Opening Contest [Z] [Maya] [Zandrophin] [Akane]

Zandrophin began walking up to the stage, chuckling to himself.

Going last again, old friend.

Always save the best for last, Sir.

If they don't mind, go join with Marcus and Eira in their box...you'll enjoy the performance from there.

Sir? Are you sure you don't want me down there?

I'll be fine, Mentus...besides...you can't be on stage at the same time Squirt is; one Pokemon at a time.

Mentus hovered over to the box, keeping his distance from Marcus. Zandrophin came to the center of the stage and, in his best stage voice, said:

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen!" He bowed and continued, "My name is Zandrophin; I'm from Saffron City in the Kanto region. I'll keep the introduction short, just know that, everywhere I've gone, my shows leave a lasting impression on my audience. My performance in Celosia had a similar effect; for those of you here that saw that, welcome to another show. I ask now, ladies and gentlemen, that you sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, for this performance will leave a truly lasting impression."

Zandrophin flourished his customized Dive ball and set it down in the center of the stage. He took a few steps back waited a few seconds. Zandrophin snapped his fingers...and the show began.

The Dive ball opened and a large jet of water shot towards the ceiling. Over the next few seconds, the jet shrank in size, revealing Squirt's shell to the audience. Eventually, the jet became a low-pressure stream, only about six inches in length, similar to that of a public fountain. Squirt popped his head out, gave a goofy smile, dismounted the stream by flipping off of it, and bowed to the audience, the water still flowing from the Dive ball.

"Squirt, are you ready?" Zandrophin asked.

"Squirtle!"

"Alright, then. Use Surf, and remember to get the height where we practiced!"

Using the water coming out of the Dive ball, Squirtle generated a large wave, almost a third of the height of the room, and rode atop it. Just as the wave reached its pinnacle, Zandrophin commanded,

"Great work! Now...freeze it!"

Squirt took a deep breath in and, with all of his might, launched a stream of ice at the wave he was standing on. Within a few moments, the wave was frozen solid. To the audience, it must've been rather unsettling, as the ice had formed many jagged areas at the end and sides of the wave.

"Bravo! This looks very good, Squirt...but I think we can make it look better. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Squirt!" Squirt was eagerly awaiting the next part, as he loved this part the best.

"Well, get to it, then; Iron Tail! Remember to keep the shards away from the audience and to maintain control!"

Squirt nodded and his tail took on a metallic glow. He quickly began to chisel the ice, chunks of varying sizes fell all around. The frozen wave slowly began to take on a new shape. It's jagged edges became smooth curves, making it all the more sleek and pleasant to look at. After about a minute, Squirt wiped his brow and stood atop his masterpiece, quite triumphantly:

He had carved the visage of a Lapras out of the wave. Squirt jumped down from the statue as Zandrophin stepped forward to explain. Zandrophin hooked his arm and Squirt landed similar to a bird Pokemon, perched upon his trainer's forearm. Zandrophin said,

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you see before you is my contribution to Lady Eira for her hospitality. This place is called Lapras Lounge, so we decided this would fit nicely. I hope you all will agree."

The pair bowed to the audience. Zandrophin looked at Squirt and said,

"Fine job, old boy. Even if they didn't like it...I was very impressed."

As was I. Well done, Squirt.

The pair turned to face Lady Eira, and their judgement.Zandrophin began walking up to the stage, chuckling to himself.