A hush fell, like the silence at the end of a concert.
The vast venue was utterly still. Several seconds passed before anyone reacted, breaking into heartfelt applause, their faces full of wonder and admiration!
Clap, clap, clap, clap—
In an instant.
Spectators all around rose together as noise spread through the stands. The packed crowd gave free rein to emotions they could no longer contain!
Applause thundered. Cheers surged like a tidal wave!
The performance had lasted less than four minutes, but it had struck a chord with almost everyone watching.
Dancing Pokémon were common, and plenty performed dances at Pokémon Contests. But none of them had ever seen a dance like this.
The Swords Dance had seemed chaotic, yet they could clearly feel the unwavering resolve behind it—a courage that welcomed any challenge.
Look closer, though.
What had seemed chaotic became free-spirited and bold.
Every movement held a beauty beyond ordinary words.
Mawile was supposed to be cute, yet the sight of her wielding a sword had sent shivers through so many spectators.
No wonder they were beside themselves.
If an ordinary dance let the audience appreciate its form, this one had let them truly feel its spirit.
Amid the uproar in the stands.
Shiny Gengar stared down at Baimu and Mawile in awe. Even Hoopa's excited cries as he circled overhead like a mosquito could not shake the feelings surging inside Shiny Gengar.
So this was...
His performance with Mawile?
"Geng..."
Shiny Gengar kept its eyes on Baimu, who waved to the audience from the stage with a remarkably calm expression.
All at once.
Baimu's gaze swept across the stands and met its own. Their eyes locked, and a jolt seemed to run through Shiny Gengar, making it tremble.
Then.
Baimu smiled and waved to it, as