Author's Note:

The final performances and contest battles of the "regular season" in the IPL. Will Lumiose qualify for the playoffs?! We'll see. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 60: A Team With a Dream

Ash fidgeted uncomfortably as he and his friends waited in the lobby of the Laverre performance theatre where the day's performances and contest battles would take place. He couldn't stop thinking of the encounter with Anton the day before, and continued to wonder what he'd meant by his last statement. Crush his enemies. Does he mean Raphael? Ash could feel Pikachu pawing at him in concern, but he still felt distracted. Or did he mean me?

Serena had mentioned her walk with Gabby when they'd met up afterwards, and Ash could tell that whatever was going on with Anton was complicated. He couldn't help but be worried, though. Anton still seemed unsure about how to act in regards to Raphael and what happened with Vivillon. Was it possible he still thought Raphael was someone he could trust?

"Pikapi."

Ash shook his head at Pikachu's murmur, looking up at his partner Pokemon and grinning to show he was fine. He decided to take in the scene around him, noticing the excited Laverre students heading to their seats. Despite Laverre having clinched their spots in the playoffs, it was clear they still felt it necessary to see them close things out. Besides, if Lumiose could get their needed points, they would be a playoff opponent.

At that thought, Ash looked up at monitor displaying the current standings, with Shalour and Coumarine also still scheduled to face off. It looked promising, though. While Laverre was in first place, Lumiose still held second. Although they still needed some points if Coumarine managed to put together a strong showing against Shalour.

1st Place: Laverre University (15pts)

2nd Place: Lumiose University (11pts)

3rd Place: Coumarine College (8pts)

4th Place: Shalour College (6pts)

"If Shauna and Serena can win their performances, we don't even need to worry about Tierno and Dawn's contest battles," Trevor pointed out, also looking at the standings as Ash did. "They just need the two points and it won't matter if Coumarine gets all four against Shalour."

"They've got a chance at tying Laverre for first place!" Marie argued. "We should be cheering for all four instead of just what we need!"

"I think we should just take it one at a time," Clemont suggested, adjusting his glasses as he looked at the standings nervously. "These won't be easy matches no matter what the situation is. Let's just hope it's not a repeat of last time."

Ash smiled, looking to his friends confidently. "No way it'll be like last time. We've all gotten way stronger and we've learned a bunch from our classes. Laverre is going up against a new team this time!"

"I agree! It should be marvelous!" Ash and the others turned as they heard Professor Sycamore approaching, Flint and Agatha with him. Only Fantina was absent among the coaches, as she was with the Performance Team backstage. "I hope the Performance Team and the Battle Team are both able to put to use all that they've learned from the school year's classes."

"I think we should be able to," Clemont said proudly, adjusting his glasses. "I've already put together my strategy for our next battle, and I'll use a few of the tips from Flint's and Agatha's classes."

"Same here," Trevor said, although not sounding as sure. Ash hoped he wasn't still feeling less important to their chances. Trevor had worked just as hard as any of them, so he was sure to be better in his next match, too, though.

"Well that's good to hear," Sycamore said with a grin, "because I have some news for all of you. Fantina will be informing the others now."

Ash frowned, exchanging a glance with Clemont and Trevor, before looking back to Sycamore. "What is it?"

"If your teams earn a spot in the IPL Playoffs, your performances there will determine your exam success for this semester. So long as you are able to demonstrate the lessons you've learned." He laughed as he noticed their surprised looks. "Does that sound fair? I've discussed it with your teachers. Considering the work that will be required if you make it, it will be tough to keep up with exams on top of it."

"Sounds awesome!" Ash said quickly, followed by Trevor shortly after. Clemont was a little less enthusiastic, but agreed as well, seemingly with some excited looks from Bonnie about the idea. Ash felt a bit bad, knowing Marie would still be doing her exams, but she said she was looking forward to just using what she learned from them in their battles and that would be good enough for her.

With that news on their minds, the group excitedly headed into the theatre room as it was announced that performances would begin shortly. Flint led the way to their assigned seats as Professor Sycamore headed over to sit with the judges. Ash grimaced, seeing the professor sitting next to Raphael, who had a Medicham out with him. It seemed a couple others had psychic types out as well, and Ash assumed that would have something to do with the Theme Performance.

He wasn't going to have too long to find that out, though, with a woman coming out on to the stage shortly after he and his friends took their seats. Ash recognized the woman as one of Valerie's assistants at her gym and fashion store, Kali, who had also judged their gym battle. She seemed suited to this task as well, excitedly calling out to the crowd and getting them loudly cheering while she explained the rules and process for what was to come.

It seemed that this would be somewhat like the first Theme Performance of the IPL, where these two teams had faced off. The twist had Ash intrigued, though, as it appeared a psychic Pokemon would be needed to hold some kind of item over each Pokemon while they competed in a race. It would require intense focus from each trainer and Pokemon as they needed to prevent even the smallest mistake if there was going to be any chance of getting to answer the question.

"All right, ladies and gentlemen!" Kali called out once the rules were understood. "Let's welcome the performers who will be competing. For Lumiose University, it's Shauna!" There was some polite clapping, but it was nothing in comparison to the announcement for the next performer. "And for our own Laverre University, it's Lisa!"

