"Talk about overwhelming strength~"
Lisia remarked, then noticed the preparation room had gone silent.
She turned in confusion and saw the other contestants wearing all sorts of expressions. Mega Mawile's terrifying strength on the television seemed to have stunned them.
Even Dawn and Brock looked surprised. Little Penguin Piplup stood frozen as if it had turned to stone.
"Pip, Piplup..."
Was it that strange?
Wasn't it normal for a Trainer aiming to become a Regional Champion to be this strong?
Hadn't Baimu told them?
Lisia tilted her head, then suddenly remembered she was up next. She hurriedly waved goodbye to the others. "Everyone, I'm off!"
"Oh!"
The two snapped out of it, and Dawn even ran after Lisia to cheer her on.
A little while later.
Baimu returned with Mawile and Blissey. Naturally, the other contestants stared at them. Those looks, tinged with hostility and a desire to compete, made Mawile uncomfortable—
Mainly because she couldn't punch anyone.
"Maw~"
She greeted Piplup, then told Baimu to return her to her Poké Ball.
"Pip, Piplup?"
Piplup stepped forward to keep her there, but Mawile had made up her mind. He could only watch as she went back into her Poké Ball to rest.
The little penguin looked crestfallen.
Beside him, Blissey lovingly gathered the poor little fellow into her arms.
"Happy~"
She didn't understand romance, but she could feel Piplup's misery. As she always did, she offered him gentle comfort.
"Piplup~"
The warmth made Piplup's emotions spill over, and tears gushed from his eyes like fountains.
Being a lovesick admirer wasn't easy.
His crush was so strong. Trying to win her over was exhausting~
Dawn crouched beside him, at a loss. "Piplup~ Are you okay?"
"Loving someone who doesn't love you back... I know how that feels!"
Brock looked as though