Author's Note: Sorry again for the late update, but anyway here's the next chapter and have a happy International Women's Day!
I don't own Pokémon or its characters, but I own Denise, her Pokémon group and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 161: Opposites Interact!
Denise munched on her sweet potato bun while Combusken and the rest of her Pokémon team were eating from their bowls in the lunch area of the Pokémon Center.
Johanna's younger twin daughter brought her attention on her Ribbon Case to look at her five Ribbons she won as well as remembering the memories on how she received them.
"My first Contest Ribbon marked the beginning of my path as a Coordinator."Denise thought with a firm look."My Second Ribbon I won was after doing my first Double Performance and winning the Double Battles at the Hearthome Contest. My third Ribbon I won in the Pokémon Contest in Solaceon Town represented I need to take two more steps to enter the Grand Festival."
Denise closed her eyes as she remembered the many different events that she faced with her friends and Pokémon before winning the Contests in Sandalstraw Town and Lilypad Town.
"After everything that happened, I won the Sandalstraw Contest to earn my fourth Contest Ribbon."Denise thought gratefully."And lastly, the Lilypad Ribbon to officially enter the Grand Festival with my sister and friends. Now I'm one of the lucky Coordinators that passed the Performance Stage of this big event and focus passing the Battle Rounds. As long as me and my Pokémon believe in ourselves, we'll make it through to the final sixteen."
Denise smiled at Combusken, Torterra, Vaporeon, Luxray, Gardevoir and Drifblim, who were busy eating their breakfast bowls.
"I just know it."Denise thought with a brave expression.
Sometime after they finished eating breakfast, Denise returned her Pokémon into their Poké Balls except Combusken.
Denise and Combusken headed out to see Dawn training her Pokémon before the next stage of the Grand Festival.
Cyndaquil's Flame Wheel collided with Mamoswine's Ice Shard, Togekiss protected herself using Safeguard against Bubble Beam while Pachirisu and Buneary used Super Fang and Bounce, though they dodged.
Ash trained Gible to use Draco Meteor but as usual the meteor doesn't explode however this time it was parted in two.
The meteors almostes land on Prinplup, but Togekiss pushed them back to where Gible, Ash and Pikachu.
Denise and Combusken both closed their eyes and winced when Ash, Pikachu and Gible got hit by the meteor attacks.
"Ouch."Denise mumbled.
"Combusken."Combusken grumbled.
The smoke cleared showing Ash, Pikachu and Gible groaning and covered in dust from the meteor attacks.
Zoey and Nando then visit their three friends.
"Good grief."Zoey chuckled."Kind of early for this much noise."
"Zoey!"Dawn said happily.
"Hey, Nando."Ash greeted.
Zoey glanced at Buneary and Cyndaquil.
"Your Double Performances yesterday were so good."Zoey praised and looked at Dawn."You guys must've trained a lot."
"Yeah."Dawn agreed and smiled proudly."I'm planning on winning you know."
Denise smirked at Dawn.
"Well, so am I, sis."Denise reminded smugly."But don't let your guard down just yet."
Combusken smiled. "Combusken."
"Denise is right."Zoey declared."Round 1 may be done, but there's still a long way to go."
Dawn nodded at Denise and Zoey.
"You two are right."Dawn remarked."No need to worry."
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
"A Pokémon's potential is limitless."Nando exclaimed."So during your Contest Battles today, I expect nothing else but performances from all of you that will inspire everyone."
Dawn and Denise smiled at Nando.
"Thanks, Nando."Dawn thanked.
"That means a lot."Denise chuckled.
Brock, Ash and Pikachu walked up to their friends.
"Thirty two Coordinators may've passed Round 1."Brock stated."But in order to win the Grand Festival, one has to win five more times. Just think of it. Dawn could be matched up against Zoey or Denise could be matched up against Amy again."
"Yeah."Ash agreed.
"Pika!"Pikachu remarked.
"Can't wait."Zoey admitted and looked at the Twinleaf twins."You both up for that?"
"That's why me and Dennie are working so hard."Dawn commented.
"And neither of us are planning to hold back or even worry."Denise informed firmly.
Zoey smiled at Dawn and Denise, feeling impressed by their responds.
