Thunderous applause filled the arena, but Lin Mo and the little Vulpix had not finished their performance yet.
"One last move."
A smile touched Lin Mo's voice as he gently tossed the two little Vulpix in his arms into the air.
Fire Vulpix and Little Ice Vulpix turned in perfect sync, met each other's eyes, and moved at the same instant.
Red flames flared around Fire Vulpix, while white, icy energy enveloped Little Ice Vulpix.
They ran and leaped along opposite sides of the ring of ice and fire, like two points of light chasing each other around a circular track.
They moved faster and faster. Dazzling fire and ice gathered around them, red and white light intertwining along the ring like two flowing ribbons.
When they reached the top, both little Vulpix stopped, then darted toward the center and hugged each other tightly in midair.
The instant they embraced, both energies burst outward.
Bang! The ring of ice and fire beneath their paws shattered.
The ice that had encased the flames broke into glittering fragments, while the freed flames scattered into sparks. Ice crystals and fire mingled as they drifted through the air.
It was as though someone had thrown a handful of stars and diamonds into the sky. They glittered, spun, and slowly fell.
By then, both little Vulpix had landed safely back in Lin Mo's arms.
They licked each other's cheeks and pressed their little heads together. The bells around their necks chimed softly, as if they were applauding each other.
The entire arena fell silent for three full seconds. Then cheers erupted like a tidal wave.
One person in the audience sprang to their feet. More and more followed.
Applause rolled in wave after wave, mixed with deafening cheers and whistles.
Cameras followed the falling sparks