Episode 161: Fighting Back the Fears

Brenda and Damien each step out onto either side of the stage. Brenda, despite her earlier show of confidence in her appeal performance, is back to looking nervous. Although it is better under control. Damien has the same impossible to read expression as always on his face.

The second round of the Grand Festival is underway! And the next match to take place is Brenda against Damien! These two can never see eye-to-eye. One must wonder what their final battle has in store. And can Brenda overcome her own nerves? Or will they be the end of her run in the Grand Festival?

Gillian announces, "The stage may be bigger, but the battle rules are the same as always! Coordinators, choose your Pokémon!"

Brenda takes a deep breath to calm herself, then throws her Pokéball. "Frostcicle, centerstage!"

"Frost frost frost!" Frostcicle dances about as happy and carefree as ever.

Damien pushes up his glasses, then throws his Pokéball. "Forward, Miltank."

"Mil." Damien's Tennoan Miltank, every bit as creepy and expressionless as he is, appears.

Ash cranes his neck for a better look at Miltank. "Guys, is it just me, or does that Miltank look sick?"

Serena shakes her head. "It's not sick…it's just…I don't even know…" She looks disgusted by it.

Brock explains, "It's Tennoan Miltank. A rather fitting pick for Damien, I suppose. But Brenda made a good pick too. Frostcicle has always made it its mission to cheer Brenda up when she's down. I'm sure it will support her through this battle."

Brenda says to Damien, "I meant it when I wished you luck before. Really."

Damien glares at her. "Stop pretending like you care. You're no different than the rest. I disgust you. But it doesn't matter. All that matters is how I'll vindicate myself by defeating you."

Brenda objects, "Woah, wait! Who ever said—?"

But the match has to begin, and Gillian announces, "Five minutes on the clock! Begin!"

Damien isn't afraid to take advantage of Brenda's momentary surprise at being cut off. "Miltank, use Dark Pulse."

"Miiil." Miltank quickly fires an orb of darkness at Frostcicle.

Brenda is caught off-guard by the suddenness of it all, but she is able to command in time, "Aurora Beam, quickly!" The light of Frostcicle's glittering beam is enough to dispel the darkness of the Dark Pulse before it hits. This leads to a slight decrease in Damien's points. Brenda puts her hands to her hips and looks at Damien disapprovingly. "That was super nice of you. Attacking before I'm ready."

"The battle had begun. It's not my fault you were unprepared. Not just for this battle to begin, but for the Grand Festival."

Brenda is taken aback. "Unprepared?"

Damien nods. "Yes. Unprepared. Let me show you what real preparation looks like. Miltank, use Tainted Milk." A small, yet smug grin appears on his face after giving the order.

Miltank launches a spray of purple fluid from its udder at Frostcicle. As it does, the Pokémon glows an intense and silvery light.

Brenda is shocked by the sight. "That's…not possible…"

Ash asks, "Woah, what's happening?"

Brock says with disbelief, "Miltank is evolving…"

Brenda and Frostcicle alike are both taken by enough surprise that they completely fail to do anything to avoid the spray of spoiled milk. Upon being covered by it, Frostcicle instantly looks ill. Brenda shouts, "Frostcicle, no!"

Meanwhile, Miltank has changed in form. When the glow cuts away, it has grown larger and meaner. While it still bears a resemblance to Miltank in the overall shape of its body, it is not the same Pokémon. Its body is covered in segmented armor-like plates with sharp edges, giving it a much more sinister and dangerous appearance. The tips of its udder have been replaced by tentacles that writhe and flail about at random. Rather than the glazed-over eyes it had before, they once again have life, but now glow a piercing red.

Ash rushes to check his Pokédex. "Miltaint, the Parasite Pokémon and a Poison and Dark Combo-Type. A parasite that lived within Miltank since it went missing has now asserted complete dominance and uses what is left of Miltank as a puppet to its will. The merging of their biologies has transformed the body. Evolves from Tennoan Miltank by training with Tainted Milk."

Ash, Brock, and Serena all recoil in disgust at the description.

Gillian exclaims, "Amazing! Miltank evolves into Miltaint after using the move Tainted Milk a certain number of times! Damien timed it exactly to happen during this battle! What incredible preparation!" The judges seem to agree, as Brenda's points take a massive hit.

Brenda says to herself with uncertainty, "She's right… What preparation… We didn't do anything close to that… Maybe I'm not ready…"

Frostcicle, even though it's looking rather ill with poisoning, looks back to Brenda and smiles. "Frost frost."

Brenda clenches her fist. "You're right. All I have to do is smile." She stands up firm and forces a grin, though even that much seems like a struggle for her.

"Miltaint, use Venoshock!" Miltaint launches more poisonous fluids from its udder at Frostcicle.

"Frostcicle, Mist and dodge!" Frostcicle quickly summons a cloud of mist about the field and disappears into it. The Venoshock sails straight through without hitting anything. This knocks a few points off Damien's score. "Now use Crystal Beam!"

"Miltaint, Protect!" Frostcicle emerges from the mist behind Miltaint to attack with Crystal Beam, but Miltaint has already raised a barrier to block it. "Dark Pulse, behind you!"