Afterwards…
Dawn and Denise wore their brand new dresses again and waiting in the backstage with their friends.
"So which Pokémon are you guys going to pick?"Ash asked.
"I'm gonna choose Pachirisu and Mamoswine."Dawn admitted.
"I'm choosing Combusken and Vaporeon."Denise replied, holding two Poké Balls.
"So, Dawn, that means you decided to use an Electric and Ice duet while you, Denise, decided to use a Fire and Water duet."Brock remarked."Their moves would look great in Contest Battles."
Then Ursula walked up to the heroes with Gabite.
"My, my, if it isn't sweet little Dawn and her selfless baby twin sister Denise."Ursula sneered.
"Ursula."Dawn said simply.
"What do you want?"Denise scowled.
"It was a great pleasure to see your performances yesterday."Ursula admitted with a shrug."As usual, sheer dumb luck has gotten you passed the Performance Stage, Dawn, and I hate to burst your bubble as well as your sister's, but you're hardly capable of winning this."
Both Dawn and Denise glared at Ursula at her response.
"What did you say?"Dawn demanded.
"Oh, please, give us a break."Denise scowled with her arms folded."Your Double Performance with showing two Eeveelutions with zero style in the process to make it unique was a complete sleep carnival. In other words as Jessilina would put it, it was pretty boring and didn't seem you trained for the Grand Festival."
Ursula became outraged by Denise's declaration.
"Excuse me?"Ursula retorted.
"You heard me, Ursula."Denise replied and smirked."Face the truth, your Double Performance was a cheap parlor trick to help you pass into the next stage of this important event without showing much effort. If Eevee wasn't an Evolution Pokémon, you would've never made it through the Performance Round."
A scoff escaped from Ursula's mouth.
"Whatever, Denise."Ursula answered and smiled smugly."Anyway, I look forward on seeing one of you in the Final Round so if I beat one of you, you'll make me look a whole lot better. Agreed?"
"No, I don't."Dawn answered.
"Me neither."Denise admitted.
"Dawn or Denise is going to win this!"Ash declared.
"Pika pika!"Pikachu replied.
"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.
"I think not, Ash."Ursula bragged with a smirk."The only Coordinator who's going to deliver a beautiful and flawless elegant performance is me and that's something you both can spell right?"
Both Dawn and Denise walked up to Ursula.
"Be quiet."Dawn scowled."Either me or Denise is winning this."
"If you keep using cheap parlor tricks to impress the Judges and the crowd, I don't see that happening."Denise informed sternly.
Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup looked at the two sisters in silence.
At the Main Stage…
Soon after, Marian spoke up and was about to display the battles, earning everyone's attention.
"Yesterday was Round 1, today is Round 2! And the journey and judging continue!"Marian announced."Ladies and gentlemen, Round 2 is about to get underway in the Pokémon Grand Festival!"
The crowd cheered loudly at Marian.
At the Backstage...
Nando, Dawn, Zoey, Denise, Amy, Ursula and the other Coordinators were listening to Marian's annoucement.
"And now it's time to reveal the first matches of Round 2! So please direct your attention towards the screen!"Marian declared."The first rounds will be sepearated into four blocks! A, B, C and D! And the two Contestants battling in Block A are..."
The eight cards then revealed which Coordinators will have to battle against each other in Block A.
Among them, surprisingly, are Denise and Ursula, who have to battle each other.
Denise's eyes widen in surprise at seeing she will be battling Ursula.
She then turned around to give Ursula a cold glare.
Ursula, however, just smirked at Denise, due to looking forward in defeating her as she did in the Chocovine Town Pokémon Contest.
At the Main Stage…
"They're matched up again."Ash commented.
"Pika pika."Pikachu whispered.
"Ursula's double Evolution Performance must've been really impressive."Brock assumed."No doubt this match will be tough."
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
Then it was time for the first battle rounds of the Grand Festival with Ursula and Denise against each other.
"So get ready for the first Contest Battles! Allow these Pokémon to dazzle and delight each other in the double battles!"Marian announced."Our Contestants in Block A will be on my right, Denise and on my left, Ursula!"
Ursula and Denise smirked at each other.
"Go for it, Denise!"Ash called out."Show Ursula what you can do!"
