*faris dueling in the utena outfit, dueling thomas, but i cant tell whether they have swords or pokémon now faris and i duel me at first in wakabas kurobara no duelist uniform, then I drop my sword and hug faris were friends why would I fight her now im standing by again watching james in his rose bride uniform take fariss hand
the victor of the duels
    then i feel a sharp pain in my chest
    i cant help it it hurts too much I fall and faris runs over and holds my hand asking whats wrong orion says something michael and faris pull me up to my feet then somebody bends me backwards
    “Hey! I’m not Anthy! What are you—”
    thomas pulls the dios no ken from my chest while im standing bewildered and thomas has turned to Faris whered the sword go faris yells something to me and someone behind me runs the sword right through me*

    Starr woke up gasping in a cold sweat and had actually had to ckeck her jammies for both where Thomas had supposedly gotten the Sword of Dios and where someone had pulled a Sephiroth on her.
    Finding no holes was only a small relief, thus Starr made a beeline for the kitchen.
    Martina only has that diet cocoa mix, and it tastes terrible.
    Starr’s mind wanders from the cocoa aftertaste back to the dream.
    ‘Sometimes dreams mean something. Does this mean anything?’
    Starr leans on the mirror, hand on her forehead.
    “I guess I’m  like Wakaba to Faris...I cheer her up and for a while I hated her for having James. It hurts when she pushes him away...and if those End of the World psychos take this whole Duel protocol seriously...”
    She looks up at her reflection, eyes wide.
    “Faris might really be engaged to him when she wins.”
    She shakes her head.
    “No…no…she’ll push him away even more! That’d kill him and her…and I’d be so…just so—”
    She jerks her head up.
    “It’d be like stabbing me in the heart.”
    Two green eyes narrow in determination.
    “This is not Shoujo Kakumei Utena. Faris is NOT Tenjou Utena and James is NOT A ROSE BRIDE. We have to be dreaming here...all the same stupid messed-up anxiety dream. I refuse to carry on anyone’s dream, not Akio’s, not Orion’s. I am not a dream. I am real and Faris is real. James and Jessie are real, Misty and Ash and Brock are real. Michael is real and he CAN get out of the dream. So can everyone, they just aren’t trying…or they can’t because they need a catalyst…”
    She smiles.
    “Or…or……”
    A pause, then…
    “Or a revolution.”
    Starr gazes at the mirror.
    “Well, Akio-lech, this time you have two Shoujo Kakumei on your hands. And this stupidity is going to stop.”
She turns away from the mirror, emerald eyes full of conviction and determination, and goes back to bed, falling into an untroubled sleep.

    CREAK.
    The doors leading into the duel arena apparently need oiling, Faris muses to herself as she approaches the elevator.
    “Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku Watashi no tanjou Zettai tanjou Mokushiroku,” J.A. Seazer’s masterpiece song thrushes forward as Faris enters the elevator and she presses the button for the top floor.
    “Yami no sabaku ni sanba uba Kin no mekki no tougenkyou Hiru to yoru to ga gyakumawari Toki no mekki no shitsurakuen”
    Several floors pass as the song plays into the elevator. Faris hums along, tapping her foot to the tune.
    “SODOMU no yami Hikari no yami Kanata no yami Hatenaki yami Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku”
    The elevator hits the top floor, and opens with a half cheerful, half ominous *ding*. Faris steps out, in full Utena attire, to face the other Duelists.
    “Zettai Unmei Mokushiyami Mokushiroku”
    She steps into the arena to face the others, and as she does, a scene with spiraling red roses and black borders starts at her feet and stops at her head, showing all of her off.
    “mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo”
    “All ready and accounted for?” she grins grimly, looking over all the Duelists—Jezebel, Jessie, Starr, Misty, Gary, and Ash. And then, the Rose Bride, James, wearing a white dress with a little golden tiara. “Sorry I’m late.”
    “mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo”
    Thomas shrugs from behind her; standing with him are Nathalie, Kevin, and Julie. “It’s tradition. UTENA always arrives last. You’re not late.”
    Faris grins at him. “That she does.”
    “mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo”
    She turns back to the others. ‘The days passed like they were nothing,’ she thinks to herself, her hand moving to her belt where her three chosen Pokéballs are. ‘I’m just glad that I could settle with James.’ She places a hand on her hip, and turns her gaze to the tower on the other side of the arena, which apparently is replacing the Castle of Illusions, Dios’ tomb.
    “mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo mokushi kushimo shimoku kumoshi moshiku shikumo....”
    What Faris can’t see from her position is James’ parents along with Martina in the tower with Michael. Said blue-haired boy switches on the light system, and the street lanterns decorating the arena burst with light. He announces over the PA system now that the song has ended, “Now that the final Duelist has arrived, we may begin.”
    Kettousha-tachi begins to play softly in the background.
    “You seven Duelists each have three Pokémon. Which Pokémon you have, only you know. The duels will proceed accordingly: Amour, Raison, Amitie, Choix, Justice, Fiérte, Conviction, and Adoration. The two Duelists participating in that duel will be ushered up to the Arena, and the other Duelists will wait with the panel of judges. A panel of judges, comprised of Kevin, Julie, Nathalie, and Thomas, will be watching to make sure all the Ends of the World Rules are upheld. Orion Abraxas, the founder of Ends of the World, will also be watching, so make sure you do your best.
    “First up are UTENA and NANAMI, fighting for the Rose Bride. NANAMI is the current Victor of the Duels.”
    Faris and Jezebel walk out into the arena and face each other. The others stand back, behind Thomas-tachi.
    “Upon the sounding of the duel song, Seijuku Nenrei Toumeiki, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel,” Michael states once they’re in place. “The duel called Amour will now begin.”
    The music starts, and Jezebel and Faris throw out their Pokéballs simultaneously, shouting, “Pokéball, GO!!”
    “Vanish! Fade away!”
    In a spray of red and then white light, Jezebel’s Pokémon emerges. “Vahhlplewwm!” the Vileplume says with a Southern drawl not unlike Jezebel’s.
    “Melt away! Kiusero!”
    Swirling with the light of the Pokéball, first red and then white, Faris’ Pokémon comes forth. “…” the residing Kadabra (whom we all know as Batts) counters pointedly.
    “Ari to arayuru monotachi yo”
    “Ah’m not gonna lose t’yew!” Jezebel declares, arms crossed.
    “Talk later. Duel now,” Faris replies with a smile.
    “Grrrrr…” her opponent growls, hands twitching a little. “FINE THEN!!”
    “Vanish! Fade away! Melt away! Kieusero!”
    Jezebel takes a daring step forward. “Vahlplume! Use your Stun Spore t’ keep that horrid Kadabra from movin’ around!” she orders.
    “Vahhhlpleewwm!” the Vileplume says, sending out a spray of movement-inhibiting pollen.
    “INSUTANTO no nisemonotachi yo”
    Faris flips her hair a little, crossing her arms. “Batts, Teleport out of the way of the Stun Spore,” she instructs.
    Batts complies, disappearing in a flash of light and reappearing behind Vileplume.
    “Vahl?” Vileplume wonders, puzzling over the whereabouts of its opponent.
    “Nozomi ni uragirare Kibou ni fukushuu sareru Konna jidai wa mou unzari da”
    “VAHLPLUME, DON’T JUST SIT THERE!!!!” Jezebel screeches, freaking upon seeing her Pokémon clueless in the midst of danger.