"Hide, Frostcicle!" Frostcicle retreats back into the mist in time to avoid the attack. Once again, Damien loses some points, but barely anything.

Damien taunts, "Covering up for lack of preparation with some hiding, are you? Any can run and hide. It's those who refuse to hide themselves that are strong. That is why I will defeat you."

Ash complains, "Hey, hiding's a valid strategy. If Miltaint can't hit Frostcicle, then it can't beat Frostcicle."

Brock shakes his head, but it's Serena who explains, "No, Ash. If Miltaint can't see Frostcicle, then we can't either. Brenda's supposed to be putting on a show. Look at how much of a lead that evolution stunt gave Damien. If all Brenda does is pick away little by little at his points, there's no way she'll ever catch up. Time will run out, and Brenda will lose."

Brock adds, "There's also the fact that the Tainted Milk poisoned Frostcicle. It's very possible that if Brenda doesn't end this battle soon, Frostcicle will succumb to the poisoning."

Ash nods as he begins to understand the trouble Brenda is in. "All she's doing by hiding is delaying the inevitable…"

Brenda tries again, "Aurora Beam!" This time Frostcicle attacks from above.

"Dark Pulse!" The attacks collide and cancel. Frostcicle quickly hides again before Damien can call another attack.

Brenda shakes her head in frustration. "This isn't working…"

Damien sneers, "You pretty people are all alike. You think you're so much better than the rest of us, but when you're faced with an actual challenge, you back down. But no one really cares when you do. You're not judged as harshly. I never had the luxury. I had to fight tooth and nail to be accepted by society. I can't give even an inch. If I do, I'll be mocked and ridiculed. Just give up now. You don't have the willpower to win this match. You weren't prepared, and now you'll pay the price."

Brenda can't see Damien because of the mist between them, but she looks in his direction, as if suddenly understanding him better. She asks, "That's why you compete in contests, despite disliking anything pretty? You're trying to prove that you can be proud of who you are?"

Damien doesn't give her a response.

Brenda nods. "Yes. I see now. Everything about you makes a little more sense. But you know what? You're not the only one who has had to fight to get where they are. I nearly gave up on being a coordinator altogether. But instead, I chose to put on a smile and work alongside my Pokémon to fix my problems. I too wanted to prove that I can be proud of who I am! And you know what? I am! I trained harder than I've ever trained before! Whether I win or lose, I'm proud of that fact! Enough hiding! Frostcicle, win or lose, you and I are going to face this battle with a smile on our faces!" This time a genuine smile blossoms on Brenda's face.

Frostcicle, hidden in the mist, also smiles broadly. "Frost! Frost! Frostcicle!"

Brenda glances at the scoreboard. She's at a significant disadvantage in points and there's only a minute and a half left on the clock. "Let's do this! Frostcicle, spin and use Icy Wind!"

"Froooooooost!" The mist covering the stage is sucked into an icy whirlwind created by Frostcicle's spinning.

With Frostcicle's position revealed, Damien declares, "Too little, too late. Miltaint, Venoshock." Miltaint fires the poison fluid, but it gets caught in the whirlwind and spins about with it.

"Send it forward, Frostcicle!"

"Frost frooooost!" With one powerful Icy Wind straight forward, the entire misty whirlwind is sent right at Miltaint.

With some uncharacteristic worry, Damien orders, "Out of the way!" But the whirlwind is too large for Miltaint to properly avoid. It gets caught in the raging vortex.

"Aurora Beam, go!" Frostcicle floats in a circle around the whirlwind as it attacks with Aurora Beam. The moment the shimmering beam hits the whirlwind, it causes the moisture in the mist to instantly freeze. Within moments, the entire tornado has been transformed into a conical ice sculpture with Miltaint trapped inside. "Now Crystal Beam!"

"Froooooostcicle!" Frostcicle's inner body glows with an intense orange light. The light is refracted through the facets of its ice, then fired out as a powerful beam. The beam of orange light strikes the ice entombing Miltaint and similarly bounces about within the ice. Much of the energy goes towards damaging Miltaint, but the rest of it creates a dazzling display of shimmering orange.

Damien, full on shouting now, cries, "Miltaint, get out of there or this is all over for both of us!"

"That's time!"

Damein and Brenda both look at Gillian with surprise. They were so into the battle that they had lost track of the clock.

Gillian declares, "What an incredible match! Let's look to scoreboard to find out the winner!"

Brenda gulps nervously as she looks up to the big screen. In the last minute, Brenda made a significant comeback. At first glance, it's impossible to tell who the winner is.

Then Gillian declares, "By the faintest of leads, the winner is Brenda!"

Brenda lets out a great sigh of relief. "We did it… That…wasn't so bad…" She pants, as if physically exhausted.

Frostcicle flies up to her and dances around her in circles. "Frost frost frost! Frost frost frost!"

Brenda can't help but smile and laugh at the Pokémon. "Even now, while you're exhausted, battle-damaged, and poisoned, you still make sure I have a smile on my face. Thank you, Frostcicle."