Ash grinned as he noticed Shauna emerging alongside her Gothita, appearing fired up as she looked across to her opponent. Lisa had won the first match with some clever moves with her Grimer in the race against Ivysaur, but she and her Meowstic would need to be much more worried this time.

Kali further clarified the rules for the two performers as they positioned themselves further back on the stage, while the race course was set up. It seemed what each Pokemon would need to do, was carry a glass of water to the opposite end and fill a bucket. Once the bucket had been filled, a bell would ring and whoever had more points from correctly answering their questions would be declared the winner. The bucket would apparently be filled after five glasses, so three points would be needed to win.

"Are both performers prepared to begin the race?!" Kali called out excitedly, Shauna and Lisa nodding as their Pokemon began floating the glasses above their heads, blue auras around each. "Then let the race begin!"

"Go Shauna!" Ash and his friends cheered, while Gothita and Meowstic began to move forward towards the platform where the bucket was.

Each Pokemon was moving slowly, but carefully, and Ash could see the intense focus on each of their faces. Unfortunately, he could see Lisa smirking as a plan came to her to get in Shauna's head. No direct interference would be allowed until one or both trainers had two points, but that wasn't going to stop her from playing some kind of trick.

"Meowstic, use Future Sight!"

The crowd gasped as Meowstic slowed down, eyes shining a bright blue as two black orbs appeared above her, and seemed to disappear into the air. It seemed to give Gothita the edge in speed, as she reached the bucket first, but Ash knew what this would mean for later. Lisa was clearly trying to set the stage for a win in the final round if she didn't have it finished beforehand.

With Gothita taking the lead, however, she managed to get back to Shauna first, and Kali gave her the first question as the Laverre students groaned at the first round seeming to go to her. "Performer Shauna," Kali said, as Shauna appeared to close her eyes in focus. "The Psychic Pokemon Alakazam has two pre-evolved forms. What are they?"

Ash couldn't help but clench his fists nervously, leaning forward in anticipation. He knew the answer, and just wished Shauna would know it, too. Luckily, she did. "Abra and Kadabra!"

"Correct!" Kali called out, while Lisa shrugged, apparently not bothered. "Shauna takes the lead!"

The next race was much closer, but this time, Shauna took the initiative of making a move. As Meowstic started to pull ahead, Shauna quickly called for Rain Dance above Gothita which allowed it to move faster, with the water spilling, but being replenished from the rain. Meowstic was still able to speed up to make it close, but Gothita once again crossed the finish line first, making Lisa look a little less comfortable.

Shauna once again answered the question correctly, and Ash and his friends cheered loudly once more with her being poised to take the first point for Lumiose. Unfortunately, Lisa was looking furious, and now she had the chance to run interference on Shauna and Gothita.

"Resume the race!" Kali called once both trainers were ready for the third race.

Lisa wasted no time in running her interference, immediately calling for Meowstic to use Disarming Voice on Gothita. Shauna, to her credit, managed to guide Gothita through the first attempt, but Lisa was relentless. When Disarming Voice failed, Meowstic was quick to use Thunder Wave to electrify Gothita's path. She avoided the electricity, but it was enough to slow her down while Meowstic easily reached the bucket first and took the lead to win the round.

"And Lisa has closed the gap to one!" Kali informed the crowd, all of them cheering loudly, while Ash looked nervously to his friends. Lisa easily answered the question, identifying the difference between a Slowbro and Slowking, and the next round was quick to start again.

"Shauna just needs to keep calm," Clemont said, as Lisa started up her interference again. "Last time she let Lisa get into her head. She can still win this."

Ash nodded, knowing it was tough for Shauna to win this round, with Lisa using Thunder Wave once more to bar Gothita's path. He just hoped that she would be ready for what was to come in the last race. "That Future Sight could be a real problem."

"Gothita might just have what's needed to get around that..." Trevor said, surprisingly not looking worried at all, despite Lisa's Meowstic rushing to the finish line and giving her the next question.

Ash and Clemont decided to watch and see what he meant. Lisa once again answered her question correctly and the stage was set for the final race. Ash couldn't help but notice that Shauna seemed to be smiling as she looked ahead, and he wondered what it was that Trevor expected her to use. For some reason, she seemed to think it would give her the edge, despite the attack that was coming her way.

He was going to find out soon enough, though, as Kali then called out for the final race to begin, and Gothita and Meowstic both moved forward. This time, despite interference being allowed by both trainers, neither used it to start, with both Pokemon carefully making their way forward with the final glass of water floating above their heads. Lisa was clearly waiting for her hidden attack, though, simply looking above the Pokemon and waiting for it to appear.

When it did, the crowd gasped excitedly, two orbs suddenly forming above the Pokemon, each crackling with power. Ash tensed up, wondering just what Shauna could do to stop it, thinking that there wasn't much she could do. Fortunately, he was wrong, and in that moment, Shauna had the perfect counter.

"Gothita, use Trick Room!"

"Gothita!" her Pokemon suddenly cried out, stunning Meowstic and Lisa as her eyes glowed and the race course was suddenly surrounded in what appeared to be a pink box. That wasn't the most noticeable thing, however, as suddenly, the orbs of Future Sight appeared to almost be completely stalled, moving far slower than they had a moment before, along with the Pokemon that had formed them.