    “Vahl?” Vileplume turns around to face Batts. “PLEEWWWWWM!!!!!!” it shrieks before trying to run away. (It just trips over its own feet, though; plant Pokémon are not built to run.)
    “How pathetic,” Faris smiles, chin resting on her hand. “Batts, Disable it.”
    Mysterious blue glow lights up Batts eyes, and a similar blue aura surrounds Vileplume.
    “Plewm?” it says, blinking a couple of times. “PLEEEWWWWWMM!!!!!!!!!!!!” it repeats upon being psychically thrown across the ring. Its tiny eyes turn into kawaii swirlies after it rolls over a few times and finally stops on its back.
    “Boku wa nigeru Minna kiero! Boku wa mou Nani mo hoshikunai!”
    Jezebel is now jumping up and down frenziedly (and in turn greatly amusing the other Duelists). “VAHLPLEWM, PULL YOAHSELF T’GETHAH!!!!!” she screams, her Southern accent more pronounced than ever. “HURRY UP AND USE YOAH SLEEP POWDAH!!!!!!!”
    Somehow, this message manages to get through to Vileplume. It recovers instantly, shakes its head, than sprays sparkly blue pollen at Batts before Faris can react. As a result, the Sleep Powder overwhelms Batts, and with much regret, he falls over, asleep.
    The song goes into a short instrumental, and Faris curses, “Shimatta!!”
    “OOOHOHOHOHOHOO!!!” Jezebel laughs into her hand. “This duel is as good as won!!”
    Faris closes her eyes. “That’s what you think,” she whispers, concentrating.
    However, Jezebel doesn’t hear this, and even if she had, she would have ignored it. “Vahlplume, finish off that horrid Kadabra with Petal Dance!”
    Vileplume nods, almost falls over from the weight of its head, balances with one leg to keep from falling over, then rights itself.
    “Mujin no SAIDOKAA ni matagatte Kuusou ryokou sanzenri”
    “Plewm!” Sprays of pretty pink cherry blossom flow out from the blossom on its head and strew themselves onto Batts. It does rather minimal damage at first, but then starts cutting him slightly. Vileplume in turn is out of control, charging as fast as it can (which isn’t very fast for a plant Pokémon) at the stilled Kadabra.
    “Chikatetsu, kousoku, hikoujou”
    Faris opens her eyes, an unearthly gleam reflecting off her crimson irises. “Batts, awaken!!” she snarls.
Batts’ eyes, glowing as red as Faris’ own, snap open. He is instantly on his feet, much to the shock of Jezebel. Vileplume doesn’t care, however, and continues to charge.
    “Yukuzo jisoku hyakkiro no”
    Jezebel shrieks desperately, “VAHLPLEWM, USE SLEEP POWDAH AGAHN!!!”
    Both Faris and Vileplume ignore her, and Faris orders with coldness beyond the Arctic, “Batts—Psychic attack.”
    “Kaiketsu, hayate, toubousha”
    Psychedelic mental waves coalesce into a compact ball at the star on Batts’ forehead. Eyes still burning bright red, the ball explodes into a full mental attack, assaulting Vileplume to the point where it’s not only knocked unconscious, it is also knocked twenty yards out of the ring.
    And the duel song ends.
    The church bells used to signal the conclusion of a Pokémon duel chime resoundingly. “The winner of the duel Amour is UTENA!” Michael announces over the loudspeaker. “UTENA is now the current Victor of the Duels!”
    “NO NO NO NO NOOOOOO!!!!!” Jezebel shrieks, falling to her knees and crying. “Ah was so CLOSE!!!!!”
    The red light fades from Batts’ eyes; Faris approaches him. “This one was close,” she whispers, kneeling down next to him. “I’m glad I sent you out instead of Utena, like I originally planned. If it wasn’t for our psychic link, I would have lost.”
   <Nothing will keep me from fulfilling your wish,> Batts replies. <That’s the promise we made, eight years ago…>
    Faris smiles gently, reminiscently.
    An unsympathetic Julie and Kevin lead a now dazed Jezebel out of the duel arena. Faris stands, and she and Batts walk together out of the duel arena.
    Ash, Gary, and James all rush up to her. “That was COOL!!” Ash obsesses, his hands clasped and his eyes shining with admiration. “I didn’t know that was possible!”
    “Incredible!” Gary follows up, obsessing in the same manner as Ash. “I’ve NEVER heard of anyone being able to wake up their Pokémon by just ORDERING them to!!”
    “It’s a talent,” Faris replies dryly before turning to James and smiling. “That was close.”
    James nods. “For a moment, I was really scared for you. I thought you were going to lose.”
    She grins. “Up until you learned that my link with Batts is so acute I can force him out of sleep if I have to.”
    James grins back, and she hugs him and kisses him on the cheek. He smiles fondly and hugs her back.
    Gary and Ash make faces. Both of them find this somewhat disturbing, mostly because James is the one wearing women’s clothing.
    Faris notes this. “OI!” she says, smirking. “Don’t look so disgusted. Someday you two will have girlfriends like this.”
    Gary and Ash picture themselves hugging James in a dress…
    …and a blue streak of disgust crosses over their noses. “Yeucchhh…”
    Faris whaps them lightly. “Urusai, omae-tachi! Remember, you and I are up next, Gary.” She raises a delicate lavender eyebrow and smirks. “Or should I call you MIKAGE?”
    “You can call me whatever you want!” Gary retorts. “But I’m not going to lose!”
    “If you win, you’ll get engaged to James,” is Faris’ smiling reply.
    Gary pauses for a moment.  Then he mutters something under his breath.
    “Lose-lose situation for you, ne?” Faris smiles sweetly. “See you at the duel arena.”
    “In the second duel, UTENA and MIKAGE will be facing each other,” Michael announces as she steps up to the arena. Grumbling at his rotten luck, Gary follows her. Once all the Duelists are in their rightful places, he continues, “Upon the sounding of the duel song, When Where Who Which, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel. The duel called Raison will now begin.”
    A drumbeat thrums up. “When; where; who; which? When; where; who; which?”
    Gary almost kisses his Pokéball, then seems to think better of it and just pitches it. “Pokéball, GO!!” he yells, throwing it out. The ball snaps open, and in a spray of white light, a Jolteon appears. “Jolt-E-on!!” it snaps.
    At the same time, Faris throws out her own chosen Pokéball. “Pokéball, go!” she cries, sending it flying. From the depths of the red and white ball, a Gengar appears in a flash of white light. “Gennn-garrr!!!” it grins wickedly, not at all impressed by its opponent.
    “Kioku no ori no chi no nagare”
    “A Gengar…” Gary murmurs to himself, eyes hard. “This might be tough.” He considers his opponent for a few seconds, then smirks. He points to Faris’ Gengar and orders, “Jolteon! Give it a Thundershock!”
    “Joooolt!” Jolteon snarls, its spiky fur riling up. With a burst of light, a minor electric shock hits the Gengar.
    Gengar takes it smiling.
    “Sennen shifuku no yurikago no”
    Faris crosses her arms, a bemused look on her face. “I sure hope that was a practice shot, MIKAGE-kun, ‘cause if that’s the best you’ve got, you’re doomed!”
    “Of COURSE it was a practice shot!!” Gary snaps from across the arena. “I’m not so stupid that I’d just rush into a battle—”
    “Duel,” Faris automatically corrects.