Damien has his hands to his head as he demands, "No! How could this happen!? How could she beat me!? This is all wrong! Everything was a waste! Everything!"

Brenda approaches Damien slowly. She hesitates for just a moment. "Damien. Now that I understand you a little better, I see that when I wished you luck earlier, you thought that was me looking down on you. You thought that I was just saying what I had to in order to be nice. And honestly? I kind of was. But let me tell you something that is completely sincere. I respect you, Damien." Damien glances at Brenda with distrust. "You have a unique style that is completely your own. Nobody would ever expect to see the sorts of things that you bring to a contest, and yet they all—at least mostly—love it. You put on a show like no one else. And putting on a show is really the reason we're all here." She offers a hand for him to shake again. "What I'm saying is that you shouldn't worry about what makes you different. It makes you stronger, and I recognize that. I value that. I know you wanted to win the Grand Festival to validate yourself, but just know that you already have validated yourself. Both to me, and everyone watching this contest across Tenno."

Ash stands up and claps for Damien. Brock joins him. Little by little, everyone in the audience stands and claps. Even Serena, though she does hesitate longer than most.

Damien looks around the audience in stunned disbelief. "But…I lost…"

Brenda shakes her head. "That doesn't matter. You still put on a show for them that they all enjoyed." She prods her hand forward to remind Damien that she offered it.

Damien looks down and takes a deep breath. Then he, possibly for the first time ever, looks Brenda straight in the eyes before shaking her hand. This causes the audience to clap even louder. The faintest of grins appears on Damien's face. "This is what it feels like to be admired…" He basks in it.

On stage, Jessie and Moira are taking their positions.

Backstage, Brenda walks up to Will. Will asks, "What is it, Brenda?"

Brenda hesitates. "I was wondering… Did Moira really teach you everything you know?"

Will pauses before answering. "I would say that the root of everything I know came from her. So, in a sense, yes. She did."

"She must be an incredibly talented coordinator."

Will nods. "Without a doubt, she is. When I first faced her in my very first contest, it didn't even occur to me how in over my head I was until she had already beaten me. I don't know what it was, but something I did must have impressed her, because after that she was teaching me about all the mistakes I had made and how to move past them."

Brenda nods. "Kind of like us."

Will looks at Brenda with surprise. "Like us?" He pauses. Then he suddenly bursts out in laughter. "My goodness, you're right. I never even thought about it before. I helped you the same way she helped me. Imagine that…"

"Do you think you have any hope of beating her this time? If she taught you everything, then she knows everything about you, doesn't she?"

Will nods confidently. "I think I can. No, I know I can. I'm not the same coordinator who lost to her at the last Grand Festival. I'm definitely not the same coordinator who lost to her at my first contest." He pauses and looks at Brenda critically. "But what you're really asking, is if you have any chance at beating me, aren't you?"

Brenda takes a deep breath. "Yeah. I suppose I am. But then again, not just you. Moira too. If I can't hope to beat you, how could I ever hope to beat your teacher?"

"I see your hesitation. There's only one way for you to find out. Keep on pushing forward, and when the time comes for us to face each other, you'll have your answer one way or another."

"And Moira?"

"She's a different story. Watch." He beckons to the screen showing the battle that has just begun. Jessie is using Repiv while Moira is using a Cosmet.

Jessie cackles. "You must think you're some hot stuff, trying to win the Grand Festival twice. Let me tell you something, sister, you're not."

Moira doesn't offer any rebuke. Instead, she says with a level head, "I'm no one special. I'm just a woman trying to put on a good show. This is my encore performance."

Realizing that her taunt had no effect, Jessie stomps a foot angrily and shouts, "Arrogant, aren't we? We'll put you in your place! Repiv, use Wrap!"

"Piiiiiv!" Repiv launches itself at Cosmet to ensnare it.

With a still calm voice, Moira orders, "Cosmet, in the air." With little worry about Repiv, Cosmet floats high above the stage, avoiding it entirely.

Jessie laughs. "What's this? Are you afraid of me? Trying to hide? That will get you nowhere. This round is as good as mine."

Once again, Moira makes no attempt to retort. "Cosmet, Falling Star Spectacular! Ice Shard, Light Screen, Photonic Impact, and Flare Blitz!"

Brenda gasps. "Four moves!? All at once!?"

Will grins. "You're in for treat now."

First, Cosmet generates an assortment of ice crystals that float around its body and shimmer in the sunlight. Then Cosmet creates a barrier of shimmering golden light between it and the crystals. This adds to the sparkling effects of the ice. Next, Cosmet itself becomes cloaked in a harsh white light. In addition to its own glow, it refracts through both the Light Screen and the ice crystals. Finally, an intense flame lights outside of it all, completely encompassing Cosmet, the Light Screen, and the Ice Shards. Within moments, the flames burn so hot that they turn blue-white. Despite this heat, the ice inside doesn't melt. Moira shouts, "Go!" Cosmet launches itself straight down at Repiv.

Jessie looks up at the incoming Pokémon with stunned confusion. "Huh!?"

As Cosmet plummets down, rainbows and sparkles glitter all about it, adding to the beauty of the blue-white flames. A trail of blue embers and glittering mist trail behind Cosmet.

