In Pokémon Contest battles, victory hinged on far more than brute strength—move elegance and battling poise mattered just as much.
This meant that powerful yet aesthetically challenged Pokémon—like a Muk using Sludge Bomb—had virtually no chance of reaching the finals.
As a dedicated Coordinator, Dodo naturally knew this by heart.
"Gardevoir, use [MAGICAL LEAF]!"
Emerging gracefully from the illusory forest, Gardevoir soared upward, emerald leaves swirling from beneath her flowing skirt. They coiled into a shimmering ribbon, lancing directly toward the Farfetch'd at center stage.
"Dapple, use [AGILITY]," Ray Chu ordered.
In a blur of movement, Dapple melted into shadow, circling swiftly. The pursuing leaves formed a vibrant green shield in midair behind her.
"[AERIAL ACE]!"
Without needing another command, Dapple smoothly drew her leek, slicing through the dancing leaves in a precise, glittering arc.
"Now—[HYPNOSIS]!"
Gardevoir appeared suddenly before Dapple, cradling the duck's face gently in her slender arms. Her eyes pulsed with an eerie purple glow, freezing Dapple mid-step.
"Perfect execution!" The judges awarded Dodo generously for the clever tactic, pushing her points ahead immediately.
"Keep up the pressure! Don't let it wake up!" Dodo called urgently, seizing the initiative. Gardevoir raised her hands, moonlight gathering softly between her palms.
Yet before Gardevoir could unleash her attack, a green leek flashed brilliantly, releasing a blade-like gust of wind that slammed fiercely into Gardevoir, wrenching a cry of pain from her lips.
"Gardevoir!" Dodo gasped in disbelief. She never imagined Dapple could shake off Hypnosis so quickly.
"I see," remarked Contest Judge Sorata, nodding sagely.
"Oh? Sorata, have you spotted something?" the host quickly prompted.
Sorata cleared his throat, adopting a knowledgeable air. "Just speculation, of course. Psychic-type moves aren't especially effective against a Normal-type like Farfetch'd, but Hypnosis should've immobilized her long enough for Gardevoir to land a decisive blow. For the Farfetch'd to break free so swiftly—her mental resilience must be extraordinary."
It was common knowledge that Pokémon with strong wills could more readily escape negative statuses.
Wounded and vulnerable, Gardevoir's Trainer shouted anxiously, "Quickly, [HEAL PULSE]!"
A soothing white aura enveloped Gardevoir, swiftly mending her injuries as she darted backward. Dodo intended to stall until the time ran out, hoping to clinch victory through the judges' points.
But would Ray Chu allow that?
Clearly not.
"Dapple, finish this!"
Wings spread wide, Dapple shot skyward, leek thrust forward like a gallant warrior's spear. She descended fiercely, striking Gardevoir before the Psychic Pokémon could finish recovering.
With a startled cry, Gardevoir's healing aura shattered, and she toppled gracefully to the floor, emerald skirt fluttering as she struggled for breath.
Unable to battle further, Gardevoir lay defeated. Dapple's decisive strike secured significant points, putting Ray Chu decisively back in the lead.
The first round concluded to enthusiastic applause, celebrating Ray Chu's victory and the impressive performance by Gardevoir and Dodo.
Backstage, contestants prepared tensely for the next battle—
"Why does it have to be me? Just send Arbok or Koffing, Meowth!" Meowth clung stubbornly to a pillar, resisting his teammates' attempts to drag him to the stage.
"Meowth, for the sake of the plan, it must be you!" Jessie and James pulled with all their might.
"Just imagine—if this goes well, you'll become the Boss's favorite cat again!"
Hearing this, Meowth suddenly released his grip, sending all three tumbling. He sprang back up with gleaming eyes. "Really?"
"Absolutely!" Jessie and James nodded vigorously.
Moments later, Meowth stood on stage in extravagant attire, looking across at his opponent's Milotic brimming with fighting spirit, and suddenly wondered if he'd been tricked again.
"Begin!" The bell sounded.
"[FURY SWIPES]!" Meowth lunged forward in a blur, claws frantically slashing at Milotic's shimmering scales.
"No elegance—point deduction!" the judges called immediately.
"Who cares about points, Meowth! Winning's all that matters!" Meowth landed smugly, ready to admire his handiwork. Instead, he stared dumbly at Milotic, whose flawless scales showed only a few faint scratches, utterly unharmed.
"Milotic, [AQUA TAIL]!"
With breathtaking grace, Milotic swept its massive tail in a ribbon-like cascade of shimmering water, smashing into Meowth and flinging him across the arena.
"Magnificent move! Bonus points!" The judges eagerly raised their scores, dazzled by Milotic's elegant and powerful display.
"I'm done for, Meooowth!" Meowth screamed as he fell, bracing for impact—but suddenly felt no pain at all. A sleek, metallic, cat-shaped armor encased him, absorbing the landing entirely.
"Heh-heh, it's time for Plan B—Team Rocket's secret weapon, the specially designed Meowth exoskeleton armor!" James announced triumphantly.
"What is that?" The audience erupted in confusion upon seeing the armored Meowth. "Is using equipment allowed?"
"Incredible development! Contestant Meowth has utilized special gear—shockingly effective! Judge Sorata, please clarify, is using items permitted?" the host hastily inquired.
Sorata coughed again, deliberating briefly before responding, "In previous contests, items have been allowed. However, the Pokémon must operate the equipment independently—no external interference."
"Operate independently…no external interference?" Meowth overheard faintly, attempting to move his body inside the armor, when suddenly an overwhelming force propelled him straight toward Milotic.
"Given your battle instincts, Meowth, you'll only fail miserably. So I'll control you from here!" James said gleefully, manipulating a remote control like a gamer commanding his character. Boosted by hidden rockets, Meowth charged forward into a devastating "Meowth Headbutt," slamming squarely into Milotic.
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
hehe every 100 followers on either instagram or twitter is 5 bonus chapters...? (for all tls ongoing)
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl
instagram: hanbaowise
twitter: WiseKingOfUruk_