As a contest valuing artistry over competition, the audience didn't react with wild excitement.
But after finding the old photo online and comparing it to the lifelike sculpture, people saw the once-blurry image come vividly to life.
For a moment, the venue was silent; everyone was entranced by the unique ice sculpture.
Then—
"Ahem."
It was Geeta who broke the silence, raising her scorecard first.
"I give a full 20 points."
She smiled.
Clearly, she was satisfied with Lucas's work. Through the sculpture, she witnessed the majesty of the sky dragon that couldn't be glimpsed from blurry photos.
This reaffirmed her strategy to befriend Calyrex, who could defeat Rayquaza, and of course, her already good relationship with Lucas.
Of course, her 20 points weren't just for connections—Lucas's dragon had truly moved her.
After her, the other three judges gave their scores and comments after a pause.
"I give 19 points. This sculpture's grandeur is my favorite. If the technique were a bit better, even more so. Think of this as my investment."
"I give 18 points. The technical flaws are obvious, but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Contestant 25's work really feels fresh."
"I give 19 points. The concept and Pokémon moves' effects perfectly matched the piece, nicely offsetting the technical shortcomings. Especially since the subject is the legendary Rayquaza. As a Hoenn native, I'd love to display this sculpture back home."
With Geeta, that made 76 points.
To beat Shawa, Lucas needed the final judge, Chairwoman Osha—the toughest critic—to give a perfect 20.
Even Shawa and her Pokémon held their breath, watching Osha.
Lapras and Weavile glanced accusingly at Frosmoth.
If you hadn't taught Ninetales Aurora Veil, we wouldn't have such a tough rival!
Frosmoth, flustered, fluttered its wings, chirping in protest—
It wasn't on purpose! How was it to know Vulpix would suddenly evolve, and master Aurora Veil all at once?
But no matter how it protested, Lapras and Weavile were already blaming it.
At last, Osha opened her eyes, as if having made up her mind.
"I give... 18 points."
The audience fell silent as everyone did the math.
18+76=94—just one point shy of Shawa's 95.
Next moment,
Shawa's loyal fans cheered.
But Shawa herself was stunned, her joy at victory faint.
Osha was her mentor in ice sculpture—practically a master. Yet now, she'd lost to an obvious novice in her master's scoring.
Even among the cheers, Shawa's brow never relaxed. She couldn't understand where she'd lost to Lucas.
Geeta was surprised.
Not because Osha scored Lucas too low, but because she gave only 16 to Shawa's near-perfect work, yet gave Lucas 18.
Was it the legendary Pokémon's effect, or her own influence?
Geeta awaited Osha's commentary with curiosity.
Osha, after a pause, glanced at Shawa, shook her head, and said, "Contestant 25—Mr. Lucas's work. Honestly, at first glance, I wasn't overwhelmed, sharing the opinion of the other judges: his technique is too raw."
"But in that rawness, he used his Pokémon's power to realize his inspiration. Frankly, I think his potential and creativity in ice sculpture shone through."
"I believe with time and practice, as his style matures, he will be another master sculptor in the field."
"So, I'm willing to give my vote to this promising new talent. To debut at such a major event and take second place—I look forward to your future."
At this,
Lucas wasn't disappointed at coming second.
As Calyrex's mist faded and he saw his slightly downcast Pokémon, he patted each one, beaming.
"Don't forget, we came for the experience. Winning or losing doesn't matter. Not only did we make great memories, Vulpix evolved, and we got second place! Isn't that awesome?"
Calyrex, riding Glastrier, stepped forward and agreed, "Let's take a group photo by the sculpture later."
To be honest, Calyrex had been itching to do this for a while.
Often, it borrowed Lucas's camera and asked Oranguru for tips. With psychic powers, photography was even easier. Calyrex was determined to get the perfect shot for Lucas's album today!
Hearing Osha's words, Lucas was a bit flattered.
Maybe he really did have some talent for sculpture?
Second place on debut—if given more time, could he reach the top?
…
Night deepened.
A simple awards ceremony took place.
Lucas, Shawa, and the third-place contestant stood on stage, each receiving a certificate and medal stamped by the World Ice Sculpture Association.
Then, Geeta presented the prizes.
For second place, Lucas received an "Icy Rock" (extends the duration of hail/snow weather) and a check for 500,000 Alliance coins.
With a certificate, silver medal, icy rock, and huge check, Lucas's grin nearly split his face.