Seeing that Cosmet is aimed right at it, Repiv's eyes all but pop out from their sockets. "Repiiiiiiiiiiiv!" It tries to move out of the way in a panic, but Cosmet it so deftly able to control its fall that Repiv can't escape the path. It looks at Jessie and shouts, "Piiiiiv piiiiiiv!" It's urging her to do something, but she's too dumbfounded to come up with any kind of plan at all.

With Repiv's back still turned to it, Cosmet slams right into it, creating a massive explosion of fire, mist, and light all at once. Even the explosion is a thing of pure beauty.

Everyone watching is stunned into silence. Despite the magnificent display, there is no applause.

Repiv and Cosmet are too obscured by the lingering mist to know what happened, but it doesn't matter. Jessie's points are drained from full to nothing. Then, when the mist clears a moment later, Repiv is confirmed knocked out.

The silence across the hall continues on for a few more moments, until Gillian finally says, "I…I can't believe it… Moira just one this match with a single combination…"

Brenda shakes her head in disbelief. "How is that possible… I…I never thought anyone could be that good…"

Will nods in agreement. "Neither did I. But Moira is."

Someone in the audience breaks the silence by applauding. Quickly after it's an avalanche of clapping as everyone gives Moira a standing ovation.

Jessie finally gets over her shock and shouts, "No! That's not fair! I didn't even get to do anything! It can't be over! I demand a rematch! Princess Jessileia does not lose so easily! I am Her Royal Majesty, Sovereign of the Stars, Princess of the Gal—no, that's not right—Princess of the Stars, Sovereign of the Galaxy, Princess Jessileia the First the Gorgeous! What are you!? You are nothing! You're just greedy! How dare you hog the spotlight!? You had your chance! This isn't fair! No fair, no fair, no fair!"

James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet have come out onto the stage in disguise and drag Jessie away kicking and screaming.

Brenda's gaze is fixated on Moira. She suppresses a shudder as she thinks, What hope at wining do I have against that…?

In the proceeding rounds, Michelle and her Darmanitan battle against a coordinator with a Cherrim, while Will and his Cryogonal defeat a coordinator using a Gigalith.

And with the final battle complete, Gillian announces, "And that's curtains on day one of the Grand Festival! I can't wait to see you all tomorrow when the second half of this once-in-a-lifetime show kicks off! See you!"

That night, Brenda and Serena are sitting up on their beds in their shared hotel room, both in their pajamas. Brenda insists, "No, really, thank you, Serena. You inspired me so much. I'm not sure I would have made it this far without your help."

Serna shakes her head. "You've made it this far because of your talent, hard work, and determination. Don't self yourself short."

Brenda hesitates for a moment. "It's hard not to sell myself short when I still have Michelle, Will, and even Moira ahead of me if I want to win this thing."

Serena nods. "Moira…she's incredible…"

Brenda nods back. "She really is."

Brenda suddenly leaps up off her bed. "Serena, I need your help with some more training."

Serena is shocked by the suddenness of the request. "Right now? Past midnight?"

Brenda nods emphatically. "Yes. Right now. I know what I want to do for my double appeal tomorrow, and I need your help to make it work." Before Serena can even give a proper answer, Brenda grabs her hands, pulls her off the bed, and out of the room without so much as allowing her to change into clothes before going outside.

Who's That Pokémon!?

They fly around at high speed, striking with their pointed spears. Even when in trouble, they face opponents bravely.

Brenda, with confidence still bolstered, steps out onto the stage the next day. Gillian announces, "Here's Brenda!"

Brenda says to herself, "Time to prove that my training has paid off." She takes one Pokéball in each hand, then spins around as she throws them. "Rabbolt, Glitterfly, centerstage!"

Brenda's Pokémon burst out from an explosion of light and color. Both perform several consecutive backflips after appearing. Rabbolt lands in a flourishing pose, while Glitterfly strikes a similar stance in the air.

Brenda announces, "Now, just like we practiced! One, two, three, four!" She snaps her fingers to signal the beginning of the performance.

Glitterfly flies back and forth across the stage, trailing a copious amount of sparkling light behind it. At the same time, Rabbolt jumps up and down while generating sparks from its cheeks. The movements of the two Pokémon are synced so that Glitterfly weaves above and below Rabbolt as their paths intersect. With each leaving their own trail, their paths intertwine in a complex pattern.

Ash gasps in recognition. He looks at Serena. "That style, it's a freestyle performance, isn't it?"

Serena grins proudly and nods. "I taught her everything I could on such short notice."

With one leap stronger than any previous, Rabbolt jumps three times higher into the air. As it falls back down, Glitterfly has positioned beneath it and aims the flapping of its wings upwards as it uses Silver Wind to lift Rabbolt back up.

While ascending under the power of the Silver Wind, Rabbolt twists itself in such a way that its entire body spins in midair. While spinning, it pushes out even more sparks, which also spin about in a whirlwind like fashion as they interact with sparkling wind of Silver Wind.