Pikachu and Prinplup cheered in agreement.
"Five minutes on the clock!"Marian announced."Begin!"
5:00
"Combusken, Vaporeon, Stage On!"Denise remarked.
Denise threw out her Capsule Balls in a graceful manner causing orange yellow lines and sparkly blue stars to burst out, revealing Combusken and Vaporeon.
"Combusken!"
"Vaporeon!"
Combusken and Vaporeon landed on the battlefield.
"Gabite, Flareon, go!"Ursula insisted.
Ursula threw out her Capsule Balls forward, making colourful confetti and a ball of fire to come out, revealing Gabite and Flareon.
"Gabite!"
"Flareon!"
"Ooh lala!"Fantina remarked in delight, going off her seat."I'm excited of this event!"
"Fantina, contain yourself please."Nurse Joy reminded.
At the Backstage…
Dawn, Zoey, Nando and Amy stood by watching the screen.
"Wow, Combusken and Vaporeon."Nando commented."Also, Gabite and Flareon."
"I can't wait to see this."Zoey said excitedly."This battle is going to be great."
Dawn smiled a bit as she looked at Denise due to being worried for her younger twin sister.
"Looks that way."Dawn remarked.
Amy simply smirked as she stood nearby a locker to watch the upcoming battle.
At the Back Stage…
"Combusken use Ember!"Denise ordered.
Combusken fired Ember toward Flareon.
"Gabite, block that move!"Ursula ordered.
Gabite went in front of Flareon and blocked Combusken's Ember with ease.
"What a block!"Ash said in awe.
"Gabite's a Ground Type Pokémon, so Fire Type moves aren't very effect."Brock stated.
"I thought you'd do that."Denise declared and glanced at Combusken."Vaporeon, attack Gabite with Hydro Pump!"
Vaporeon fired at powerful water blast at Gabite directly.
"Use Focus Blast, Combusken!"Denise ordered.
Combusken unleashed Focus Blast which caused Gabite to be sent slamming into Flareon.
"No way!"Ursula said in disbelief.
Ursula started to lose a few points.
4:49
"And Vaporeon's beautiful Hydro Pump and Combusken's powerful Focus Blast lands a direct hit at Gabite and Flareon!"Marian announced.
"Magnifique!"Fantina praised.
"Go for it, Vaporeon and Combusken!"Ash encouraged.
Flareon and Gabite then stood up from the ground.
"That was a smart move."Ursula retorted."But she won't stay smart for much longer! Gabite, use Sandstorm!"
Gabite created a furious cyclone of sand which Flareon avoids by jumping while Combusken and Vaporeon were been pushed back.
Denise scowled as she used her arms to block the sand from entering her eyes.
"Quick, Vaporeon!"Denise called out."Use Aurora Beam to freeze that sandstorm!"
Vaporeon began to charge the attack, but Ursula wouldn't allow her to interfere.
"You can't do that!"Ursula argued."Flareon, Scary Face!"
Flareon use Scary Face in combination with Sandstorm, creating a frightening image of a large, glowing-eyed Flareon in the whirling sand.
Vaporeon was intimidated by the image and the attack failed causing Denise to lose a quarter of her points.
"And even scarier looking Scary Face using Gabite's Sandstorm, Ursula took the upper hand!"Marian announced.
Brock quietly spoke to Ash.
"Denise was starting out well, but now it seems Ursula has the advantage."Brock complemented.
"No need to worry!"Ash assured."They're just getting started!"
Pikachu and Prinplup started cheering for Denise and her Pokémon.
Denise glanced at Combusken and Vaporeon.
"Combusken and Vaporeon, stand up!"Denise encouraged."We can't give up!"
Combusken and Vaporeon then slowly stood up from the ground.
"That's the spirit!"Denise praised."Combusken, use Peck on Flareon! Vaporeon, use Aurora Beam on Gabite!"
Combusken and Vaporeon rushed forward to attack their opponents.
"Gabite, use Double Team!"Ursula ordered.
Gabite created many copies of herself to surround Combusken and Vaporeon.
"Now, Flareon, use Shadow Ball!"Ursula ordered.
Flareon unleashed Shadow Ball and the dark spheres pass through the illusions, hitting Combusken and Vaporeon directly.