He'd just come out to have fun, but ended up with all these prizes, Vulpix evolved, and he met the Abomasnow family.
What a win!
After the group photos, Lucas was about to gather his Pokémon for a private shot when Shawa stopped him.
"Could I borrow you for a moment?"
"Sure."
Lucas nodded. Since Shawa's Frosmoth had taught Ninetales Aurora Veil, he was happy to oblige.
Shawa took out her phone with a smile. "Let's exchange contact info."
Lucas: ?
Sensing the awkwardness, Shawa tucked her hair behind her ear. "I have a husband and kids. I just want your info because Osha said you have potential as a sculptor. If you have any questions, you can call me."
"Please don't waste your talent."
Looking into her eyes, Lucas felt she seemed relieved about something.
But Shawa was right.
He planned to do more sculpture for fun, so having a pro contact was useful.
"Alright," Lucas agreed.
Soon after,
With a new contact in his phone, Lucas wove through the crowd back to his work area, cordoned off by staff.
Seeing him, many begged for a repeat of his earlier show—they wanted more photos.
Lucas gladly agreed.
After all, they'd have to use their combo moves for their own photo anyway, so why not let other visitors take pictures too?
If possible, Lucas would have loved to exhibit his work worldwide.
He called Calyrex, lined up Ceruledge, Mimikyu, Glastrier, Regice, Ninetales, the Sandslash and Abomasnow couples, and Snover
All set, Lucas took the center position. The white mist, aurora, and dazzling gleam combo shone again.
Ceruledge found a cool pose, matching its character.
Mimikyu happily jumped onto Lucas's shoulder, smug that now it was the only one there.
Ninetales, post-evolution, had gained the poise of its mother, more graceful and less childish—whether this was genuine or not, it looked exceptionally elegant.
Regice's yellow dots blinked rapidly as it stood stiffly, as if still processing what "taking a photo" meant.
The Sandslash couple missed their child but endured for its safety.
Calyrex atop Glastrier, meanwhile, was still sulking.
The shy Abomasnow couple stood awkwardly, wondering if it was okay to appear in someone else's family photo.
Snover, cheerful as ever, grabbed its parents' hands, and its "ka-boo, ka-boo" cries startled them.
Translated, it basically meant:
"We've been family for ages! Actually, I already agreed to Lucas's plan for us all to move together!"
Sold off already!?
Just then, Lucas called out:
"Ready? 1, 2, 3, cheese~!"
Calyrex, with legendary precision, used psychic power to snap the shutter at the perfect moment.
Click!
A beautiful photo, full of emotions but mostly smiles, capturing everyone and the imposing Ice Sky Dragon in the background, was taken.
This ice sculpture contest would have a much greater impact than anyone expected.
…
Days later,
Hoenn Region.
LaRousse City.
In a research lab, Professor Lund stared thoughtfully at the now-famous photo circulating in Hoenn.
He remembered that four years ago, it was a Pokémon just like that which battled another from space—the very reason his son…
Sighing, Professor Lund glanced at the crystal in the lab's center—Deoxys.
He murmured, "If it's revived, will that giant dragon chase it to LaRousse City?"
"Maybe that sculptor from Paldea knows something."
…
Meteor Falls.
After the chaos caused by the Dragon Clan, Zinnia was exiled to Meteor Falls, her clan forced to pay compensation. Alone in confinement, she looked at the photo on her phone, brow furrowed.
"Could that person have seen Lord Rayquaza?"
…
Sootopolis City.
Inside the Sootopolis Gym, a slim, fair blue-haired man with a white hat slid his finger across a tablet, double-tapping to pause and zoom in on the elegant Ninetales casting Aurora Veil and Dazzling Gleam, a small smile on his lips.
"The ancient Sky God Rayquaza and the titan Regice aside—"
"That Ninetales would be perfect for the Contest Spectaculars."
"Maybe I should talk to the Paldea League and see if we can expand the Contest circuit."
"If that Ninetales could appear, it would be a real treat."
"Miluu?"
By his side, the beautiful Milotic, called "the loveliest Pokémon," wrapped its tail around his hand, gently reminding him.
Wallace smiled.
"My sweet honey, what an incisive suggestion."
"True, even as Sootopolis Gym Leader and Contest Master, I'm not influential enough to negotiate with a League."
"But…"
He stood and stretched with a flexibility rare for men.
"My friend Steven is probably tired of being Champion, ready to disappear into the mountains to hunt stones."
"So, perhaps it's time for me to serve as Hoenn League Champion for a while."