    “—a duel with Faris Greyweirs!” Gary finishes, taking her correction in stride.
    “Watashi wa haiyuu tatoete eikyuu”
    She shrugs, smiling lightly. “Hai, hai… Ja, iku wa yo. Ayanami!” she snaps, her tone changing completely from before.
    The Gengar, Ayanami, moves into battle stance. “Gennn…”
    “Ima da! Ayashii Hikari!!” she snarls, a breeze blowing her bangs around her face.
    “Sabaku no fuyu no SUFINKUSU FINKUSU”
    The scene snaps apart to show Ayanami, flying up and back. A burst of light flushes out slowly from its body, and Jolteon stares, puzzled.
    “Jolt?” it wonders before the light blinds it, overtakes it, and basically thoroughly muddles it.
    Jolteon’s eyes become neat little swirly things, and it now steps as if somewhat drunk.
    “Oooohh, how annoying!!” Gary growls to himself, fists twitching a little. “She just HAD to use Confuse Ray at the BEGINNING of the duel!”
    “Tanjou shibou no nikutai no Kanashiki kaze wo kimi shiru ya”
    “Iie~i!” Faris calls over to him. “This duel is almost over!”
    Gary’s left eye twitches a little. “So SOON!?” he growls. “Who does she think she is!?! JOLTEON, THUNDER ATTACK!!!”
    Jolteon sways a little, then manages to steady itself while sweating a little. “Joooolt…” it growls, sparks flying wildly from its spikes. It concentrates for a few, deadly seconds.
    “Seinaru haiyuu tatoete eikyuu Naraku e ochita aninkou MARUJINOO”
    “Ayanami! Toxic attack!” Faris calls, and the ghost Pokémon Ayanami washes Jolteon over with a very very VERY large wave of poison.
    Attack interrupted, Jolteon collapses to the floor of the arena, wounded but not beat.
    “Don’t give up, Jolteon! You can still win! Charge up your Thunder attack, quick, before Gengar can follow up with another attack!!” Gary yells, sweating from the pressure, but determined not to lose his head like Jezebel had.
    Jolteon slowly raises to its feet, electricity bursting and flashing from every hair. “Joooooooooollllltttt…….” it growls from deep within its throat.
    “Gen!” Ayanami replies, grinning mockingly at it.
    “Hikare! Moeyo! Samete! Utae!”
    Faris flips her hair, crying out, “It’s almost over, Ayanami! Finish Jolteon with Night Shade!”
    “Sekai ni tanjou Shunkan tanjou Sono kurikaeshi”
    As Jolteon charges towards it, Ayanami spreads out its etherial arms. “Gen… GARR!” it shrieks. The entire arena goes dark, then coalesces onto the Jolteon. With a searing noise, the Night Shade blasts Jolteon clear across the arena, slams its head on the stone wall, and knocks it unconscious.
    The duel song abruptly ends.
    “Awwwww, nuts,” Gary grumbles, holding up his Pokéball. “Jolteon, return!”
    The church bells burst into song like an angelic choir to announce Faris’ second victory as the unconscious Pokémon is engulfed by the red light.
    “The winner and still Victor, UTENA!” Michael announces. “Oh, by the way, that duel took one minute, thirty-seven seconds… pretty bad, MIKAGE. Even NANAMI held out longer than that.”
    “Oh, shut up!!!!!” he snaps up at the PA system, storming off the arena.
    Faris grins, calls Ayanami back, and gracefully exits the arena.
    “The third duel: TOUGA versus JURI. Enter the stage, Duelists.”
    Starr and Jessie rise to the arena in unison. “You’re determined to do this?” Jessie frowns at her friend.
    “You’re just so selfish, Jessie!” Starr yells, clenching her fist. “You’re always plotting against Faris, but why can’t you think of how happy she and James are together? I can’t let you do that any longer—I’ll go nuts if I have to put up with it any longer!!”
    Jessie rubs her forehead. “Yeah, whatever…” she mumbles.
    Michael interrupts their conversation with his announcement. “In the third duel, TOUGA and JURI will be facing each other. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Spira Mirabilis Gekijou, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel. The duel called Amitie will now begin.”
    The music begins. Jessie nods to Starr, and Starr nods back. The two throw out their Pokéballs, and in unison, they call, “Go, Pokéball!!”
    In a split scene, Jessie and Starr’s balls crack open. In a flash of white light, Jessie’s Pokéball reveals a Likitung, and Starr’s reveals a Vulpix. Together, they cry out their respective names.
    “Gekijou tokubetsu seishin shuugou genshou”
    Starr stares. “I didn’t know you had a Likitung, Jess,” she comments, her arms akimbo.
    Jessie laughs into her hand. “I skillfully captured it before the two of us met!”
    “She got mad at it when it ate our stuff, threw a Pokéball at it after it beat Arboc, and caught it,” James whispers to Faris, who’s sitting next to Thomas.
    Faris smirks.
    “Gekijou tokubetsu jinbutsu kuusou genjitsu”
    “In any case, you’d better start minding your own business!” Jessie snaps.
    “I could say the same about you, Jessie! Vulpix, Ember attack!” Starr orders, the screen splitting apart to show her Vulpix racing into battle.
    “Vul!!” it cries before sending a volley of small fireballs towards Likitung.
    “Anmongai renkinjutsu shinsei kouchuu SUPIRA MIRABIRISU”
    Jessie points Likitung, who deftly dodges most of the mini-fireballs, to Vulpix. “Likitung! Use your Stomp move!!” she orders.
    “LiKI!” Likitung replies, then swats Vulpix on the head with its tongue.
    “PIX!!” Vulpix complains, disgusted, but Likitung pays it no heed and continues to whap it with its tongue until Vulpix bites it.
    “TUNG!!!” Likitung shrieks, waving its arms and tongue wildly.
    “Futatabi ikiru tame ni shinu SUPIRA MIRABIRISU Aa Aa Kyoui no uzumaki”
    “Good move, Vulpix!” Starr cheers. “Now, give it the Flame Thrower!”
    The cute auburn Pokémon’s eyes glow gold, and it roars, “VUUUULLL!!!” as a volley of flames bursts from its mouth and burns Likitung to a crisp.
    Likitung blinks a couple of times before collapsing, clawing at its tongue. “TUNG TUNG TUNG!!!” it whines, trying to cool it down. In its struggles, it knocks Vulpix off its feet and accidentally whaps it around a few times.
    “Maimai maimai; maimai maimai; Owarinaki Gekijou”
    Jessie and Starr both stare. “Anoo…” Starr mutters, “…moshimoshi??”
    “Did I lose, or what?” Jessie wonders, turning to the judge panel. “Likitung’s still fighting!”
    Thomas-tachi shrug. “You lose when your Pokémon can’t move anymore,” Thomas calls to her.
    Jessie hmmm’s and turns back to the duel. “Likitung!”
    “Kikagaku butai seimei shi no shinpi sariyuku issai”
    Eyes filled with tears, Likitung looks up at its master. “Lihhi?” it says in a muffled voice.
    “You CAN still move!” Jessie says, relief clearly evident in her voice. “Okay then! Likitung, Slam attack!”
    “LIHHITANNN!?!?! LIHHI LIHH TAN LIH!!!!!” Likitung screeches, which translates roughly into, “Are you INSANE!?!?! I am in quite a lot of pain here!!!!!”