This caused Denise to lose another quarter of her points.
3:06
Mr Contesta, Mr Sukizo, Nurse Joy and Fantina gasped at the sight.
"Dear me!"Fantina said in shock.
However, Combusken and Vaporeon slowly stood up from the ground, ready to fight once again.
"We are not giving up!"Denise retorted.
"That's it. Keep on trying until you fail miserably."Ursula encouraged smugly."It's your job to make me look good after all."
Denise gives Ursula a hateful snarl.
She then notice the illusions of Gabite were still surrounding Combusken and Vaporeon while Flareon was unguarded.
That's when an idea hit her head.
"That's it!"Denise thought smugly."What's a performance without some dancing?"
"Flareon, Shadow Ball, rapid fire!"Ursula ordered.
Flareon unleashed another barrage of Shadow Balls towards Combusken and Vaporeon.
"Combusken, Vaporeon, dance as if you're in a waltz!"Denise ordered with a smirk.
Both Combusken and Vaporeon shut their eyes before jumping up in the air while dancing gracefully to avoid being hit by Flareon's Shadow Balls.
Ursula gasped at the sight in disbelief.
"Dodging by dancing?"Brock commented."Never expected to see that."
"Go for it, Denise!"Ash encouraged."You got your chance!"
"Pika!"Pikachu called out.
"Prinplup!"Prinplup cheered.
"Why didn't I think of that!"Ursula snarled."Flareon, use Fire Spin! Gabite, use Dragon Claw!"
Flareon and Gabite rushed forward to attack Vaporeon and Combusken.
"Dance to dodge!"Denise insisted with a wink.
Vaporeon leapt forward and twirled around to avoid Flareon's Fire Spin while Combusken did a jump spin to avoid getting hit by Gabite's Dragon Claw.
"That's our queue!"Denise remarked."Combusken use Peck on Flareon! Vaporeon use Water Gun on Gabite!"
Combusken and Vaporeon then hit Flareon and Gabite with their attacks.
"Vaporeon and Combusken show off some graceful dance steps to counter their opponents' attacks before landing them direct hits!"Marian announced.
Ursula started to lose a couple of points.
2:24
"Quick, Gabite use Dig!"Ursula ordered."Flareon, jump in too!"
Gabite burrowed underground and Flareon hopped into the hole after her.
Combusken and Vaporeon glared at the ground as they stood together to look for their opponents' to burst out.
Then Gabite and Flareon appeared behind them.
"Flareon, use Shadow Ball!"Ursula ordered.
"Use Shadow Ball too, Vaporeon!"Denise ordered.
Both Flareon and Vaporeon sent Shadow Ball at each other which combined with each other, creating a small explosion of smoke.
"My evolved Eevee has her own surprises too, Ursula."Denise sneered.
Ursula glared at Denise in annoyance.
"Flareon use Fire Fang!"Ursula ordered."Gabite use Dragon Claw!"
Flareon hits Vaporeon with Fire Fang while Gabite hits Combusken with Dragon Claw.
Denise glanced at the time, seeing Ursula still has three-quarters of her score while she was down to about one-fourth.
1:39
"We're not done here!"Denise declared."Combusken, use Focus Blast!"
Combuken prepared to use Focus Blast.
"Gabite, use Dig!"Ursula ordered.
Gabite headed underground once more with Flareon in tow.
"Head into a hole, Vaporeon, and use Hydro Pump!"Denise ordered.
Vaporeon surrounded herself with water before jumping into a hole.
Eventually, water burst out creating a few more holes in the ground as well as sending Gabite and Flareon to fly out.
Ursula gasped in shock at the sight.
This caused Ursula to lose more points.
0:52
"Vaporeon, jump and use Water Gun!"Denise ordered.
Vaporeon leapt up to fire Water Gun at Gabite and Flareon.
"Fire Spin, Flareon!"Ursula ordered.
Flareon unleashed Fire Spin toward Vaporeon, making Denise smirk at the sight.
"Combusken, use Fire Spin too!"Denise ordered.
Combusken also activated Fire Spin to counter Flareon's as well as use it to power himself up.
"Oh you gotta be kidding me!"Ursula scowled.