Rabbolt stops spinning as it hits the peak of its ascent. Once it does, Glitterfly uses String Shot to shoot a long thread up at Rabbolt. Rabbolt grabs the thread and Glitterfly starts spinning. The centrifugal force of being tethered to a spinning Glitterfly also sends Rabbolt spinning. Once again, both Pokémon trail sparkles as they move.

Glitterfly is able to move itself and control its spin, manipulating where Rabbolt goes. With this, they create several short-lived shapes out of Rabbolt's electric trail, including a Pokéball and a star. One shape is heart with "A+S" inside of it.

Ash tilts his head at the last one. "A plus S? What does that mean?"

Serena chuckles uncomfortably as her face is slowly consumed by blush. "I doubt it's anything. Don't think too hard about it."

Brenda announces, "And now it's my turn!" She runs forward herself into the performance area with a hand held high. She grabs hold of the thread at its center. Now anchored by her hand, the spinning of Glitterfly and Rabbolt causes the thread to wind itself around her arm. As it does so, both Pokémon are pulled in closer and closer until they are able to strike a pose on either side of Brenda's upstretched arm. Brenda joins them as the audience applauds the end of her performance.

Both Brenda and her Pokémon are panting from a combination of nerves and exertion. But they all seem honestly pleased by their performance.

Mr. Contesta declares, "Amazing! I thought I had seen it all, but you just showed me something entirely new! The performance was kinetic! It never stopped moving! Bravo."

Mr. Sukizo announces, "Remarkable doesn't begin to sum it up!"

Nurse Joy says thoughtfully, "I recognize your inspiration. I'm a big fan of Pokémon Showcases too. Bringing that kind of technique into a Pokémon Contest is a great idea!"

Blaise silently contemplates Brenda for a moment before speaking. "I tasked you with finding a style of your own. And you did. Transformation. You transform one thing into another. In this case, you took one type of performance and made it work for another. I can't wait to see what you'll do next."

Brenda is beaming. She whispers to herself, "We did it… We really pulled it off…"

It's Escavalier!

The next appeal is Michelle's. She gracefully throws two Pokéballs. "Hailitzer, Radeon, let's go!"

Both Pokémon appear in a flurry of snow. The new Pokémon is a small snail-like Pokémon with a long, pointed shell. The spiral shell looks to be made of ice. Beneath the shell is a silver-colored body that's soft and gooey.

Upon appearing, the new Pokémon points its shell at the sky and fires it upwards like a missile. The icy shell explodes, which creates a cascade of hail. A new shell quickly regrows on its back.

Ash asks, "Did that Pokémon just create hail with its shell?" He consults his Pokédex.

"Hailitzer, the Hail Cannon Pokémon and an Ice and Steel Combo-Type. Within its shell is a gas that remains condensed in the cold. But the moment it warms up, the gas explosively expands, propelling the shell like a rocket which will explode into shards of ice. Evolves into Hailfire with use of an Ice Stone."

Brenda questions, "A Light-Type Pokémon light Radeon normally does best in the sun, but Michelle just made it hail instead. What is she planning…?"

Michelle begins, "Hailitzer, Icicle Spear! Radeon, Photon Beam!"

Once again, Hailitzer fires its shell like a missile straight up. Radeon jumps up and fires a beam of concentrated light at the icy projectile. The shell explodes when hit by the beam, but not before diffusing the light into a rainbowy array, which then bounces off of each pellet of hail still raining down from the sky. Shimmering rainbows appear all about the stage.

"Now, Smart Strike and Quick Attack!"

A homing reticle appears over Radeon as Hailitzer aims its shell and fires it again, this time straight at Radeon. But at the same time, Radeon leaps away with a great burst of speed. It leaves a trail of white light behind it as it runs. Despite how fast it runs and despite the weaves and turns it makes as it runs, the locked-on shell missile continues to pursue it with perfect accuracy. The shell catches up just enough that the light trail from the Quick Attack shimmers off of the reflective surface. Once again, the hail falling around Radeon also continues to shimmer with additional reflected light.

"Add in Swift, Radeon!" As Radeon keeps on running, it fires off golden stars of light in every direction. The stars explode upon impact with the hail, creating a fine spray of shimmering ice dust mixed with flashes of light from the Swift. "And on the shell!" Radeon leaps up, allowing the shell to pass underneath it. Radeon lands on top of it. The shell missile, still locked on to Radeon, begins to perform loops as it tries to hit the target sitting atop it.

"And finish it all off with Lightray Pulse!" A massive burst of golden light explodes out from Radeon's tail. It not only destroys the shell beneath it, but every piece of hail it passes. Like with the Swift hitting the hailstones, but on a much large scale, the air above the stage becomes filled by sparkling ice dust. Michelle proudly bows.

"Put your hands together for Will!"

Will throws two Pokéballs with one hand. "Grace the stage, Vipyre and Hatrick!"

The new Pokémon that Will sends out is, much like Boodini, a collection of floating clothing items which look to be worn by someone invisible. There's a top hat, a pair of white gloves, and a simple black domino mask.

