed.

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

Combusken smiled. "Combusken."

In the Back Stage…

Both Dawn and Zoey were impressed at Denise's Double Performance.

"Looks like Denise will be getting lots of points too."Zoey declared.

"Yeah."Dawn said with a nod."And Fantina was impressed as well."

Amy slightly scoffed at her rival's Double Performance, her face showing anything but impressed.

Ursula was nearby and huffed in annoyance at hearing the Coordinators impressed of Denise's Performance.

"Let's see how she'll handle the Second Round."Ursula muttered.

In the Main Stage…

It was now Kenny's turn to do his Double Performance.

"And now appearing on the Blue Stage, it's Kenny from Twinleaf Town!"Marian announced.

"Now Floatzel use Aqua Jet!"Kenny ordered."Empoleon use Hydro Cannon!"

Floatzel uses Aqua Jet upwards and Empoleon uses Hydro Cannon at the Aqua Jet trail, turning it into a large waterfall.

"Yeah!"Kenny praised."Floatzel use Razor Wind!"

Floatzel then used Razor Wind, which disperses the water around himself into multiple flying discs.

"Razor Wind fuses with the Water and its spreading all around the stage!"Marian declared.

"Empoleon use Metal Claw!"Kenny ordered.

Empoleon then used Metal Claw, shattering the discs to create a colourful mist.

At the Back Stage…

Dawn, Denise, Zoey and Amy watched Kenny's Performance.

"Nice job."Zoey praised."A powerful performance."

Dawn nodded in agreement.

"Empoleon and Floatzel really showed off their strength."Dawn complemented.

"Maybe Kenny will pull this off."Amy assumed.

"It looks like he will."Denise agreed.

In the Main Stage…

"Now for our big move!"Kenny declared with a smirk."Floatzel, Whirlpool! Empoleon, Flash Cannon!"

Floatzel used Whirlpool and turned it sideways to face Empoleon, who used Flash Cannon at the Whirlpool.

"Floatzel!"Kenny called out."Hold onto the Whirlpool!"

Floatzel held the Whirlpool as Empoleon send a Flash Cannon towards it.

However, the move was too powerful to be contained.

As a result, the Whirlpool collapsed and Floatzel was thrown back.

Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup gasped in shock upon seeing Kenny's Double Performance failed.

Kenny gritted his teeth, realising his chances of winning the Festival have likely been dashed.

At the Back Stage…

Amy closed her eyes and shook her head.

"I spoke too soon."Amy scoffed.

"Kenny…"Dawn said sadly.

Dawn clenched her gloved fists as the Announcer came into the waiting room.

"Next contestant on the Green Stage."the Announcer informed."Please stand by."

Denise glanced at Dawn.

"That's you, Dawn."Denise chuckled."Go for it."

"Okay."Dawn replied with a firm look.

At the Main Stage…

It was time for Dawn to do her Double Performance as the final Coordinator.

"And now on the Green Stage, please welcome Dawn from Twinleaf Town!"Marian declared.

The crowd cheered as the curtains lifted up to reveal Dawn.

"Cyndaquil! Buneary!"Dawn remarked with an excited smile and twirled."Spotlight

On the Green Stage, Dawn threw her Capsule Balls into the air and unleashed Line Seals that sets off a large blue ribbon for a shimmering effect.

Both Mr Sukizo and Nurse Joy were amazed at the sight.

Then Cyndaquil and Buneary appeared on the Stage.

"Cyndaquil!"

"Buneary!"

"Go, Dawn!"Ash called out."Good luck!"

"Pika!"Pikachu agreed.

"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.

"Combusken!"Combusken agreed.

Buneary did a few hops before going up into the air.

"And Buneary jumps into the air!"Marian declared.

"Buneary, Ice Beam!"Dawn ordered."Go!"

Buneary uses Ice Beam to create a large frozen path resembling a roller coaster.

The crowd cheered loudly at what they were seeing.

"A beautiful sight!"Marian declared."It's a frozen rollercoaster!"

"Now Cyndaquil use Flame Wheel!"Dawn ordered.

Cyndaquil then uses Flame Wheel, rolling over the path and melting a trench for Buneary to slide on.

"Cyndaquil are having a lot of fun!"Marian announced."Bringing the crowd's excitement right along with them!"

Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken cheered at their friends.

"They're having a ball."Ash remarked.

Brock nodded in agreement.

"Dawn did a great job utilising the Stage and the crowd pumped up too."Brock added.

"Use Ice Beam one more time!"Dawn encouraged."Cyndaquil use Smokescreen now!"

Buneary then charged an Ice Beam and Cyndaquil used Smokescreen in order to cloak themselves above a large frozen spike.

"Buneary and Cyndaquil have both become hit by that Smokescreen!"Marian informed.

There were murmurs of worries in the audience now.

At the Back Stage…

Ursula smirked at what she was seeing.

"Oh dear. They're totally covered up."Ursula sneered."That's going to look bad to the Judges."

Denise glared at Ursula, but didn't say anything.

At the Main Stage…

"Take it down, Cyndaquil!"Dawn ordered.

When the smoke was blown away, Buneary was seen inside a Poké Ball made of ice as Cyndaquil stands on top with the flames on its back ignited and looking like wings of fire.