    Starr yells out, “Vulpix, Fire Spin!”
    Vulpix springs to its feet.
    “Shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei shi saisei!”
    Likitung jumps in surprise at the speed of its response, and whines.
    “HURRY UP!!!!” Jessie roars, her patience dying fast.
    Vulpix’s eyes glow deep red, and a vermilion aura surrounds its six tails. It opens its mouth, and a tornado of fire swirls out from it and wraps around Likitung. It traps the unfortunate Pokémon for several seconds before letting it go.
Likitung remains suspended in the air for a second, wherein the duel song abruptly ends; then it drops to the ground, very much so unable to move.
    The church bells sing out for the honor of TOUGA’s first victory.
    “DAMMIT!!!” Jessie screeches. Composing herself, she holds out her Pokéball. “Likitung, return!!”
    The very badly burnt Pokémon is encased in yet more red, then is summoned back into its Pokéball. Starr follows suit with Vulpix.
    “The winner of the duel Amitie is TOUGA!” Michael announces. “Next is the duel CHOIX, between MIKI and SAIONJI.”
    Thomas turns to Faris. “Who do you think will win in this duel?” he queries.
    Faris shrugs. “Who knows? Why do you ask, anyhow?”
    He smiles. “They’re both children, and they seem to have a fondness for each other. They mask it with their constant quarreling, but I’ve played the game too many times for them to fool me.”
    Faris smirks slightly. “A playboy simply couldn’t be my prince.”
    Thomas looks slightly startled, but composes himself. “Is that so?”
    “A~a,” Faris smiles elusively.
    Ash and Misty face off against each other. Ash looks supremely confident in himself. “I’m gonna win again,” he declares.
    “No way!” Misty snaps. “Last time was just a fluke! If Psyduck hadn’t come out, I would have whipped you bad!” She holds up her chosen Pokéball and smirks. “But I didn’t bring Psyduck this time, so you’re out of luck!”
    “HAH!” Ash grins. “You’re just in denial! None of your water Pokémon will be able to defeat Bulbasaur!”
    Misty rolls her eyes. “Egotistical jerk,” she mutters.
    “MIKI and SAIONJI will be dueling in today’s fourth duel. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Nikutai no Naka no Koseidai, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel. The duel called Choix will now begin.”
    “POKÉBALL, GO!!” Ash and Misty shout in unison, sending their Pokéballs out. From Ash’s Pokéball, of course, emerges Bulbasaur. From Misty’s Pokéball emerges…
    “Tentacool!” the dual-type Pokémon calls in a high-pitched voice.
    “Tentai jidai genshi no kaiyou shinshoku taiseki Sanjuuokunen seimei tanjou chishitsu jidai Kanburia Orudobisu Shiruru Debon SutorosuToraito Bakuteria Korenia”
    “HUH? No way!!” Ash yells. “I thought for sure you’d use Starmie!!”
    “Well, for YOUR information, Mr. Pokémon Master, I knew you’d use Bulbasaur. And since you’re SUCH a great trainer, you should know as well as I do that not only is Tentacool a poison-type as well as a water-type, but grass-type attacks are no good against poison-types!!” Misty tells him triumphantly before laughing at her own genius.
    “Grrrr…” Ash growls, clenching his fist. “She thinks she’s so smart! Well, I’ll show her!!” He turns to his Pokémon. “Bulbasaur!”
    “Bul!” the grassy creature nods.
    “Sanjou Juraki Hakuaki”
    “No you don’t!” Misty yells. “Tentacool, get ready!! Use your Wrap attack!”
    “Cool!!” Tentacool blubs before throwing its stingers around Bulbasaur and squeezing down on it.
    “Hikagenokazura Iwahiba Pureuromeia Kaitonia Bennechitesu Anmonaito”
    “Bulbasaur, hang on!!” Ash yells as Tentacool wraps tighter and tighter. “You can break free!”
    “BulbaSAUR!!” Bulbasaur snarls before rolling over.
    “TEN!” Tentacool shrieks, letting go and throwing itself a few feet away before it can be crushed.
    Misty looks severely annoyed. “Okay, so that didn’t work! Tentacool, go Supersonic!”
    A high-pitched whine emanates from its watery body, and the sound grates on everyone’s ears, especially Bulbasaur’s. It hides its ears underneath its arms, leaving the rest of its body defenseless.
    “Uminobara Uminoyuri Umiringo Umitsubomi Umitenshi Umikagami Umitobira Umikagerou”
    “YEAH!” Misty cheers. “Tentacool, cool Bulbasaur down with Water Gun, then follow up with your Poison Sting attack!”
Tentacool complies, and although the attacks don’t do much damage, Bulbasaur isn’t in much of a position to defend itself, much to the annoyance of Ash.
    “C’mon, Bulbasaur, fight back! You’re ten times more powerful than that piece of jelly! Tackle it, then use your Sleep Powder, and Tentacool will be helpless!!”
    “Sekitan Nijouki Koseidai”
    Bulbasaur raises its head, growling, and tackles it. The two Pokémon struggle together for a few seconds before Tentacool forces Bulbasaur away.
    “Uminoanata… Uminowatashi… Nikutai no naka no koseidai”
    Bulbasaur, in response to this move, wiggles its bulb a little; from the plant on its back, a shining blue powder blooms out and shimmers over Tentacool.
    Tentacool’s eyebrows waver, and begin to close.
    “No WAY!!” Misty protests to this. She pulls a bucket of water from the void. “There’s no WAY I’m gonna lose to you!!” she says in a determined tone before dousing her Pokémon with it.
    With the Sleep Powder washed away, Tentacool is revitalized.
    “Ikitsuzukeru… Shinitsuzukeru… Katarikakeru koseidai”
    Thomas frowns deeply at this display and exchanges glances with Orion, Kevin, Julie, and Nathalie. The five of them nod to each other, and Thomas sends Nathalie running over to the tower where Michael broadcasts his announcements.
    Faris notices this and smirks up at Misty and Ash, the latter is livid about this turn of events. The two are arguing quite vehemently.
    “Kujira no youni… iruka no youni… azarashi no youni”
    “That’s not fair, Misty!!” Ash protests. “Why can’t you just accept that I’m a better trainer than you!?”
    “Get real, Ash!!” Misty snaps back. “We both know I’m better, and I’m gonna prove it once and for all!”
    Ash gets a catty look on his face. “You’re better until you’re battling with Psyduck!”
    “Umi no soko e umiwatashi, umi no soko no dairekishi, boku ga boku suru umi no soko”
    Misty turns red. “SHUT UP!!!” she roars. “Tentacool, let’s finish this!! Constrict Bulbasaur with your tentacles!”
    Tentacool whips Bulbasaur down, then wraps it up and squeezes as hard as it can. Bulbasaur rapidly turns several different shades of blue and purple.
    “Augh, Bulbasaur, noo…!!” Ash cries.
    “Ahhh… ahhhh… Ammonite!”
    “Keep Constricting, Tentacool!!” Misty shouts.
    Tentacool continues to put the squeeze on Bulbasaur, until its eyes turn into little swirly things and it holds up a white flag on a stick from out of the void.
    The duel song ends.
    Tentacool lets go, and Bulbasaur gasps for breath. Ash runs up to it. “Bulbasaur, are you okay…?” he says.
    “Bulba…” his Pokémon murmurs in reply.
    The church bells cry out for the victory.