"Incredible!" Kali called out in surprise. "Shauna has used Trick Room to give Gothita a massive advantage in speed and avoid the powerful Future Sight that had been locked on since the first race. It looks like she'll take the final race and get the last question!"

"Yeah! Go Shauna!"

Ash and his friends were on their feet as Gothita finished the race well in the lead. Lisa and the Laverre students seemed completely stunned by the quick turnaround, but Shauna remained composed, clearly knowing it wasn't over yet as she prepared to answer her next question.

"Performer Shauna," Kali started, the crowd going quiet, clearly hoping Lisa would still have a chance to steal if Shauna got the question wrong. "In Kalos, the psychic type gym leader, Olympia, requires her challengers to compete in what special format?"

Ash knew right away that Shauna could answer that, and he and his friends were cheering as she answered, "Trainers compete in a double battle!"

"Correct! Shauna has won the first match!" Kali announced loudly. "Lumiose University earns the first point of the day!"

It wasn't everything they would need, but Ash and the others knew it was a crucial win, and as they cheered for Shauna and she waved back, it was clear she felt good about earning the point. Considering the rough first outing against Laverre University, it was a good feeling to get a win against them now, too. As Ash had said before, they were up against a different team this time.

"Now it's Serena's turn," Clemont pointed out, while murmuring went through the crowd as things were prepared for the next performers to come out for the Freestyle stage. "If she wins, it will clinch the Performance Team's spot in the playoffs!"

"I know she can do it!" Ash said confidently. "She's been working really hard for this."

It wasn't too long before Kali was getting the crowd ready for the next stage of performances. It was clear they were all looking forward to it, with Gabby apparently being quite popular, and even Serena seeming quite well known considering her Masterclass success. Gabby received the louder cheers, but even Serena received some loud ones outside the Lumiose contingent.

"I should ask Gabby if she can take care of-"

Ash chuckled as Clemont rushed to get Bonnie to quiet down, before looking to the stage and seeing the two performers preparing for their routines. Serena was in her red performing dress, while Gabby was in a blue and white one with a matching blue bow in her pink hair. She looked like a pink-haired Altaria gliding across the stage, and Ash assumed that was the point. He was glad to see both trainers looking excited about the match, though, which was different from how Lisa had been acting ahead of the match with Shauna. It seemed Gabby would be a bit of a better sport about the whole thing, although Ash knew that didn't mean it would be easy.

Kali quickly informed the crowd of the rules, while each performer took their positions. When she was done, she looked to each trainer and ensured they were ready, before instructing them to send out their Pokemon. Gabby did so immediately, calling out her Ninetales and Altaria as she had the last time. Ash wasn't surprised, given the impressive job they'd done before. Serena hadn't mentioned who she would be using, though, so he was curious to see who she would call out as he looked to her.

"Performer Serena?" Kali then asked suddenly, and Ash raised his eyebrows in surprise as he looked to Serena, seeing her looking nervously into the crowd. It was brief, but it was enough of a hesitation to be noticed. He couldn't help but glance up to see where she'd been looking, noticing Raphael with his Medicham. Fortunately, he seemed distracted himself, glancing at a cellphone in his hand.

Serena managed to recover then, calling out Absol and Popplio to her sides. Ash was surprised to see Popplio, considering her lack of stage experience, but she seemed quite excited to see the crowd in front of her. She even got a few chuckles as she gave a brief demonstration of her juggling ability, leading to one of her bows. Ash grinned, realizing Serena's strategy. Popplio would be valuable in winning over the hometown crowd.

With the Pokemon now out, it was finally time for the performances to begin, and Ash leaned forward in interest as Serena stepped forward for the initial performance, where each trainer performed separately. As Absol and Popplio moved out to either side of her, she seemed to take a deep breath, looking to Kali as she readied herself.

"Let the performance begin!" Kali then announced, Serena calling her commands immediately.

"Absol, Psycho Cut! Popplio, Aqua Jet!"

Ash couldn't help but smile as he saw Popplio take off with glee, surrounded by water as she soared into the air. It was a stunning display on its own as she twirled above Serena, but it was made even more impressive by the swirling pink crescents that soon followed, spinning around her and giving her a pink glow. Serena seemed to be enjoying herself just as much, spinning around Absol as she prepared her next order.

"Now, Popplio, aim down with Bubble Beam! And Absol, use Icy Wind!"

"Pop!"

"Sooolll!"

Popplio ended her Aqua Jet midair, surrounded by a spray of water and pink sparkles from Psycho Cut. She looked like an experienced performer as she straightened out above the stage and then fired down a stream of bubbles, while Absol's fur rose along his back from down below. Then, suddenly, balls of ice were forming between the two Pokemon, and Serena caught one, while Absol popped a few that fell towards him.

As Popplio began to descend, striking each ice ball to slow her drop, Serena then called out to her, tossing the ice ball she had caught into the air. "Double Slap!"

"Pop!" Popplio cried out as it reached her, striking the ice ball and exploding it into a shower of snow as she landed, bowing alongside Serena and Absol.

"Yeah! Go Serena!"

Ash and his friends cheered loudly, and he was pleased as the Laverre students did so as well. They might be supporting Gabby overall, but at least they appreciated Serena's opening performance. As Gabby prepared to begin her own performance, they definitely grew louder, however.