According to Ash's Pokédex, "Hatrick, the Conjuring Pokémon and a Ghost and Psychic Combo-Type. The spirit of a powerful magician resides in the clothes it once wore. With a simple spell it can pull almost anything from its hat. Evolves into Boodini at level 37."

"Vipyre, Flame Wheel! Hatrick, Pyromancy!"

Vipyre positions its head to the tip of its tail and rolls forward like a wheel with flames erupting around it. Hatrick waggles its fingers and the fire around Vipyre begins to glow before suddenly exploding out as it strengthens in intensity and beauty. Vipyre rolls in circles around Hatrick, leaving behind a trail of glowing embers. Hatrick uses Pyromancy to make the embers dance through the air.

As Hatrick continues to wave its hands about to control the flames, it begins to float upwards, high above the stage. Once it's 30 feet up, it stops. Vipyre rolls directly beneath it.

Will commands, "Ally Switch, Hatrick!"

Hatrick swipes its hands out and suddenly disappears in a flash of light. It is immediately replaced by Vipyre, still rolled up for Flame Wheel. Meanwhile, Hatrick reappears on the ground directly beneath where Vipyre now is.

As Vipyre, still spinning midair, falls, Will orders, "Poltergeist!"

Another flick of Hatrick's hands, and Vipyre's fall is arrested. Hatrick allows Vipyre to float slowly down to its level, before suddenly flinging it back into the air.

"Add in Pyromancy!"

This time, not only does Vipyre's flames glow, but Hatrick also summons several orbs of fire. Using both Pyromancy and Poltergeist, Hatrick begins to juggle Vipyre along with the orbs.

Will points straight up as he commands, "And up they go!"

One by one, Hatrick throws each of the flame orbs straight up, followed by Vipyre. It then grabs its hat and pulls it off of its invisible head to turn it upside down. As each flame orb falls back down, Hatrick uses its hat to catch the fire. Last to fall is Vipyre, who has uncurled from Flame Wheel and now falls head-first at Hatrick. Hatrick holds the hat up and catches the entirety of Vipyre inside of its hat. Somehow, the long snake Pokémon disappears entirely into the small hat. This elicits many gasps from the audience.

Hatrick rolls the hat across its invisible shoulders to pass it to the other hand, then tosses it into the air.

"Ally Switch!"

Hatrick disappears again, only to be replaced by Vipyre again. But the hat tumbling through the air remains. It has begun its descent and soon lands properly on Vipyre's head. A moment later and the hat is pushed up by the gloves and mask of Hatrick poking their way out from within the hat. It once more pulls off its hat, but this time to make a motion as if bowing. Will also bows.

"And performing in the final appeal of the day, it's Moira!"

"Enter stage left, Yin-Xing! Enter stage right, Yang-Xing!" She tosses each of her Pokéballs in the appropriate direction of the stage.

Yin-Xing, the dark Pokémon is accompanied by a flash of light, while Yang-Xing, the light Pokémon, is accompanied by a burst of shadows. Each Pokémon appears facing the other.

Brenda unconsciously leans in towards the screen for a better look at whatever Moira has in store.

"Lunar Beam and Solar Beam!"

Acting as perfect mirrors of each other, both Pokémon gather their respective light and dark energy into their crystals. Yin-Xing fires a dark beam from its white gem at the same time Yang-Xing fires a bright beam from its black gem. With perfect timing and aim from both Pokémon, the two beams reach the center of the stage at the same time. When they collide, the result is an explosion of black and white glitter.

"Centerstage, now!"

At the exact same time, both Pokémon run towards each other. In perfect sync, they both jump forward just before they meet at the center and perform a flip as they jump. For just a moment, the judges and anyone watching the Pokémon from the side see them form a yin-yang as their bodies line up perfectly while flipping. What remains of the black and white sparkles adds to the beauty of the sight.

Somehow having not collided with each other, the two Pokémon each land facing away from one another. As they do, Moira commands, "Dark Pulse and Sparkling Flare!"

The twin Pokémon pivot about to face each other and immediately attack once again with darkness and light. The close quarters of the two causes an even more exaggerated version of black and white explosion of energy than before.

"And now, circle!"

Yin-Xing and Yang-Xing now chase each other about. They remain in such perfect sync that they are always exactly opposite of the other in the circle.

"Nightstorm and Solar Force!"

As they continue to chase each other about, Yin-Xing uses Nightstorm to cover itself in cloak of shadows, while Yang-Xing uses Solar Force to coat itself in golden light. Each Pokémon now leaves a trail behind them as they run. The trail stretches just long enough so that it ends right before the other begins. As they continue to run, the trails grow stronger and stronger.

Then something else happens. Both Pokémon begin to glow. Yin-Xing glows white, while Yang-Xing glows black. This new glow of their opposite colors combined with the glow and trails of their attacks, creates the appearance of another yin-yang.

Moira grins proudly. "Perfect. Now let's bring it all together!"

At the exact same time, both Pokémon turn towards the center of their circle and dash at one another. As they get closer and closer, their respective glows grow brighter.

People in the audience question how the two will avoid crashing into one another. But instead of crashing, the two Pokémon suddenly merge into one single body as their respective auras touch each other. The glowing grows brighter than ever, and when it ceases, Yin-Xing and Yang-Xing are gone. In their place is a Yin-Yang-Xing.