    The PA system comes alive, and Michael calls out, “The winner of the duel Choix is… SAIONJI!”
    Misty’s mouth drops open. “WHAT!?!?!”
    From the judge panel, Thomas stands. “You used outside means to aid your Pokémon during the duel,” he tells her in a loud, clear, calm voice. “At that moment, you forfeited the duel, so whether or not your Pokémon defeated SAIONJI’s, he would have been granted the victory.”
    Ash grins wide and cheers while Misty groans, cursing her bad luck.
    Thomas looks up at the tower. “Michael, announce the next duel.”
    As Ash struts off the arena with Bulbasaur back in place, and Misty trudges off, Michael announces, “The fifth duel for today is NANAMI vs. TOUGA, the duel called Justice.”
    Jezebel and Starr step up to the arena. Jezebel huffs at the redheaded girl, arms crossed. “What on Earth ARE you tryin’ t’do, girl?” she pouts at Starr. “I haven’t got any quarrel with you.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong!” Starr snaps. “You’re trying to control James. I can’t let anyone get away with screwing with my friends!!”
    Jezebel shrugs. “Ah really don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, but oh well.”
    “In this duel, TOUGA and NANAMI will be dueling for the honor of the Rose Bride and her—err, I mean, his—Victor. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Nanibito mo Kataru Koto Nashi, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel.”
    Faris raises an eyebrow. “Nanibito mo Kataru Koto Nashi?” she comments to Thomas. “That song is three minutes long. How is Jez supposed to last that long?”
    “It’s a truncated version,” he informs her. “Like Spira Mirabilis Gekijou had been.”
    She nods. “That makes sense.”
    “By the way, Faris—” Thomas starts.
    “Shh,” she cuts him off, waving a hand. “Later.”
    “The duel called Justice will now begin.”
    The music plays, and the two Duelists throw out their Pokémon. “POKÉBALL… GO!” they yell as their respective balls snap open. From Starr’s side, a Wartortle emerges. On Jezebel’s, a Weepinbell emerges.
    James blinks. “She didn’t used to have that thing.”
    Faris shrugs. “She could have always caught it, I guess.”
    “Nanibito mo kataru koto nashi Nanigoto mo kataru koto nashi”
    Jezebel laughs in delight. “Ah’m gonna WIN!” she cheers. “Tough luck, girl! Ah’ve got the advantage!! There’s no WAY you’re gonna win when ah’ve got a plant Pokémon and you’ve got a water! There’s just no way! Ah’m SO—”
    “Shut up and fight!!” Starr snaps. “Wartortle, Skull Bash!”
    “Tada, kioku to iu tozasareta kurayami ni”
    “TortortortorTOR!!” Wartortle proclaims as it charges towards the Weepinbell, head down.
    “Bel?” it blinks.
    The attack hits it straight in the face and sends it flying.
    “Tada, souzou-suru honno shunkan no kirameki ni”
    “HEEEYYYYY!!!” Jezebel shrieks, her voice raising an octave. “You can’t do that!!! She can’t do that, right!?!” she demands of the Student Council lookalikes.
    Julie raises an eyebrow. “Using physical attacks is perfectly legal.” She mutters under her breath, “Idiot.”
    “Tada, asu to iu hikari matsu kurayami ni, gekijou ni”
    “Oh, POO!!” Jezebel shrieks in the closest that she’s ever come to a curse. “Weepinbell, get up!!”
    The ridiculous-looking Pokémon gets back up on its leaves. “…bell…” it wheezes.
    “YOU’VE got the advantage, Weepinbell! Use yoa Razah Leaf attack!!!” she demands.
    Weepinbell rises, then spins around, sending myriad razor-sharp leaves at Wartortle. “BelbelbelbelBELBELBELBEL!!!!” it yells as it does so.
    “Ah, odore yo! Toki no kamen wo tsuketa Geinin-tachi no kodai tairiku gekijou”
    “Bite those leaves out of the air, Wartortle!!” Starr yells, sweating a little.
    Its chompers moving at lightning speed, Wartortle snaps every leaf that swoops its way before it can touch it. “Wartle!!” it grins, standing tough in front of a heavily sweatdropping Weepinbell.
    “B, b, belllll…” it worries, eyes very very wide.
    Ash blinks. “Wow…” he whispers.
    “Hoshi no youni, hotaru no youni”
    “This CAN’T be HAPPENI~~~~~N’…!!!!!!!!!!” Jezebel shrieks, completely losing whatever composure she had to begin with. “WEEPINBEEEEEELLLLL!!!!!!!”
    “Hikatte umare, hikatte kieta Umare kieta watashiboshi”
    “WEE PIN BEEEELLLLL!!!!” Weepinbel frets in turn, not knowing what to do now that its master has lost control of the situation.
    “Wartortle, take a Bite out of that Weepinbell’s fronds!” Starr cheers, delighted now that she knows victory’s inevitable.
    “Tortle!!” Wartortle grins evilly before making a snack out of Weepinbell’s left leaf.
    “BEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Weepinbell screams, sobbing a waterfall.
    “Ichibanboshi Watashiboshi; Hikatte kieru, Hotaruboshi”
    “That’s the way to go!” Starr grins. “Now, finish Weepinbell with Skull Bash!!”
    Wartortle saunters a distance a way, lowers its head, then charges full speed at Weepinbell.
    Weepinbell cries a little before it’s launched into the stratosphere.
    With a resounding THUMP coinciding with the end of the duel song, the unfortunate Pokémon lands outside the duel arena, fortunately missing falling off completely.
    “NO NO NO NOOOOOOO, ****I**** HAD THE ADVANTAGE!!!!!!!!!” Jezebel complains at the top of her lungs.
    The church bells disagree with her.
    “Winning her second duel, TOUGA comes out successful once again!” Michael cheers over the PA system. “The duel Justice belongs to TOUGA!!”
    With a frustrated scream, Jezebel calls Weepinbell back, then storms out of the arena to the elevator to head to the Pokémon Center to find treatment for her badly beaten Pokémon.
    Starr sweatdrops a little as she calls Wartortle back. “Maybe I was a little rough on her.” She grins devilishly before hopping off the arena.
    Faris grins as well. “Ne, so you were saying, Thom…?” she says, turning to the red-haired kaichou-lookalike.
    Thomas gives her the most charming smile he can muster, but before he can say a word, two dark-skinned hands begin to massage Faris’ shoulders. “I apologize for not saying so before, but the way you dueled was fabulous,” Orion smiles, bringing his face to hers.
    Thomas scowls at him.
    Faris elegantly pulls away from him. “Go away, Orion, I was talking to Thomas,” she says sweetly. “I don’t like you.”
    It’s Orion’s turn to scowl as she turns to Thomas. Thomas smiles triumphantly over to his rival before turning his attention to the red-eyed Rocket. “Faris, I was just wondering, would you like to have dinner with me sometime soon?” he offers in the most charming voice he can muster.
    Faris smiles. “I’ll consider it,” she replies, much to the surprise of both Thomas and Orion. Thomas recovers quickly, however, and beams at her.
    “I hope you’ll say yes,” he says honestly.
    Orion turns his back on them and walks to the other side of the table
    She laughs and gives him a sweet smile. “Sure, it’ll be fun! I’m sure James would love to. Who are you taking with you?”
    “Taking with—” Thomas looks startled. “I was hoping it would just be you and me. Alone,” he adds pointedly.
    “In that case, I’ll have to refuse,” she says lightly, smile not wavering. “Your sister would gut me if I accepted.”
    Thomas considers this for a second, then laughs. “You know, you’re right,” he smiles. “It’s a good thing she decided to stay with Michael up in the tower.”
    “It’s a miracle that she didn’t immediately flock to her brother’s side, especially with a temptress present,” Faris replies dryly.
    “In the current duel, JURI and MIKI will be dueling. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Chikyuu wa Jinbutsu Chinshinretsu, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel,” Michael calls, the other part of his announce already spoken during Faris and Thomas’ conversation.
    “Shiori-chan’s duel song,” Faris observes. “I liked her. She was a bitch to Juri-san, but I still liked her.”
    Julie stares over at them as Thomas raises an eyebrow. “Juri?”
    “Yeah,” Faris says breezily. “Juri’s in love with Shiori-chan, and Shiori just toyed with her heart like it was nothing. But then, she was innocent… cruelly innocent, but innocent nonetheless.” She turns away, smiling and eyes closed. “Innocence can sometimes blind you, ne?”
    Julie’s full attention now rests on Faris, though Jessie and Misty are ready to duel. Over the loudspeaker, Michael says, “The duel called Fiérte will now begin.”
    The music begins, and Jessie and Misty take their Pokéballs in hand.
    “Mugen ni tsui no kankei ga Nimai no kagami no hazama de”
    “Pokéball, GO!” they yell together, throwing the red and white orbs out.
    They snap open together, and together, the Pokémon inside are released.
    Misty’s Staryu emerges; so does Jessie’s Ponyta.
    Misty sweatdrops. “I didn’t think she would be that stupid…”
    Jessie also sweatdrops. “Shit… I forgot I had that in there…”
    “Zoushoku shiteyuku yokubou no Kimagure mujou no itsuwari no: Ahh…”
    “I hope you threw that thing out by accident!” Misty yells across the arena. “Otherwise, I’m gonna have to start worrying about you!”
    “What are you talking about!?” Jessie snaps. “Why on earth would I take a duel with a flat-chested little punk like you seriously?”
    Misty’s right eye twitches. “Flat-chested…” she seethes, “little… PUNK!?!! STARYU!!!”
    “Hyaa!” Staryu calls, ready for action.
    “Ah, hito wa nashi; Ah, yami no naka; Ah, nami no oto…”
    “WATER GUN THAT PONYTA INTO THE NEXT HEMISPHERE!!!!” the red-headed gym leader roars.
    Staryu sweatdrops a little, starting to get worried.
    “Oh no you don’t! Ponyta! Stomp that Staryu into jewel dust!!” Jessie orders.
    Ponyta neighs, and begins to charge at Staryu. The star-shaped Pokémon turns to its opponent, turns its top spike down, and shoots a spray of water at it.
    Ponyta leaps and dodges out of its way. Each graceful leap takes it closer to the Staryu, until it’s right in front of it. Ponyta bucks, readying its hooves to land on gem-like energy core…
    “Hikari tote, kage tsukuri Watashi wo watashi to tsui ni suru”
    And Starmie blasts Ponyta right in the stomach with a Water Gun.
    Ponyta screams in back and backs up a little, then brings its hooves down, narrowly missing the core but slamming onto Staryu’s lower body.
    Staryu screams silently and pulls away, spinning wildly.
    “Kodoku no hasse, sono riyuu Watashi wo watashi to tsui ni suru”
    Lightning fast, it spins around in a rebound, and strikes Ponyta across the torso. Ponyta neighs in pain, then as a reaction torches Staryu with Ember attack.
    “As long as you hit it, I don’t care!” Jessie yells. “Use your Tail Whip attack!”
    The fire-horse raises its head and nods fervently.
    “Futago, giri no futago, karakuri futago, fuzai no futago: Mienai mono ga mieru tame Karakuri sekai ga fujou suru Yuugisouchi ya damashie no Karakuri sekai ga fujou suru”
    Ponyta flips around and singes the round, ruby core slightly with its tail, knocking Staryu to the side. Just as quickly, it spins around to face the starfish Pokémon, ready for another round.
    Misty’s aqua eyes narrow slightly. ‘I’ve never seen her battle like this…’ she thinks, gritting her teeth. The grimace melts instantaneously into a smirk. ‘Well, even if I lose—which I WON’T—at least I’ll have the pleasure of knowing she took me seriously!’ “Staryu! Swift attack!”
    “Hya!” Staryu’s core glows slightly, and a multitude of golden stars swirl out from it and strike Ponyta across the muzzle, neck, torso, and legs. Neighing in surprise, since every star is hitting its mark, Ponyta vainly attempts to defend itself.
    “Ponyta! Fight back with Stomp attack!!” Jessie snarls, not liking the path this duel is going down.
    Already in a bucking position, Ponyta brings its legs down.
    “STARYUHARDENQUICK!!”
    The golden water Pokémon flashes red just before Ponyta’s diamond-sharp hooves come into contact with its energy core… and slide off.
    Misty takes a relieved breath as Jessie’s blood pressure rises.
    However, before either of them can say anything, Ponyta kicks Stary several feet away. Misty’s Pokémon bounces five times before it stops, then leaps back to the things resembling feet. Ponyta’s already growling, eyes glowing bright red. Much to everyone’s surprise, the horse Pokémon takes on a very familiar bright white glow.
    “Chikyuu wa jinbutsu omochabako; chikyuu wa jinbutsu hyakkaten; chikyuu wa jinbutsu garasudana.”
    Shining with evolutionary light, Ponyta grows during the first line, and reveals itself as a Rapidash between lines.
    Misty gasps. “No WAY! Ponyta evolved into Rapidash…!?!”
    “YAY!!!” Jessie cheers, jumping for joy. “Another Pokémon for me!!”
    Misty scowls. “No big! Staryu, Hydro Pump!”
    “Hyaaa!!” Staryu cries as a nexus of water surrounds it. Super spouts burst from all five of its points, then encase Rapidash in a waterspout.
    “Chikyuu wa...”
    The waterspout disperses, a defeated Rapidash falls to the ground, and the duel song ends.
    Crashing with heavenly sound, the church bells cheer for Misty’s victory.
    Jessie’s mouth drops open as Misty parties and Michael announces, “The victor of the duel Fiérte is MIKI! MIKI has won her first duel!”
    “No WAY!! That’s not fair!!!” Jessie almost wails. Growling unnaturally, she slams her Pokéball on the ground, where it snaps open and retrieves the fallen Rapidash. Stalking off the arena, many of the other Duelists heard her speaking various unrepeatable curses.
    Misty smirks and returns Staryu, then saunters over to Ash and crosses her arms. “Well?”
    Ash gives her a look. “Well, what?”
    “Your comments, SAIONJI,” she says dryly.
    Ash smirks—this is the opportunity he’s been dreaming of. “Well,” he grins viciously, “as you said to me once, how much skill does it take to win a battle against Team Rocket?”
    To which Misty promptly bashes Ash over the head. “You were supposed to compliment me, you jerk!!!” she roars.
    The other Duelists, Gary and Faris in particular and with the exception of Jessie, watch the show, bemused.
    “What for?” he asks, smirking. “After all, I won our duel.”
    “YOU won by DEFAULT!!” Misty points out.
    Ash makes a face. “As if! If I hadn’t been going easy on you, since you’re a girl and all, Bulbasaur would have whipped Tentacool in no time flat!”