There was good reason for it, too, and Ash felt both uneasy and impressed as Gabby began, instantly calling for Altaria to use Dragon Rush above Ninetales, who rushed underneath the low flying dragon type with a Flame Charge. It created a dazzling display of what almost appeared to be a flaming rainbow darting across the stage.

She then followed that up with Altaria flying higher above stage, while Ninetales hopped overtop of her, aiming a Flamethrower into the air in an arc over her, before turning and using Extrasensory to make it appear as though Gabby was dancing among the flames. Altaria finished off the routine by aiming a Moonblast straight down that exploded against the flames in a shower of pink and red sparkles.

"Impressive routines by both performers!" Kali called out, while the crowd went wild for Gabby. "Who's earned the lead so far? It seems the spotlight will start on Gabby, but it certainly was a close first performance!"

"That's not good," Clemont murmured, looking nervous as Bonnie fidgeted uncomfortably next to him. That initial edge is important.

"Serena can make up for it," Ash said confidently, fists clenched as he leaned forward to watch closely. "I know she can do it."

Serena definitely didn't plan on going down without a fight. As soon as the call came to start with the next stage of the performance, she had Popplio on the move again. "Popplio, go around us with Aqua Jet! Go as fast as you can. Absol, get ready to use Icy Wind!"

As she gave her orders, though, Gabby was on the move as well, ordering Ninetales to hop on Altaria's back as she twirled herself into position underneath them. "Go! Dragon Rush and Flame Charge combo!"

If it wasn't such a fierce competition, everyone in the audience could've truly appreciated the impressive display both trainers were giving. Their Pokemon acted perfectly on their commands. On Serena's side of the stage, Popplio was spiraling around her and Absol while the Disaster Pokemon froze the path Aqua Jet had made with Icy Wind, creating a frozen slide for Popplio to go back down, getting a laugh from the Laverre crowd.

Meanwhile, with Gabby's Pokemon, the Dragon Rush and Flame Charge combo was more impressive than before. Each Pokemon appeared to overwhelm the stage visually with flames and the shining dragon form around Altaria. And, as they reached near the ceiling, they pulled back, Altaria firing off a Moonblast to light up their side of the stage in a pink glow.

Serena had her plan in place, though, quickly ordering Absol to use Giga Impact to rush to the top of the ice spiral he and Popplio had created, while Popplio leaped into her arms. She held Popplio up high as Absol rushed up, surrounded by white light, almost looking like a ghost darting through the spiral. It almost seemed to be enough to draw attention away from Gabby as she attempted an Extrasensory and Dragon Pulse combination with Moonblast.

"Now, Absol use-"

"Sol!"

Ash's eyes widened as he noticed Absol freeze at the top of the ice spiral, and not because it was cold. Ash knew immediately what had caused it, realizing that Absol's eyes were looking in the exact same direction Serena had looked just before the performances had begun. He couldn't help but follow the gaze, clenching his fists and tensing nervously as he realized Raphael was looking back this time. The more chilling thing, however, was his Medicham, appearing to smirk back, looking knowingly at Absol.

"They recognize each other," Ash whispered to his friends, who followed Absol's gaze as well, looking worried.

It appeared they were the only ones to realize what had happened, though, with much of the crowd turning awkwardly to focus on a Flamethrower and Dragon Pulse combination from Gabby as Serena tried to recover. Ash winced, hoping she and Absol could pull through, remembering Serena's freeze in the first match of the IPL, and then having to rush off to find Absol when he ran off in the second match.

What Serena did, was what only Serena could do, though. She didn't let it phase her one bit, and she calmly looked up to Absol, who shakily managed to get his attention away from Raphael to meet her gaze. Ash could see her smiling as she looked up to the Disaster Pokemon, and he couldn't help but smile himself as Absol instantly appeared less tense.

"Absol, ready to continue?!" Serena called out, the Disaster Pokemon nodding confidently. "Then Popplio, jump and use Aqua Jet! And Absol, use Icy Wind!"

"Pop!"

Serena tossed Popplio up and the Sea Lion Pokemon shot herself into the air with everything she had, rising above the spiral of ice, before letting up and appearing to briefly float on a pillar of streaming water underneath her that Serena was backing away from quickly. Immediately, Absol was sending the chilly energy of Icy Wind forth to freeze it, appearing to create an ice pillar in the centre of the spiral.

"Now, Popplio!" Serena called out, many of the eyes now turning to her in interest, while Gabby seemed to be building towards her own conclusion, with Altaria rising high into the air with Ninetales preparing a Flamethrower underneath her. "Form a big bubble, and Absol, fire off a Psycho Cut!"

"Pop!"

"Sol!"

Ash punched the air in triumph as the two Pokemon timed it perfectly, the pink crescent spinning into the bubble without popping it as Popplio began to expand it above her. It grew larger and larger as Absol then slid down the spiral, darting to the centre alongside Serena. "Now use Icy Wind!"

"Sooolll!"

Ash was so engrossed with Serena's finishing move, he nearly missed it as Kali suddenly called out in excitement and the crowd began to go nuts for what was happening on the other end of the stage. His eyes drifted there for a moment, and they widened as he realized what Gabby was pulling off. While her combination move of Altaria's Dragon Rush meeting with Ninetale's Flamethrower was impressive, it was what Altaria was doing in the middle of the attack that was creating the commotion.