Combusken's Fire Spin then hit Gabite and Flareon directly.
Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup smiled at the sight.
"That's a smart move!"Brock praised."Using Fire Spin in the exact moment to strike back!"
Flareon and Gabite then hit the ground.
"Gabite, use Sandstorm now!"Ursula ordered."Flareon, use Scary Face!"
"Combusken, use Focus Blast!"Denise ordered."Vaporeon, use Aurora Beam!"
Combusken leapt into the air and activated Focus Blast as Vaporeon unleashed Aurora Beam.
Combusken and Vaporeon unleashed Focus Blast and Aurora Beam together causing the moves to combine and hit Gabite and Flareon in a cloud of smoke and ice before their opponents could even plan to attack.
0:15
Combusken and Vaporeon then landed safely on the ground.
"Well done, you two!"Denise praised.
"Bad timing for a celebration!"Ursula taunted."Now Gabite and Flareon-"
However, when the smoke cleared, it revealed that Gabite and Flareon were unable to battle, giving Denise the win with a mere seven seconds left on the clock
"Gabite and Flareon are unable to battle!"Marian announced."And the winner of the Second Round is Denise!"
The crowd cheered loudly as the Judges showered Denise with praise.
"A fire and water Pokémon partnered together in a Contest Battle was really intriguing to watch."Mr Contesta remarked."Truly brilliant."
"Brilliant and remarkable."Mr Sukizo added.
"Who would've thought the first battle would be this exciting?"Nurse Joy said happily."I couldn't be more happier."
"That was fantastique and brillante."Fantina admitted."If my joy could've been measured in tears, we would be in a flood."
Denise, Combusken and Vaporeon cheered at their victory as Ash, Brock, Pikachu and Prinplup smiled at them.
"Yeah!"Ash chuckled.
"You did it, Denise!"Brock remarked.
At the Backstage…
Dawn smiled that her sister finally defeated Ursula.
"Alright!"Dawn cheered in delight."Denise did it!"
"To use her opponent's Dig to her Pokémon's advantage showed Denise was very impressive as always."Nando exclaimed."And who would've thought dancing would also come in handy without hearing the sound of music."
"A rough start and awesome win for Denise."Zoey admitted."And now this battle is behind her."
Amy simply huffed at her rival's success while still standing near the lockers.
"That's just the beginning."Amy scoffed with a frown and folded her arms."Where the fun begins is still far from now."
At the Main Stage…
"And now time to move onto the second battle, so please give a hand to our next two Coordinators!"Marian announced.
The crowd cheered loudly at Marian.
Meanwhile…
Ursula sat in the dressing room and sulked over her defeat.
"But how?"Ursula questioned in frustration and closed her eyes."I've lost after all my brilliance?"
"You were pretty great."
Ursula turned around to see Denise in the doorway of the dressing room and walk up to her.
"I actually had some doubt that I wouldn't make it."Denise explained and then smiled."But I have to admit you were pretty awesome, Ursula."
Ursula smirked at Denise.
"You were right. I was awesome."Ursula bragged as she stood up from where she sat."Your victory was dumb luck and we all know it. But now we have to see where that dumb luck will take you. See you around, Denise."
Ursula took her luggage and left the dressing room while Denise simply shrugged and smirked in respond.
Dawn, Zoey, Nando, Amy and Jessilina all emerge victorious in their matches, earning them places among the sixteen remaining participants.
"Now Block A is done!"Marian announced."Block B, C and D are putting on equally and elegant battles until we're down with 16 Contestants!"
Later that Evening…
Dawn, Denise, Ash and Brock spoke to each other outside the Tournament Building.
"That was a great battle against Ursula, Denise."Ash praised.
"You sure showed her that you are stronger after your first encounter."Dawn informed proudly.
"Thanks."Denise replied with a nod.
"But now Amy, Zoey and Nando have won as well as you two."Brock informed."So think what's in store."
Both Dawn and Denise nodded in agreement.
"All the best, Dawn and Denise."Brock assured.
"Good luck to you both."Ash chuckled.
"Thanks, guys."Dawn thanked."No need to worry."
"We'll do our best."Denise responded.
Prinplup and Combusken shared a smile with each other.
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