    “YOU whip ME!? Yeah, right!!” Misty sneers. “Why can’t you just get over yourself and admit that I won!?”
    Ash snorts. “YOU’RE the one who needs to get over herself!”
    “Heh!” Gary smirks, interrupting their argument. “You’re BOTH losers! Arguing over who won over that duel like that, when you BOTH lost!”
    “WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!” Misty and Ash snarl in unison.
    Gary remains unimpressed as he continues, “It’s pathetic, you know. You two need to grow up!”
    Faris stands.
    “You’re never make a decent trainer if you keep winning by default, Ash,” he smirks. He raises an eyebrow and adds, “I bet that’s how you got all your badges!”
    She walks around the table.
    Ash promptly turns into a stone statue and a beam of light shines over him. Misty gives him a curious look, and sighs. “Dope.”
    Gary laughs cruelly. “I figured as much! Let me guess: they gave you badges ‘cause they felt sorry for you. Well, I’m not going to go easy on you, just because you’re such a losGLEUCKGH.”
    Faris has captured Gary in a headlock. “You better cool down, Mr. Would-Be Pokémon Master,” she smiles, and here she pointedly looks over at Thomas-tachi and continues, “or I’ll have to revolutionize that obnoxious attitude of yours.” She turns back to him. “Catch my drift?”
    “Glrglefh,” Gary replies, beginning to turn blue.
    Ash snickers at his rival’s plight.
    “Is that a yes?” she grins evilly, grabbing his spiky head of hair. Faris roughly nods Gary’s head for him, and she smiles big. “That’s a good boy!” She shoves him forward, and he gasps for breath. “You be a good boy and behave, or I’ll send the Swords of Hate after you.”
    Thomas-tachi’s eyes are as big as saucer plates.
    Orion broods in the corner, contemplating this new turn of events.
    “Did you hear—” Kevin hisses to Julie, who nods slowly.
    “There’s just no WAY—” Nathalie whispers to Thomas, who raises a hand to cut her off.
    He locks eyes with a smirking Faris. A long moment passes before Faris states:
    “Why the surprised look, Mr. President? Innocence is hardly eternal… and I don’t intend to play the fool this time around.” She flips her hair, still smirking, then returns to her seat next to the red-haired man, whose deep blue eyes never leave her for a second.
    He whispers something under his breath.
    A long period of silence ensues.
    The PA system crackles to life, causing everyone but Faris to jump—mostly because it hadn’t crackled in the past. “Umm…” Michael’s voice says nervously. “The second-to-last duel, Conviction. MIKAGE vs. SAIONJI.”
    Gary and Ash step up to the arena a little too fast.
    “In the current duel, SAIONJI and MIKAGE will be dueling. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Fuuin Jubaku, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel,” Michael announces. “The duel called Conviction will now begin.”
The music thrums over the PA system.
    ‘I’ll show you, Gary,’ Ash scowls to himself as he throws out his Pokéball.
    ‘I hope Faris won’t hold beating him against me,’ Gary worries at the same time as he sends his Pokémon out to duel.
    On Ash’s side, a familiar small blue Pokémon emerges. “Squirt squirt!” Squirtle calls.
    On Gary’s side, a large flowery Pokémon emerges. “Venus!!” the Venusaur grumbles, disappointed at its opponent’s small size.
    “Shirushi naki fuuin jubaku fuun no tekkamen”
    Gary raises an eyebrow. “How disappointing,” he mutters to himself. “Just a Squirtle? I was hoping he’d have a stronger opponent for me than that…” In a louder voice, he calls, “Well, Ash, are you ready to lose?”
    “No!” Ash yells back.
    Gary rolls his eyes. “Idiot,” he sighs, crossing his arms. “How’s he expect to win when I’ve got a Venusaur and he’s only got a tiny little Squirtle?” He shakes his head. “Venusaur! Solar Beam attack!”
    “Squirtle! Retaliate with Skull Bash!!” Ash yells, sweating a little.
    The sun brightens as if to respond with the order, and its light pours onto the flower on Venusaur’s back. Slowly, an orb of solar energy grows…
    “Aozora, Umi, soshite kaze ga fuki; Sougen, Usagi, kawa yo nagarete mo”
    Squirtle puts its head down and charges as fast as its little legs can take it…
    And Squirtle smacks Venusaur in the face before Venusaur lets loose its energy and blasts Squirtle to the other side of the arena.
    Venusaur rubs its face, annoyed that such a small thing managed to get a hit in.
    The church bells sing.
    “Toki wa, jidai wo kawaru koto nashi; Toki wa, jidai wa aru mono nai mono”
    Ash’s mouth drops open in disbelief. “No WAY!!” he yells. “That’s not fair, it was over too soon! I demand a rematch!!”
    “Oh, stop whining!” Gary snaps.
    Thomas-tachi glance at each other. “Should we let them?” Juri whispers to Thomas.
    Kevin and Nathalie frown. “Don’t let them,” the blond-haired girl snaps. “Serves that obnoxious kid right to be beaten so fast.”
    “I agree, don’t let them,” Kevin adds.
    “Hito wo “Gokko” no chi no kijutsu Hito mo “Oshie” no kawa nagare Hito mo hito nari to tada tsutaerareru nomi. Henka nashi!”
    Faris glances over at them. “Gary’s the more obnoxious one,” she comments. “Besides, the duel song isn’t over. Let ‘em go at it again.”
    Thomas nods. “The rules say they can have a second duel.” He stands. “You can go again!”
    Gary shrugs. “Whatever. Venusaur, return. Go, Pokéball!” he says in one breath and motion.
    Ash in turn returns Squirtle, then sends out his last Pokémon.
    Gary’s Pokémon is Marowak.
    Ash’s is Pidgeotto.
    “Hiru niwa miete yoru niwa miezu Yoru niwa miete hiru niwa miezu ANAGURAMU”
    Ash grins wildly. “All RIGHT! Now I’ve got the advantage! Pidgeotto, Wing Attack!!”
    Gary scowls. “Darn! I can’t do anything that’ll hurt it…”
    Crying its Xena yell, Pidgeotto smacks Cubone across the face with its right wing, then soars back up into the sky in one fluid motion. Marowak cries out in pain, shaking its head. Gary looks on with crossed arms, not bothering to do anything.
    “Sono nazo kotoba, kotoba no kamen, sono minamoto naru wa… Dich!”
    “YEAH! Finish Marowak with Gust attack!!”Ash cheers.
    Summoning a whirlwind and another Xena yell, Pidgeotto hurricanes Marowak to the other side of the arena, much like Venusaur had done to Squirtle.
    The duel song ends, and the church bells as well as Ash rejoice.
    “Marowak, return,” Gary states in a monotone. Ash does the same after a moment.
    As they return to the judge panel, Ash smirks, “NOW who’s the loser, huh?”
    Gary decides not to dignify the question with an answer.
    Ash continues to gloat.
    Faris shakes her head. “Such children.”
    Michael hesitates, not sure exactly who to call the winner. He decides not to bother in the end. “The final duel: Adoration. JURI vs. UTENA will duel.”
    Faris pushes out of her chair, and strolls up to the arena.
    Jessie climbs up into the arena and faces her rival. She says nothing; she merely glowers at Faris.
    Faris, in turn, rewards her with a purely indifferent look.