"Altaria, Mega Evolve!" Gabby was now yelling, clutching at the bow in her hair, a light shining brightly from it as it extended out towards Altaria.

Ash winced as he turned to see Serena's finisher, seeing that while she had pulled off the Psycho Cut and ice bubble combination, creating a glowing pink bubble above Popplio, it was barely getting any notice. Instead, Gabby's stunning Mega Altaria had grabbed the crowd's, and the judges' attention.

It was like a fluffy cloud, streaming through the air, singing in a soothing voice as it burst through Ninetale's Flamethrower. Embers danced along its cloud-like wings, but didn't seem to bother it as it then soared over the crowd, twirling around and spinning to dispel the flames. It finished off with a Moonblast that filled the theatre with pink light, showing off stunning strength and beauty, that none in the crowd could turn away from.

Unfortunately, as it ended, Ash knew that the result was now clear, despite Serena's impressive turnaround after Absol's freeze. Serena seemed to be in good spirits as she acknowledged the display by Gabby, appearing awed by the Mega Evolution herself. However, Ash was sure he could see the hint of disappointment in her eyes.

Gabby had won the rematch. And, with only one point earned so far today, the team wasn't the least bit safe. The playoffs were still very much up for grabs.

"Serena, are you okay?"

Dawn had known how excited Serena had been about performing against Gabby today, and it had been tough to watch as Absol had frozen up in the middle of the performance. While they had recovered nicely, and likely had only lost due to Gabby pulling out her Mega Evolution, it still seemed like that freeze-up had been costly, and she hoped that Serena didn't blame herself. Not that Absol deserved blame either, obviously having been in a tough situation.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Serena said, sitting down and petting Absol in an attempt to comfort him. Dawn could see that the Disaster Pokemon still looked to be on edge. "It was a good performance. Despite what happened, we never gave up, right Absol and Popplio!"

"Pop!" Popplio agreed happily, seeming totally fine despite the loss. Dawn was pretty sure the water type had just been ecstatic to be on a stage.

Absol didn't seem so willing to be happy, though, glancing in the direction of the stage, where Kali could be heard explaining the rules for the upcoming contest battles. "Sol..."

"What was it that upset Absol?" Shauna asked, reaching forward to pet the dark type. "He seemed to be doing well."

"It was Raphael..."

Dawn blinked in surprise at that, exchanging looks with Tierno and Shauna. "You mean...?"

Serena nodded, looking Absol in the eyes, the Disaster Pokemon taking a deep breath as he straightened himself. "You recognized Raphael, didn't you? And his Medicham...that's why you were nervous about the one we performed against in Shalour City last semester?"

"Absol," Absol nodded, looking embarrassed as he broke eye contact.

Serena gave him a reassuring hug. "Don't worry, Absol. We're going to get him back. We'll...we'll show him how strong you are."

"We all will," Dawn vowed, narrowing her eyes. "Raphael won't mess with our team."

"The first step is to get into the playoffs, though," Tierno said, looking to Dawn. "We'll be able to watch Raphael closely if we're where he is. Laverre's in, but we still need to clinch our spot."

"Right!" Dawn said, looking to the stage. It had been decided she would do the single contest battle, as Tierno had prepared an "ultimate dancing strategy" for a match against Jimmy. She'd been happy to agree, though, knowing that it could put the pressure off Tierno if she could win the match. "Will you be okay, Serena? Absol?"

Serena nodded, Absol doing so as well a moment later. "We'll be fine. Just go out there and win!"

"No need to worry!" Dawn told her, smiling as she headed out onto the stage, exchanging a respectful nod with her opponent, Casey, as each took their positions while the scoreboard showed both their pictures and Kali stood between them.

"Our first battle will be between Dawn and Casey!" Kali informed the cheering crowd. "This will be a rematch of the double battle these two fought back in Lumiose City in the first match, although this time it will be one on one. Casey emerged victorious last time, but Dawn's team has proven tough to beat today. This is sure to be a great match!"

With that, Kali stepped back, calling for the trainers to release their Pokemon. Casey went first, grinning as she tossed out her pokeball. "Come on out! Ponyta!"

Dawn narrowed her eyes, remembering how strong Ponyta had been last time, and hoping she could counter it better this time. She decided she would fight fire with fire. "Quilava! SpoootLIGHT!"

"Quilava!"

Dawn narrowed her eyes as she looked across the stage at the opposing fire type. Ponyta was pawing at the ground, looking eager to battle, while Quilava's flames burst out along his back, equally pumped up. It seemed both Pokemon were eager for their rematch after Casey had taken the double battle back when Laverre had visited Lumiose.

Both trainers, looked to Kali then, and she called for the coordinators and their Pokemon to prepare for battle. Then, a moment later, the bell rang to signal the start of the match, and each ordered their first attacks, the crowd cheering loudly in response.

"Flame Charge, Ponyta!"

"Slow it down with Swift!"

Ponyta neighed loudly in response to Casey's call, and then quickly started running forward, its flaming mane expanding around it until it was only fire coming at Quilava. Dawn knew to be wary of Ponyta's speed increasing after the move, but right now, she was focused on the immediate danger. Fortunately, Quilava was slowing the opposing fire type down, aiming the golden stars of Swift at its feet and turning the charge into a slow trot before Casey could even react.