The crowd cheered more loudly at Dawn's Performance.

"Wow, remarkable."Mr Sukizo praised.

"A frozen Poké Ball."Nurse Joy said kindly."How enchanting. A work of art made by fire and ice."

Dawn smiled at Cyndaquil and Buneary.

"Cyndaquil, Buneary, awesome."Dawn praised.

Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken cheered at Dawn's success.

"Alright, Dawn."Ash commented."She pulled it off."

Brock smiled and folded his arms.

"She's really come a long way."Brock admitted.

At the Back Stage…

Denise smiled in relief that her older twin sister's Double Performance was a success.

"Well, well, so the Smokescreen worked."Ursula remarked."Who would've thought."

Zoey frowned at Ursula.

"Dawn would never waste any experience she get."Zoey retorted."Her Double Performance was great."

"Yeah."Denise agreed with a small glare."She didn't use Evolution as a cheap trick to impress the Judges like you did, Ursula."

Ursula glared at Denise for her insult.

"I'll make you eat those words, Denise."Ursula warned.

"I'm sure you will."Denise insisted smugly."Just keep using the cheap tricks that you'll able to find to do that."

Ursula gritted her teeth and then simply huffed while Denise and Zoey share a smile with each other.

At the Main Stage…

"And now, ladies and gentleman! All three stages are completed and all Coordinators have finished their First Round Performances!"Marian declared."Please be patience as the Judges figure out the result at who will head to the Second Round!"

At the Back Stage…

Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken met up with Dawn and Denise.

As the Twinleaf twins and the other Coordinators, Jessilina, Nando, Ursula, Zoey, Amy and Kenny waited in silence to see if they made it to the Second Stage.

Prinplup chirped at Dawn.

"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.

"Hey."Dawn chuckled while smiling at her evolved Starter Pokémon."No need to worry."

Denise felt her heart beat fast as she held her fist close to her chest while her other hand gripped Combusken's claw hand.

"We've done great."Denise thought firmly."I must not doubt myself."

Then Marian announces the show of Coordinators that made it through to the second round.

"Alright! Here are the results from the First Round!"Marian stated."After a long wait, the Judges have chosen the 32 hardworking intelligent Contestants that will be moving to the exciting Second Round Contest Battle!"

The screen reveals revealed that Dawn, Denise, Nando, Ursula, Zoey, Amy and Jessilina are amongst the 32 hopefuls that will all advance to the Contest Battles.

Excited smiles appeared on Zoey, Dawn and Denise's faces at seeing they made it to the Second Stage.

"You guys made it."Ash remarked.

Dawn and Denise high five each other at their success while Prinplup and Combusken smiled at each other.

Amy simply smirked at seeing she made it into the Second Round like her rivals.

Kenny, however, will not be moving on with his friends because he had been eliminated due to his fusion move.

A look of sadness appeared on Kenny's face while Amy simply patted his shoulder.

"Sorry, Kenny."Amy apologised."Not today."

"These 32 Coordinators will be moving onto the Second Round Contest Battle!"Marian informed.

Kenny walked up to his friends to congratulate them for making it to the Second Round.

"Hey, guys."Kenny greeted."That's great that you made it to Round 2."

"Sorry about that last fusion move."Ash apologised."Tough break."

"We've trained pretty hard too."Kenny added with a sad smile."We just didn't focus enough."

Later that Evening…

Now out of the Grand Festival, Kenny decided to leave.

"Are you sure you're already leaving?"Dawn asked.

"Yeah."Kenny agreed with a nod."I've got to start preparing for the next Grand Festival. Of course, nothing is going to stop me."

"That's the spirit."Ash encouraged.

"Pika."Pikachu agreed.

Brock looked at Dawn and Denise.

"Hope you both feel the same way, Dawn and Denise."Brock responded.

Dawn and Denise nodded at Ash.

"I'll be cheering for you both, Dawn and Denise."Kenny declared."Barry, Lucas and your mother will be as well."

"Thanks, Kenny."Dawn thanked.

"That means a lot."Denise replied.

Kenny shook hands with Dawn and then Denise.

Then a cheeky smirk sprung on Kenny's face.

"Both of you make sure not to lose to that girl with Plusle and Minun, right Dee-Dee and Neecy?"Kenny teased with a wink and thumbs up.

Dawn gritted her teeth while Denise slightly chuckled at hearing Kenny wasn't so upset for not passing the Performance Round.

"It's Dawn and Denise."Dawn scowled.

"Right."Denise responded smugly.

Then a smile appeared on Dawn's face like Denise.

"Finally a smile. Well, I'm off."Kenny stated and looked at Ash."Good luck at training Gible, Ash."

"Thanks."Ash thanked with a nod."Good luck to you too."

Then Kenny walked off while Dawn, Prinplup, Denise, Combusken, Ash, Pikachu, Brock and Zoey waved goodbye to him.

Denise's Team

Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Giga Drain, Seed Bomb and Earthquake

Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam

Luxray (Male): Shock Wave, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang

Gardevoir (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Trick Room

Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish

Combusken (Male): Ember, Peck, Focus Blast and Fire Spin

With Professor Rowan

Flygon (Male): Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Dragon Pulse & Screech

Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic