Unova, the Vertress Conference finals.
After changing into Pirouette Forme, Meloetta's gaze suddenly sharpened.
Virgil thought he had closed the distance with Flame Charge.
Little did he know that this had been Ash's plan all along.
In Pirouette Forme, Meloetta unleashed Close Combat.
Meloetta's Close Combat in Pirouette Forme was like an elegant waltz, yet every blow packed tremendous power.
With one final, graceful kick, Flareon was launched into the air.
Ash pressed the advantage. "Meloetta, Psychic!"
Blue light bloomed in Meloetta's eyes as powerful psychic energy enveloped Flareon,
An invisible force slammed Flareon hard into the ground.
"Flareon!"
Flareon struggled to get back up,
But after taking Close Combat and Psychic in succession, it could no longer hold on and fainted.
"Flareon is unable to battle!"
"Contestant Ash now leads two to zero! Could today finally be the day?"
"Meloetta, come back."
Meloetta returned to Aria Forme and fluttered happily around Ash.
Meloetta's victory gave Ash a tremendous advantage and brought the excitement of the finals to a new peak.
"Krookodile, I choose you!"
The third powerhouse Ash sent out was the true backbone of his Unova Region team.
Of course, that was excluding Pikachu, Keldeo, and Meloetta.
Takeshi continued his enthusiastic commentary,
"Virgil has sent out Leafeon! As a Grass-type, Leafeon has a clear type advantage over the Ground-type Krookodile!"
"Leafeon, Leaf Blade!"
Leafeon shot forward like green lightning, the leaf on its head glowing green as it slashed straight at Krookodile!
"Krookodile, counter with Crunch!"
The successive Leaf Blade strikes overcame Crunch, and the second blow slashed hard into Krookodile!
Krookodile roared, its massive body skidding backward some distance as it took a heavy hit.
"Krookodile, Dig!"
Krookodile quickly burrowed into the ground,
"Leafeon, stay alert and use Swords Dance!"
In front of the television, Dawn said