"Impressive move by Dawn and Quilava as they use a dazzling Swift attack to keep Ponyta at bay!" Kali called out, groans heard from the Laverre students, while Dawn heard Ash and the rest of the Lumiose contingent in the crowd cheering her name. She wasn't done, though, noticing just a small drop in points on Casey's side, and knowing she needed a follow up attack to hold the momentum.

"Now, Quilava, use Flame Wheel!" Dawn ordered, pointing ahead as Ponyta's Flame Charge died out completely.

"Lava!" Quilava cried out, flames engulfing his own body, before he curled up suddenly and rolled forward, rapidly picking up speed. He struck Ponyta quickly, and Dawn grinned as Casey's points dropped even more this time, hitting the three quarter mark while her own points remained full.

Casey had an opening now, though, with Quilava in close, and she quickly called out a counterattack. "Ponyta, use High Horsepower!"

Dawn's eyes widened as Ponyta narrowed its eyes, neighing as it spun around quickly and then kicked out with all its might at the now vulnerable Quilava, who was bouncing back after his successful strike. He was sent flying back through the air, striking the ground hard when he landed and skidding across a few more feet.

"Ouch! A stunning hit by Ponyta, and it looks like Casey's taken the lead with a counter like that." Dawn grimaced as she looked at the scoreboard, seeing it was true. She tricked me!

"No need to worry, Quilava!" Dawn called out, narrowing her eyes as she noticed Casey analyzing the scene in front of her. "Let's keep at a distance and use Swift with Counter Shield!"

She grinned as she heard Ash cheering for the move. She just hoped it would work. Quilava set off immediately, though, leaping forward and spinning on his back, before suddenly golden stars were shooting out around him. They created what appeared to be a vortex of golden stars, the crowd gasping in awe as they clashed together, sparks flying out across the field and forcing Ponyta to step back nervously.

"Another impressive display, and Dawn's knocked off a few points from Casey with this move," Kali informed the crowd, who seemed too interested in what was about to happen to voice their displeasure.

"Now, Quilava, add in a Flamethrower and send a flaming Swift attack at Ponyta!" Dawn commanded, thrusting her arm forward with the command. She could see Casey narrowing her eyes, but she couldn't worry about a counter now, just hoping Quilava's combination could work, knowing it would go a long way towards winning the match.

"Lava!" the Volcano Pokemon cried out in answer, ending his spinning and then leaping back out of the spinning vortex of Swift. He aimed his next attack and fired a moment later, unleashing a powerful Flamethrower that seemed to propel the vortex forward, turning the golden stars into burning red and orange ones. The combination attack rushed towards Ponyta, and Dawn was sure it was about to hit.

"Ponyta, use Bounce, and then descend inside it!" Casey then yelled, the Laverre students murmuring in surprise. Dawn couldn't blame them, watching in confusion as Ponyta kicked hard off the ground and launched itself high in the air, well above the vortex.

"What is this?!" Kali cried out in excitement. "It looks like a risky move, but Casey's attempting some kind of counter for Dawn's impressive combination attack.

"Sorry Dawn, but you won't be getting any points for Lumiose out of me!" Casey called out then, pointing ahead. "Descend Ponyta!"

Ponyta neighed loudly as it aimed down, flames, engulfing it as it used Flame Charge to further increase its speed. It hit the ground with a thud, shaking the vortex of flaming stars and causing it to waver. That seemed to be just what Casey needed, too, as she called the next attack to completely overwhelm it.

"Fire Spin! Make that vortex your own!" Casey commanded, grinning as more flames flew up around the stars, seemingly taking hold of it. Suddenly, it almost seem to tilt towards Quilava, who backed up nervously. "Now, Bounce and use High Horsepower!"

Another neighing sound was heard within the vortex, and then suddenly, Ponyta emerged above it, almost glowing in embers. Dawn could see her points dropping already as the Fire Horse Pokemon turned midair and kicked out with all its might once more, slamming the flaming vortex and sending it spinning rapidly towards Quilava. There was no counter for him to make.

"Lavaaa!" the Volcano Pokemon cried out suddenly, hit by the vortex and then suddenly plucked off the ground by it. Dawn winced and cried out in concern for her Pokemon as she heard him being whipped around by his own attack.

It only got worse, though, as suddenly, Casey was ordering a follow up, just as Quilava was being flung to the ground by the now dissipating vortex. "Finish this off with Flame Charge!"

Dawn could only glance at the scoreboard in frustration, seeing her points too low to do anything as the Fire Horse Pokemon burst forward, its speed already too much after its previous uses of Flame Charge. Quilava was struck once again, before the buzzer was heard, signifying Casey's victory.

"And the winner is Casey, from Laverre University!"

As the crowd cheered, Dawn quickly went over to Quilava, ensuring he was all right before recalling him back to his pokeball. As she did so, Casey came over to congratulate her on her combinations, appearing surprised by her own response.

"I had to pull out the last thing I could think of, Dawn! I thought it was over for Ponyta and me with that Flamethrower Swift vortex." She held out her hand then. "Hopefully we can face off in the playoffs."

"Yeah," Dawn said, smiling back. "We might need more points, though..."

"Jimmy's not gonna be easy, but maybe your friend Tierno can pull off the dance moves to do it." With that, both coordinators said farewell, before each heading backstage, while Kali got the crowd prepared for the final match between Jimmy and Tierno.

When Dawn got backstage, the latter was waiting for her, looking more nervous than ever. "Dawn, I don't know about this..."

"Relax, Tierno," Dawn said, taking a deep breath. While she was disappointed she hadn't been able to get the clinching point, she knew she needed to be the captain she was expected to be for this team. "There's no need to worry. This is just another battle. Just another dance!"

"She's right, Tierno," Serena said, joining the two, Shauna behind her. "We all know you can do this. Go out there and show Laverre what true rhythm is all about!"

"If Dawn couldn't win..." Tierno shook his head. "This is a lot of pressure."

Dawn narrowed her eyes. "Tierno, sometimes we're going to lose. That doesn't mean we back down from pressure. This is the best time to pull out all your dance moves. Maybe it was meant to be that your dancing would get us into the playoffs."

"Yeah!" Shauna agreed. "Move and groove and clinch our spot, Tierno. I know you can do it."

"Don't give up!" Serena added.

Tierno grinned, looking to each of them in turn. "You think I can do this?"

"Of course you can," Dawn said, smiling as she realized that her loss might've been a blessing in disguise. Maybe this was the perfect way to clinch their spot. As a leader of their team, this was a chance for her to give someone else a chance to shine. "Go out there and show Jimmy how we dance at Lumiose University!"

With that, Tierno nodded, a determined expression coming to his face. He took a deep breath, beginning to tap his feet as though getting into his rhythm, and then he turned around, making his way to the stage as Kali called him and Jimmy out. You can do this, Tierno, Dawn thought, clenching her fists as she looked up to the screen that was playing the events on stage.

As Tierno and Jimmy took their places, Kali gave a quick rundown of the rules for the double battle and then asked for both trainers to call out their Pokemon. Jimmy started, calling out his Gallade he'd used in the first match against Tierno, along with a Mienshao. Tierno, meanwhile, responded with his Blastoise and his Raichu, each tapping their feet in rhythm with his own, causing Jimmy to awkwardly begin doing the same.

Before they started, however, Kali suddenly raised her hand, the crowd growing quiet as she stepped forward. "Attention everyone!" she said excitedly. "We've just gotten word of the results of the performances and contest battles in the match between Coumarine College and Shalour College. Coumarine College has won all four points, and due to this, they are tied with Lumiose University for second place, thanks to Shauna's win earlier in the Theme Performance. This means that a win by Tierno would clinch Lumiose University a spot in the IPL Playoffs! Otherwise, Lumiose University and Coumarine College will need to have a tiebreaker match!"

Ash's voice was audible from both backstage and the screen above, and Dawn and the others couldn't help but giggle as he yelled, "Yeah! Go Tierno! You can do this!"

Tierno seemed further emboldened by that, and as Kali stepped back, his steps became quicker, his dance routine ready to pick up as soon as the match began. Then, the bell rang, and the battle was on. Before either trainer ordered a single attack, each was tapping their feet quickly and spinning in tune with their Pokemon. Dawn was sure Tierno was a little more in sync, however.

"Blastoise, Rain Dance!"

While in the first match, Tierno had been off his rhythm while he had tried to fight like it was a regular Pokemon battle, Dawn could see quickly that he'd taken his nerves from before this battle, and channeled them into precise movements. His nerves weren't there now, and his Pokemon were responding in just as calm a manner, with Blastoise leading the way and darting forward to form the rain cloud above the stage.

As the rain began to fall, the stage began to get pretty slick quite quickly, and Dawn could see that Jimmy was shocked by the quick move, his Pokemon slipping in their dancing as they tried to steady themselves. It was only made worse as Tierno took advantage. "Blastoise, Ice Beam at Gallade's and Mienshao's feet!"

"Blastoise!" the water type roared happily, spinning around Raichu quickly, before firing off the icy attack that froze the ground at the opposing Pokemon's feet, making their situation even worse.

"Wow! Tierno's got the early control here!" Kali called out excitedly. "Jimmy's going to need to do something to move a little more smoothly with a slippery field in front of him." As she spoke, Dawn grinned, seeing Tierno already taking a significant lead with points.

Jimmy was desperate, though, and he was ready with a counterattack now, quickly ordering Gallade to use Close Combat on the ground, snapping his fingers as he hit the ground himself in sync with the fighting and psychic type. "Gallade!" it cried out, pummeling the ground, and chopping up the ice, Mienshao carefully attempting to maneuver next to it.

Tierno seemed to be ready for this, though, ordering Raichu on top of Blastoise immediately, having the other use Rapid Spin just before. "Raichu, hit Gallade with Thunder!"

"Raiii!"

Dawn and the others cheered at the order, seeing the bolt crash down with perfect precision as Raichu and Tierno leaped up in the air in sync, spinning on their landings. Raichu remained on top of Blastoise's back as Gallade stumbled to the ground, the two Pokemon approaching a defenseless Mienshao with speed.

"Now, Focus Blast!"

"Counter with Aura Sphere!"

The two attacks clashed midair, but with Blastoise continuing to spin forward, Dawn could see that Mienshao was worried, the exploding attacks causing it to stumble on the ice again, while Gallade scrambled to get back up. Jimmy seemed flustered, with both his Pokemon out of sync now, and unable to move with either of them.

"Raichu, use Charge Beam on Gallade!" Tierno then ordered, the electric type leaping off of Blastoise's back and firing off the beam of electricity as the Shellfish Pokemon continued moving forward.

"Block with Protect!"

The electric attack was blocked, but Dawn grinned as she saw Mienshao right itself just in time for Blastoise to crash into it, sending it into Gallade, who lost control of its protective barrier as it was knocked into. In that moment, Blastoise emerged from his shell, ready to attack from behind while Raichu rushed in from the front.

"Blastoise, Hydro Cannon! Raichu, Thunder!" Tierno yelled, pumping his fist with the order, and spinning around as both Pokemon focused their attacks.

Jimmy had enough in him to not be totally out it just yet, though, narrowing his eyes and using his Pokemon's simultaneous stumble to get back in some sort of rhythm. "Mienshao, Detect! Gallade, hit the ground with Leaf Blade!"

As the water rushed towards Mienshao, Dawn gasped as its eyes flashed, just as Serena's Absol's did when it used Detect. Gallade, meanwhile, was just as effective, using the grass type attack to channel the electricity from Raichu's Thunder attack into the ground. It seemed to weaken him, but not by nearly as much as it might have.

With his two Pokemon avoiding the worst of the assault by Tierno, though, and even managing to knock a few points off his score, Jimmy seemed to feel he was back in the match. He was ready with the next order, and with Blastoise and Raichu now separated, Tierno was vulnerable.

"Gallade, Close Combat! And Mienshao, High Jump Kick!" Jimmy shouted, snapping his fingers and ducking low to the ground in sync with his Pokemon. He straightened just as they did, spinning as they crashed into their opponents. Mienshao sent Blastoise stumbling back and slipping along his own ice, while Raichu was pummeled and sent flying back towards Tierno.

Dawn glanced at the scoreboard, seeing that the points were a little closer with that move, Tierno still holding a lead, though. If he could pull of another good combination, however, he might have enough before time would run out. "Come on, Tierno..." she whispered, clenching her fists.

"Blastoise, use Ice Beam towards Raichu!" Tierno then ordered, spinning as he Blastoise mimicked him, righting himself and then striking the stage between him and Raichu. It seemed to make a perfect path between them. "Now Rapid Spin along it! And Raichu, use Dig!"

"Tierno appears to be planning a combination!" Kali cried out excitedly. "Can Jimmy counter it?!"

"Sure I can!" Jimmy said confidently, snapping his fingers and then pointing ahead. "Hit 'em with Aura Sphere Mienshao! And Gallade, get in close with Close Combat!"

"Shao!" Mienshao cried out in response, forming the blue sphere of energy as Blastoise spun quickly towards the centre of the stage, picking up speed from the ice.

"Hydro Cannon!"

"Blastoise!" Blastoise exploded out of his spin with water bursting out of his cannon immediately, and Dawn was stunned by the speed it seemed to shoot out with. The jet exploded against Aura Sphere with such force the explosion shook the stage, causing gasps near the front of the crowd.

Jimmy's Gallade was quick to follow up, though, darting in past the smoke from the colliding attacks and rushing up to engage with Blastoise. "Now!" Jimmy shouted, spinning and pointing with a snap of his fingers.

"Raichu!" Tierno called out in response.

"Rai!" the electric type burst out of the ice in that moment, just in front of Blastoise, its fist aimed up to crash right into Gallade's jaw. With another perfect counter, Dawn cheered gleefully as Jimmy's points dropped to well below one quarter of his total. Tierno just needed one last move to finish things off, still with over half of his remaining.

"Thunder!"

"RAIII!"

As Gallade straightened up, it looked to be nervously watching for the attack to hit it. Jimmy seemed to think that was where it was heading too, ordering Gallade to use Protect right away. Instead, Mienshao was left completely vulnerable, the bolt of lightning crashing down upon it, leaving the poor fighting type smoking as it fell to the ground.

BZZZ!

"And that's the buzzer!" Kali shouted excitedly. "Jimmy's points are down to zero, and Tierno has taken the match."

Dawn stared wide-eyed at her friends, each of them staring at the screen in shock, before huge smiles came to their faces. They suddenly cheered as they saw Tierno taking it in on screen, the dancer rushing to his Pokemon to congratulate them, while Ash and the others roared in approval from the crowd.

"Congratulations to Lumiose University's Performance Team!" Kali added, the Laverre students even applauding in response. "They have just earned their place in the Interschool Pokemon League Playoffs!"

Author's Note:

And Lumiose has made it into the playoffs with their Performance Team! And, it's with rookie coordinator Tierno clinching it for them! Hope it all worked out. I didn't quite mean for it to be so lopsided against Dawn, but I was kind of thinking of it like she was eager to get that clinching point, and didn't have the full focus necessary, but then used that captain leadership to get Tierno in the right mind instead. I don't know...hopefully it worked.

Anyway, as for Serena and Absol. Must've been somewhat expected. Raphael is a nightmare in Absol's eyes. Absol's gonna need to figure out a way to deal with that guy...hmm...

So that's that. Next chapter is the Battle Team's attempt. See you then.