May I speak with you, Snivy? a voice in her head asked in the middle of the night.

[What? Who are you?] she asked.

Don’t tell anyone, but… I’m Kitsune’s Trainer, Rosa. came the answer.

[How are you talking to me?] the Snivy asked. [And why?]

I’m telepathic. Rosa answered. It’s a secret, though. I could lose my Trainer Card if anyone found out, and my Contest Pass with it!

[…I… See…] the Snivy said. [What do you want to talk with me about, then?]

I know how you’re planning to prove to Kitsune that you actually like him now. she revealed. But… Please, don’t throw the match when we reach the finals. It would be a hollow victory, he’d hate that.

[…I’m sorry, but I may not have a choice.] was the reply. [This may be the last time we ever meet, I can’t let him leave without knowing.]

Kitsune would rather win fair and square. Anything less is worthless to him.

[And he knows that a victory would mean a lot to my Trainer. And to me.]

So you plan to show him that he is more important to you than victory?

[If that’s what it takes. I don’t know what else to do…]

I’ll help you, then. You don’t have to throw the match completely to prove your point to him.

---

“And now that that Battle is over, the winners shall move on to the Finals!” the Contest host announced. “We’ll give the contestants some time to rest up before then, so they’re well-rested.”

[Not that we need it, really.] Kitsune murmured.

Kitsune, about the next match… Rosa said telepathically. Start it slow, alright?

What? Kitsune asked. Why?

I talked to Snivy last night, and… She’s planning to throw the match, just to prove a point.

She’s not really going to do that. What kind of point would it prove?

She’s been trying to tell you several times… Rosa sighed. …You’ll see.

---

The host announced the beginning of the final round of the Contest, introducing the two contestants. [Ready for this, cutie?] Snivy asked.

[You’re not going to get to me with that.] Kitsune growled.

“Begin!” the host called, and Kitsune launched himself at his opponent. He started with a Flamethrower and braced himself for retaliation, but she never moved, despite her Trainer ordering several attacks.

The Fox Pokémon used another Flamethrower, and, again, Snivy did nothing to retaliate. [Why aren’t you fighting?] Kitsune asked. [Don’t you want to win?]

[I do.] she answered. [But I have to tell you… Kitsune, I love you. And this is how I’m proving it.]

[…You’re serious about this.] Kitsune said, surprised. [Well… Alright. If you want a date with me, stand and fight. I want my victory to mean something.]

[You got it, sweetie.] she said, using Grassy Terrain to cover the stage with grass again. She tossed an Energy Ball at him, and he countered it with one of his own. She ran at him with Aqua Tail, and he countered with a Flamethrower. The two continued trading blows until the host stopped the match.

“Time’s up! By a hair, the winners of this match, and the Contest, are… Rosa and Kitsune!” The crowd cheered for the winners as they were awarded the Ribbon for their victory.