Nobody's POV
The lights dimmed as a young girl stepped onto the main stage, the platform glowing under her boots. She wore a flowing, nature-inspired outfit of soft cream and moss green, a leaf-patterned scarf trailing behind her with each movement. Her long brown hair was tied back in a twist, a small vine-like clip fastened at the side. From her belt, she released two Poké Balls in graceful arcs, releasing her partners into the spotlight beside her.
A Lillipup landed onto the stage, his paws striking softly with a light bounce, eyes gleaming with alertness. A moss-colored band was tied loosely around his front leg, a tiny silver leaf charm glinting with each step he took. His fur had been brushed to a soft sheen that shimmered under the lights. His tail wagged once, steady and focused, as he took position beside his trainer.
On the opposite side, a Petilil glided in with a light leap, her leaves catching the glow of the stage lights. A delicate cluster of pale yellow silk flowers was pinned just near her leafy cap, their soft color glowing warmly in the spotlight. She landed with a pirouette that ended in a low, elegant bow. Her gaze flicked to the Lillipup, who nodded in return.
The soft, haunting notes of Westering Home began to float through the hall, carrying a lilting grace that matched the forest theme of the routine. The piece, composed by Celtic Woman—a renowned girl band from the Galar region—was known for its evocative harmonies and ethereal atmosphere, perfect for the tale unfolding on stage. A hush fell over the crowd, as if the stage itself had drawn in breath.
The audience quieted, as her name and team were announced with bright flair: "Next up in the Junior Team Appeal—Mira Rosemary and her partners, Scout the Lillipup and Petilil!"
The three exchanged a brief look—a wordless cue they had practiced a hundred times.
The melody rose with a delicate swell, the lone voice and gentle guitar opening the piece with a hush, as if the forest itself had paused to listen. The violin lines curled like mist through a grove of ancient trees. Mira turned sharply on her heel, scarf trailing like wind-blown leaves, and lifted her arms like tree branches swaying in the breeze. At her side, Petilil twirled inward, releasing a swirl of Sleep Powder that shimmered like morning dew in golden sunlight. Her expression was serene, but determined—eyes half-lidded in concentration, as if carried by the lilt of the music.
Scout timed his motion perfectly. His ears flicked forward, catching the soft rise and fall of the melody. With a bound, he launched into the shimmer, eyes locked forward. Each motion was a blend of instinct and rehearsal, every paw landing in time with the rhythm. His fur caught hints of gold from the stage lighting, and as he pivoted mid-leap, his mouth curled into what could only be interpreted as a proud grin.
As soft piano joined the melody, Mira signaled, stepping to the side with a graceful lunge. Petilil spun once more, releasing a burst of Petal Blizzard that caught the rising lights. Each petal shimmered and spiraled around Scout, who spun and unleashed a Slash into the swirling blossoms. The petals broke apart into glittering fragments, carried away by the updraft of a precisely timed Gust triggered by Petilil's movement. A shimmer of strings cascaded through the hall, underscoring Scout's motion and pulling a soft gasp from someone in the crowd.
The trio moved like a single current of wind weaving through tall trees. Mira guided the flow with wide, fluid gestures, her footfalls echoing the tempo of the flutes and harp layered in the background. As additional voices harmonized in the distance, Scout's steps and Petilil's spirals fell naturally into the composition's cadence. The light on stage shifted subtly with each motion—warm hues during Petilil's flourishes, cooler glints when Scout dashed past. Judges leaned forward slightly in their seats, drawn into the seamless interplay of motion, melody, and mood. The stage didn't just reflect a forest—it felt like one, alive and dancing to the ancient, wistful song.
Then came the finale. The voices faded, leaving a haunting violin solo to take center stage. Mira reached into her pouch and flung shimmer dust into the air with a wide, sweeping gesture that caught the rising note. Petilil stood center stage, leaves held high as she summoned Sunny Day, casting a radiant glow that bathed the platform in golden warmth. Her eyes sparkled with fierce joy, her petals unfurling slightly in pride.
At the perfect beat, a swell of harmony rejoined the music—now accompanied by male vocals that deepened the emotional pull. Scout charged forward, his body coiled in tension before springing into the air. With a cry that was equal parts determination and flourish, he slashed through the shimmer cloud with a glinting Shadow Claw. The light caught on his fur, making him momentarily shine like he was part of the sunbeam itself.
As drums surged forward like a heartbeat and the bagpipes took over in a bold, triumphant solo, Mira knelt low, her movements fluid and grounded. Petilil held the spotlight briefly, her leaves aloft in the golden light. As the full ensemble returned for the final crescendo, Scout landed with a soft skid, his stance firm, tail high. The last note lingered like a breath held tight in the chest.
All three held the pose.
For a moment, the air in the Contest Hall stilled, as if every breath had been drawn in and held suspended in awe. The spotlight hovered on the trio, catching the shimmer dust still drifting like tiny stars across the stage. Somewhere in the crowd, a child let out a delighted gasp, and a woman clapped her hands before the rest of the room followed in a wave of cheers.
The crowd erupted. Voices lifted, applause rang out, and a brief chant of "Petilil! Petilil!" rose from the side where a group of younger kids sat with their parents.
Normal POV
Somewhere, above the noise, Mira thought she heard the announcer say, "A breathtaking blend of movement and emotion—what a performance!"
The lights dimmed slightly as the three judges conferred behind their desk, murmuring and exchanging notes. A pause, a flicker of suspense—then the screens overhead lit up with bright numbers and stars.
Contest Committee Judge: 8.6
Nurse Joy: 9.0
Fan Club Representative: 9.3
Total: 26.9/30
Gasps and cheers rippled through the hall.
"Absolutely enchanting," Nurse Joy remarked into her mic. "Their synchronization was lovely, and I appreciated how every movement had a purpose."
"The thematic consistency was excellent," added the Fan Club representative, practically beaming. "From Scout's timing to Petilil's grace—and the shimmer finale? Inspired!"
The Committee Judge gave a small nod. "Polished, emotional, and well-rehearsed. A memorable routine."
Backstage, Mira's shoulders relaxed as her Pokémon pressed close. Scout barked once, eyes gleaming with excitement, and Petilil spun in a small circle, her leaves rustling with satisfaction. Their body language—joyful, relieved, proud—spoke volumes.
An assistant waiting at the edge of the curtains gave a quiet thumbs-up, and a few nearby Coordinators nodded in respectful acknowledgment.
They had completed the first half.