This elicits gasps of awe and amazement from the audience.

Moira's grin grows wider. "Yin-Yang-Xing, Chaos Burst!"

"Yiiin-Yaaang!" Yin-Yang-Xing leaps up as high as it can and summons a burst of light from its black gem and a burst of shadows from its white gem. Each burst is flung at the ground beneath it. Just like with the other light and dark attacks, the two opposites explode into a shower of black and white sparkles. Yin-Yang-Xing lands right in the middle of the dazzling display and strikes a stoic, yet majestic pose as Moira bows.

Brenda is awestruck. For several moments, she can barely speak. Then she says, "Incredible…"

Mr. Contesta seems to agree. "I thought that Damien's stunt with evolving Miltank into Miltaint yesterday was impressive, but this went far beyond even that. In order to evolve, Yin-Xing and Yang-Xing have to be in absolutely perfect sync with one another. For you to pull that off on command is beyond incredible."

Mr. Sukizo is caught speechless for a moment. "What can I say when remarkable simply doesn't cut it?"

Nurse Joy says with the broadest of smiles, "Pure beauty. That's what that performance was. It was like watching poetry. However, I am left questioning if this is even a legal performance, as you ended the double performance with only one Pokémon."

Mr. Contesta cuts in to clarify, "A unique performance requires unique rulings. I'll allow it."

Blaise finishes, "They say that opposites attract. There is nothing more opposite than light and dark. I don't think anyone in this hall can question how you won last year's Grand Festival."

Gillian has taken centerstage. "Okay! It's time once more to learn who the judges have determined will be moving on to the battle rounds! Remember, from here on out, it's all double performance battles until we have our winner! Unlike regular contests, coordinators may change the Pokémon they use between every round! Now, please look to the big screen to find out who is moving on and who has been left in the dust!"

Brenda clenches her hands nervously. Michelle puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and says encouragingly, "You did great. You're going to make it. I know it."

Brenda nods. "I may not be freakout levels of nervous anymore, but this part never gets any easier."

Behind her, Moira has heard this and laughs. "Trust me, Brenda, it never gets easier."

"Are you nervous too, Moira?" Brenda can't seem to believe this.

"Of course I am. So is William. And every other coordinator who made it this far."

Will nods. "It's true. I am."

Brenda nods. "Well, good luck. All of you."

They all look to the screen as the first portrait appears. Just like last time, it's Moira first. Another coordinator has taken second, but then it's Will. Right after Will is Brenda, and then Michelle. All four of them breathe sighs of relief.

Gillian picks back up, "Congratulations to everyone moving on! Next, we'll reveal the matchups! Things will be a little different this time! Instead of a standard bracket, we'll be getting new match ups for each round. That way you'll have no way of knowing who you'll face until the time arrives! Here's our first round of matchups!" She beckons to the screen.

The first battle in line is Brenda against Michelle, while Will and Moira each battle other coordinators.

Brenda and Michelle look at each other for a long, silent moment. Michelle breaks the silence by declaring, "Don't think I'm going to go easy on you just because we're friends."

Brenda grins at her. "Of course not. I wouldn't want you to."

"And I hope you're not assuming you're going to beat me. In one-on-one matches, we're both at one win apiece right now."

Brenda nods. "I would never think that. I guess it's time for us to break that tie."

Michelle nods back. "I'm excited to do it."

Brenda and Michelle take their positions opposite each other on the stage. Both look ready for the battle ahead of them. Michelle shouts to Brenda, "Hey, no hard feelings, win or lose. I mean it."

Brenda nods with a grin. "Same here. Thanks, Michelle."

Gillian declares, "Can I get five minutes on the clock, please!" The timer appears and begins ticking down.

Brenda and Michelle both throw their Pokéballs at the same time. Brenda shouts, "Lupine, Wispirit, centerstage!"

While Michelle shouts, "Poliwrath, Carapice, come on out!" All four Pokémon appear simultaneously.

Ash grins. "Looks like Brenda decided to utilize the tried-and-true partnership of Wispirit and Lupine."

Brock points out, "While they did well together in a double appeal, Lupine's never been in an actual battle before. It is still a baby, after all. I hope Brenda didn't make a mistake."

Ash shakes his head. "No way she did. She thought this one through. I know it. All that training she's been doing is all Lupine needs. They'll be fine."

Michelle kicks things off by ordering, "Poliwrath, Hydro Pump on Wispirit! Carapice, Snowball Effect on Lupine!"

Poliwrath launches a mighty torrent of water at Wispirit while Carapice takes the massive snowball off of its shoulders and rolls it at Lupine.

Brenda quickly counters, "Swap positions! Then Energy Ball and Pyromancy!"

With practiced grace, Brenda's Pokémon each lunge sideways to take the spot of the other. Then Lupine attacks with an Energy Ball which travels straight through the spiral of the Hydro Pump to hit Poliwrath, while Wispirit controls several orbs of fire to travel behind the massive snowball to strike Carapice from behind. Despite their attacks, Lupine is still struck by the Hydro Pump and Carapice's snowball still plows over Wispirit.

