Dance of Legend

"Let's welcome our next contestant!"

The host's voice reached Baimu's ears.

He walked slowly out of the passageway, stepping into full view of the audience and judges.

A Pokémon Contest might judge Pokémon, but an appealing Coordinator was part of the spectacle for the audience too.

Baimu happened to be good-looking. Add the resolve he had forged through many battles in Pyrite Town and the commanding presence he had developed while leading so many teammates, and he could draw attention simply by standing still.

Before long,

the audience quieted down.

"Let's begin!"

He tossed a Poké Ball ahead of him.

Pop!

Pink petals scattered in every direction as Mawile slowly emerged from a wash of white light. The red ribbon behind her head fluttered in the breeze, and a clear, melodious bell rang out.

Jingle, jingle~

"Chido~"

Her delicate cry mingled with the bell.

All three judges' eyes lit up as they looked at Mawile.

Leaving Miss Joy aside, the other two were exceptional breeders as well. One glance was enough for them to assess a Pokémon's appearance and condition.

Mawile's entrance might not have been the most dazzling, but her graceful bearing, soft and glossy fur, and bright, winsome eyes all showed how well she had been raised.

Even the host could not help praising her. "What an adorable Mawile!"

"Fairy Wind!"

Baimu gave the command softly.

Mawile slowly raised her hands and began to dance with effortless grace, like a mischievous little fairy in a flower garden. Her red ribbon swayed in the breeze, while the Soothe Bell kept up its soothing chime.

Each time she sprang lightly from the ground and spun, a gentle breeze glittering with pale pink motes rippled outward.

The three judges, closest to her, were already entranced by Mawile's dance and the ringing