The contestants that followed took the stage one after another, each with a distinct style and creative flair.
One had an Oddish weave a miniature flower field with "Leech Seed + Sweet Scent," filling the air with fragrance as if everyone had stepped into a spring garden.
Another commanded a Geodude to pile up a lifelike little rock hill with "Defense Curl + Rock Tomb"; if not for the slight color difference, you'd never spot where Geodude was hiding.
Yet no matter how dazzling these acts were, none could surpass the adorable climax brought by contestant No. 1's Skitty earlier; the arena's mood stayed calm amid anticipation.
Only when No. 32 Armani stepped out did the hush explode into excitement.
Flareon stood center-stage, confident and flamboyant as ever, its fluffy tail flicking with orange-red flames, each swish radiating scorching pressure.
"Flareon, Flame Swift!"
Unlike ordinary Swift, Flareon first ignited flames in its mouth, then released the Swift move.
What it spat wasn't the usual golden stars but gold-crimson stars wrapped in a pale-red fiery coat.
Countless blazing meteors spiraled above the stage, tracing gorgeous arcs across the air.
"So beautiful! Is that a fusion of Swift and Fire? Amazing!"
Kotaro gripped the microphone in awe, his voice full of disbelief.
"Quick Attack!"
Flareon's form flashed into a red streak, actually sprinting upward along the star trails still hanging in mid-air!
With every step, the star beneath its paws burst into a small flame, boosting it higher until it reached the top of the stage.
Suddenly, intense flames erupted around its body; the blaze skyrocketed, turning the Pokémon into a burning fireball that dived toward center-stage like a falling star!
"Whoa—!"
Spectators instinctively held their breath; many even cupped their hands over their mouths.
Just as the fireball was about to hit ground, Flareon snapped its posture upright; the raging flames vanished in an instant, leaving only a faint flicker gently cloaking its body.
Like a feather it landed softly, standing proud at center-stage, and gave the crowd a clear, confident cry.
At the judges' table, Wallace's eyes lit with open admiration. He nodded and commented:
"Turning Swift's trails into 'steps,' using Quick Attack's speed for an aerial dive, then creating contrast by retracting the flames—more creative than Round One, and finer flame control."
Armani had gone all-out in the second round, earning a perfect score.
As he left the stage, he swept a glance toward Lionel's direction, a hint of provocation in his eyes.
Soon it was Grace's turn.
Medicham stood as upright as ever, eyes sharp, but this time its fists glowed with different auras.
The left fist blazed with scorching fire, the right fist wrapped in biting frost.
"Medicham, Confusion, Fire Punch and Ice Punch combo!"
At Grace's cool command, Medicham's left fist punched out; flames condensed at the knuckles, forming a burning lotus.
The right fist followed, cold air swirling as an ice-crystal lotus quietly bloomed.
Punch after punch, dozens of fire-and-ice lotuses appeared onstage—half blazing hot, half crystal clear—revolving slowly around it.
"This… she added Ice Punch on top of Round One?"
"Fire and ice, yet so harmonious!"
Medicham suddenly clapped its hands together; every lotus seemed pulled by an invisible force, converging toward its body.
The fiery lotuses merged into one gigantic red bloom, the icy lotuses into a huge blue bloom.
The two enormous flowers rotated before it, flame and frost brushing each other with a soft sizzle, raising a hazy white Mist.
"Bloom—Fire-Ice Crimson Lotus!"
At Grace's order, Medicham swung its arms; its eyes flared blue!
The two giant lotuses collided—not with an explosion, but with fire and frost intertwining, fusing into a brilliant rain of light.
Scarlet sparks and sapphire ice-dust danced mid-air like countless glittering gems, finally condensing into a half-red, half-blue lotus that hovered above center-stage, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Incredible! Is this the true strength of last year's Grand Festival Top Four?"
"Perfect fusion of ice and fire—no conflict at all!"
At the judges' table, Contest adjusted his glasses, voice tinged with rare excitement:
"Control over Fire and Ice energy has reached a superb level!
"The output of flame and frost maintains a delicate balance; not a trace of energy leaked upon collision. That requires profound understanding of both elements—magnificent, magnificent!"
Grace's score, unsurprisingly, was also perfect.
As she left the stage, her expression remained composed, but the gleam in her eyes betrayed her hunger for victory.
The performances continued, each contestant giving their all, yet none could shake the awe inspired by Armani and Grace.
After their spectacular shows, the audience's expectations peaked; every gaze locked onto the contestant waiting area, waiting for No. 86 Lionel to appear.
Lionel sat in the waiting area, fingertips lightly rubbing Feebas's Poké Ball.
The little one seemed to sense his anticipation, bumping gently inside the ball with a soft clink.
"Ready, Feebas?" Lionel asked quietly.
The Ball vibrated cheerfully, as if nodding vigorously.
Bullet comments in the livestream were already counting down frantically:
"Only three contestants left until our streamer! So excited I'm rubbing my hands!"
"What combo will Feebas use this time? Can it top that ice-fire lotus?"
"You've got to beat Grace and Armani! Waiting for an awesome show!"
Finally, host Kotaro's voice rang out: "Next, please welcome contestant No. 86, Lionel, and his partner Feebas!"
Spotlights snapped onto Lionel; the entire arena erupted in a thunderous, wave-like cheer.
Lionel rose calmly, walked to the edge of the stage, raised his Poké Ball, and smiled confidently:
"Our turn."
A red flash, and Feebas appeared at center-stage, its purple body striking under the spotlights.
With a flick of its tail, a thin sheet of water seeped across the floor, mirror-smooth, supporting it gently as though it sat upon a small watery mirror—graceful and poised.
Lionel drew a deep breath, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes as his voice rang out, full of anticipation and confidence:
"Then let's begin! Feebas, show every spectator the Ultimate Grace of Water and Ice!"
۞۞۞۞
~ Support & Read 40+ Advanced Chapters on P@reon
p-atreon.com/PokeFicLord
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)