    “In the last duel for today, JURI will be fighting UTENA for possession of the Rose Bride. Upon the sounding of the duel song, Tenshi Souzou Sunawachi Hikari, the Duelists will send out their Pokémon and duel,” he announces.
Faris blinks. “Hmm,” she murmurs to herself. “One of my favorite duel songs.”
    “The duel called Adoration will now begin.”
    A guitar riff thrums up as Jessie and Faris throw out their Pokéballs. In unison, they cry, “Pokéball, go!!”
    In a split scene, Faris’ Pokéball snaps open to reveal Utena, her Dragonair.
    Jessie’s Pokéball opens to reveal her recently caught Gyarados.
    Both Pokémon let loose mighty battle roars as they face off.
    “Banshou light MOZAIKO light Akatsuki no ko RUSHIFERU tenshi”
    Jessie’s voice holds a deadly quiet as she orders, “Gyarados, Bite it.”
    Amazingly, it follows her order, and dives down at Utena, jaws wide open.
    “Utena! Use your Agility move to get out of the way!” Faris shouts.
    “Mokushi light MIKAERU light Yami no ko ANDOROGYUNUSU”
    The miss margin is only a few inches.
    As the dust settles and the Pokémon collect themselves to move again, Faris calls across the arena, “You’re acting a lot calmer than I thought you would, sempai.”
    “Honoo no light Tendou light Tenkai no HIERARUKIA Gensou light Eien light Kuusou karakuri kimagure tanjou”
    Jessie raises an eyebrow at this. “Sempai…?” she murmurs to herself.
    Julie’s eyes narrow slightly.
    Jessie shouts back after the brief moment, “I’m not gonna make a fool out of myself, not against you. I’m going to win! And if I lose, I’m going to lose with dignity!! Gyarados, put Dragonair down with Leer attack!”
    Gyarados growls slightly, then glares down at Utena, eyes starting to glow.
    “Nicocus Erebus Uranus Thanatos”
    Utena trembles slightly at the leer, backing off a little.
    “This isn’t a problem, Utena,” Faris states. “Paralyze Gyarados with Thunder Wave.”
    A spark shoots up from Utena’s ears, and a mild electrical shock courses through Gyarados’ body. It does the job, though, and succeeds in paralyzing it.
    “Hikari kagayaku karada kyuukei gyunusu Arayuru kiseki ni umare gyunusu”
    The entire left side of Jessie’s face twitches. “Stupid *(@%&,” she curses to herself. “Gyarados! Don’t wait any longer! Use your Dragon Rage!!”
    A collective gasp rises among the other Duelists.
    Gyarados twitches a little, and groans nervously.
    A few seconds pass.
    “Kairaku gensoku NIRUVAANA gensoku Shi no hitsuzensei sunawachi hikari”
    “I don’t think it can attack, sempai!” Faris yells to Jessie, smiling.
    “SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!!!” Jessie roars, finally snapping. “Gyarados, I don’t care HOW long it takes, keep trying to use Dragon Rage until that Dragonair is in the next time zone!!!”
    “Ikite wa izu ni Ugoiteiru seimei no shou Dainou uchuu ni Samayotteiru seimei no kei”
    Faris’ eyes narrow. “That’s not going to happen! Utena, Wrap up Gyarados to keep it from moving!”
    “Dranair!!” Utena cries before curling its long body around Gyarados’ and squeezing.
    “That fool,” Julie mutters.
    “Hmm?” Thomas turns to her.
    “Why doesn’t she get serious? Faris would have won long before now if she’d stop playing around,” the strawberry blond-haired girl growls to herself.
    Thomas smiles. “We all have our personal reasons.”
    Julie glares at her elder. “That’s beside the point! She doesn’t need to drag it out!” She shifts her gaze back to Faris. “She called her… sempai…” she murmurs under her breath. “Even though she’s older and obviously more talented…” She closes her eyes. “Maybe… maybe it is her…”
    Kevin glances over at her.
    “Koumyou, kagen, eien wo kishite! Sunawachi gensho ni modoru fukanzen”
     Jessie, by now, has gone into a rage for the same reasons Julie is displeased with Faris. Charging for the lavender-haired girl, she completely ignores Gyarados and Utena, instead opting to tackle her rival.
     Faris dodges this attack, but Jessie manages to take her by surprise in a shockingly swift rebound.
    “You ALWAYS get what you want, you stupid spoiled bitch!!” Jessie snarls, pinning her to the ground. “Why can’t I have what I want, for once in my life!??!”
    “Ryousei ryoukyoku Futatsu no watashi Jouge sayuu Futatsu no watashi”
    Faris snarls back, “You’re the selfish one! You’re just thinking of yourself—you aren’t thinking of James at all! Besides, if you love him so much, why didn’t you get serious BEFORE I came along!? You just want him because he’s no longer yours to control!!!”
    “Zengo tenchi Futatsu no watashi Tenshi akuma Futatsu no watashi”
    “What did you say?!” Jessie snarls, but she loosens her grip.
    This is enough for Faris, who’s been ready for several seconds. She flips Jessie over in a miracle of strength and acrobatics, and snarls to Utena, “Hyper Beam!!”
    “The center is hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow hollow…”
    Black and white energy coalesces on Utena’s head as she flips away from Gyarados. A second seems to be forever…
    …And the destructive beam shoots out and overtakes Gyarados.
    After several seconds, Gyarados collapses with a great crash across the duel arena.
    All is silent. The duel song had ended before Gyarados had hit the floor.
    Then, finally…
    The church bells cry out, their song of victory crashing out into eternity.
    “The winner is UTENA! UTENA remains the Victor of the Duels!!” Michael calls out, a little frantically. This is the first time he’s seen such a devastating duel…
    Faris calls Utena back and crosses her arms, turning to Jessie. “Happy?” she questions sharply.
    Jessie screams in rage and rushes Faris.
    The lavender-haired girl, however, had predicted such and action and side steps her. Jessie twirls around just in time to receive a knee in the stomach from Faris.
    The others watch on silently, some in apathy, some in horror, as Faris continues to fell Jessie down with strike after strike.
    A kick to the uterus. A punch to the jaw. A flip over the shoulder, and then a roundhouse kick, crunching into her side.
    Faris lets Jessie drop to the ground. The redheaded girl, once proud and arrogant, now covered in bruises and humility, sobs.
    She flips her hair, then glares down at Jessie. She remains silent for a moment, then opens her mouth. “You are worthless.”
    Orion stands, then slowly approaches Jessie, who is crumpled into a fetal position. Gently, he picks her up, and carries her to the elevator. Together, they go down.
    Faris and the others watch this silently.
    The PA system comes to life. “Erm…” Michael says. “There’s something else…”
    Faris-tachi glance up at the tower.
    It’s at this point the red-eyed girl notices Martina and James’ parents.
    “Well…” Michael hesitates. “As is the custom… since Faris is the Victor of the Duels…”
    Starr and Faris’ eyes widen. James looks at them curiously.
    “…she and the Rose Bride are engaged.” He coughs. “To also correspond the wishes of their parents,” he adds apologetically.
    Their mouths drop open.
    “…uso da…” Faris whispers, paling. “Uso da… uso da!!”
    “Faris?” James says, rushing to her side.
    She knocks him away, crumpling to the ground. “USO DA!!!!!”
    Her arms cover her face. ‘How pathetic I am,’ she thinks, involuntary tears forcing their way out of her eyes.