Ash shakes his head in disapproval. "If they had time to swap positions, they had time to dodge. Why didn't she have them dodge?"

Brock explains, "While Michelle's chosen moves would have been super effective against their intended targets, they were not very effective against the opposite. Likewise, by not dodging, Brenda was able to get in two super effective hits of her own. It was a tactical move."

The judges seem to agree with Brock, as Michelle loses some points while Brenda doesn't, despite also taking hits.

Michelle grimaces upon seeing that. "Carapice, Ice Ball! Get them both!"

This time, Carapice jumps on top of its snowball and runs on it in order to make it roll even faster towards Brenda's Pokémon.

Brenda counters, "Wispirit, Flame Burst!"

"Poliwrath, put it out with Hydro Pump!"

Before the Flame Burst can stop the incoming Carapice, Poliwrath displays some sharp shooting and extinguishes the flames with Hydro Pump. This allows Carapice to make it to its destination and plow over both Lupine and Wispirit. The two of them become caught in the snowball as it continues to roll with them on its surface. Brenda's points begin to drain.

Michelle shouts, "Now throw it!"

Carapice leaps off of the snowball with a backflip, picks up the giant snowball, and throws it across the stage in a high arc.

"Poliwrath, catch it and use Submission!"

Poliwrath catches the snowball, pulls Wispirit and Lupine off, and then continues to take them for a roll, this time using its own body as the wheel. Brenda's points continue to drop.

Brenda shouts, "Wispirit, Illusory Flames!"

After a short struggle, Wispirit conjures a large wall of blue flames that entirely surrounds Poliwrath. This shocks the Pokémon enough to lose focus and fall out of the Submission.

"Lupine, Magical Leaf!"

As soon as Lupine can stand, it sends a rainbow of glowing leaves at Poliwrath, who is still regaining control. Then, knowing it won't hurt them, Wispirit and Lupine retreat back through the Illusory Flames.

But when they do, they find themselves face-to-face with Carapice.

Michelle grins and orders, "Frost Breath!"

Carapice breathes out a cold mist that snap freezes around Wispirit and Lupine. The two are sent tumbling back by the sheer force of the cold air alone.

Then Michelle commands, "Carapice, grab Poliwrath and use Lunge!"

Ignoring the remnants of the Illusory Flames entirely, Carapice sets down its snowball, picks up Poliwrath, and holds onto it above its head as if it were its snowball. Then its entire body glows green as it uses its powerful legs lunge up and towards Brenda's downed Pokémon.

Lupine is the first of Brenda's Pokémon able to stand back up. Noticing this, Brenda urges, "Lupine, knock them away with Energy Ball!"

"Luuuupine!" Lupine fires the strongest Energy Ball it can muster.

Michelle shouts, "Oh no you don't! Poliwrath, steer with Hydro Pump!"

"Poliiiii!" Poliwrath turns to the side and uses Hydro Pump. It may not hit anything, but the thrust provided pushes it and Carapice out of the way of the Energy Ball. It then turns the other way and uses Hydro Pump again to course correct.

Brenda has a flashback to when she and Michelle were young kids playing at the lake outside Launch Town. They're laughing and clapping as their Poliwag friend uses Water Gun to propel itself through the air as far as it can before landing in the water. It's the exact same technique that Poliwrath has now perfected with Hydro Pump.

With Lupine standing, it's now the obvious target of the Lunge. But Wispirit realizes that there's no chance to dodge, and instead rushes forward and pushes its friend out of the way.

"Luuup!" Lupine shouts at worry as it watches Wispirit get slammed down by the combined weight of Carapice and Poliwrath.

With Carapice pinning Wispirit down, Michelle orders, "Poliwrath, Hydro Pump!"

From pointblank range atop Carapice, Poliwrath fires its Hydro Pump straight down at Wispirit to inflict significant damage to the Fire-Type Pokémon.

Brenda shouts, "Wispirit, no!"

Lupine barks, "Lup! Lup! Lup!" It frantically thinks as it tries to come up with a way to save its friend. Of its own accord, it attacks with Magical Leaf.

Michelle orders, "Frost Breath!" Carapice turns its head to Lupine and uses Frost Breath to freeze away the incoming leaves before they can come close to hitting.

Both Brenda and Lupine realize together that things are dire for Wispirit. If something isn't done, the Pokémon won't withstand much more the continuous Hydro Pump. Not only that, but Brenda's points are dropping by the second. Michelle has a significant lead. Only two minutes remain on the clock. But both Brenda and Lupine are frozen with looks of helplessness across their faces.

Michelle, on the other hand, is grinning. She can already feel the coming victory.

Ash, Brock, and Serena watch on the edges of their seats. Will is keeping a close eye on Brenda's reactions, while Moira is watching with keen interest.

These two may be the best of friends, but they also have a fierce rivalry. Neither wants to lose to the other. They've both come too far for that. Despite that, only one can win, and the other will have to accept loss. In this match of friends, can Brenda come out on top, or does Michelle have her beat? Find out next time.

To Be Continued…