#wsjudging

@konpeitocoordinator

Bun-Bun had been watching the other Lopunny with sharp eyes throughout the entire appeal. She seemed almost singularly focused on Berry, though there were clearly other elements to the performance. Luckily, Cheren was there to watch the other two. It was funny... Lopunny tended to work well alongside princes. Maybe he was biased.

“Well, June... I think this was perfectly fitting to the Beauty category. There’s nothing out there that says tragedy can’t be beautiful. And the interplay of Grass, Ice, and Fire was a striking combination we don’t see often. I think this easily could have been a Smart appeal as well— a lot of Smart flavor this competition from everybody. But you definitely shifted the fairy tale vibe from Cute to Beauty.”

“There were some parts that seemed a little unnecessary, the flashback for one— although it was a neat effect. And it did seem as if Folie was doing a little more than Berry at times... but they worked very well together. You had good Pokemon choices for this sort of story— Though I suppose I sound biased.” He reached up to ruffle the fur on Bun-Bun’s head affectionately.

@heartists

Throughout the entire appeal, Bun-Bun had been holding Cheren’s hand under the judge’s table. Her teeth chattered quietly and rapidly in a rabbity imitation of a purr, trying to keep him calm throughout. Cheren had an incurable phobia of ghosts, and an entire appeal that centered around one was almost unbearable to him. One where the ghost, and its powers and its old life and its death, were all prominently on display... It was difficult for him. But his Lopunny kept him grounded.

“Right,” he said quietly, finally managing to speak. He looked down at his clipboard and realized he hadn’t taken a single note. Winging it. “It was certainly... a story. A very intricate one. Symbolic. One that definitely requires the audience to think. Deduce. Analyze. All hallmarks of a great Smart appeal. I... don’t think I’ve ever seen one like it.”

He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts and judge normally. “There were a lot of unique techniques at play... With the—” He paused, then moved on to a completely different subject. “It was quite long, and I think the audience may have gotten restless near the end. Always best to keep things moving at a steady pace and picking up in intensity right when the crowd wants it...”

“It... was quite solid. There was very obviously a great amount of effort put into this, and with it being a personal story... There was passion. I judge it at an 86 out of 100. Th-Thank you for competing in the Winter Solstice Festival.”

@musesbygeoff

Bun-Bun’s nose twitched, highly interested in the Corviknight. She had never seen one before. Neither had Cheren, though he had seen many pictures of them before. It was fascinating to see one up close... Alas. They weren’t judging based on Pokemon species. Bun-Bun seemed charmed by the performance, and Cheren glanced down to see her little tail wagging happily.

“Well, this was an interesting Beauty appeal, I thought. Came in two parts, it seemed... They were a little disconnected at first, but I think you brought them together at the end. There was an overall theme of class, which I think fits nicely into the Beauty category. Very black tie. Though the winter theme is very common here, especially in Beauty appeals, it was plenty charming here.”

“There were a lot of elements I would have considered more Smart than Beauty... though that seems to be a running theme here this contest. Everyone has been so creative with their moves and costumes. We’ve seen a lot of illusion work... and yours was nice, if simple! But I could see the joy your Pokemon had in putting in this show, and they certainly seemed to have fun with their trainer. That connection is quite important.”

@coldbornthief

Bun-Bun was applauding wildly as the appeal ended, very much a fan of elegant battles. After all, her whole shtick was to be both beautiful and powerful... so she certainly appreciated the underlying theme of the appeal, whether she could express it or not. She certainly tugged on Cheren’s sleeve a lot throughout, pointing at certain elements she was impressed by. Cheren looked stoic as ever, however. He consulted his notes.

“Well, Elijah, I for one thought it was an interesting and fresh take on the Tough genre. Battles are common enough, but you don’t often get a story mixed in, nor large puppets. It was very theatric. I agree that this could have worked very well as a Smart appeal... even better as a Smart appeal, probably, what with the clearly researched folklore and the tricks used to create the puppets. But being Tough...”

“I thought Noel did wonderfully. She was very small compared to her enemies, but didn’t back down. There’s always something impressive about an underdog story. I rather liked it... and I think the audience did as well. You certainly seem to have doubled down since the dress-up round...”

@drkvoid

Bun-Bun’s eyes were shimmering as the light show came to an end. It seemed she was very impressed with the visuals. Cheren heard her humming tunelessly along after the song ended, swaying a little in her seat as if she too wanted to dance. Indeed, the appeal had been quite the pretty display...

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” he asked aloud. “It was all very stunning and beautiful to see... but this wasn’t the Beauty category. If it was, you would likely have very high marks, though! But I see what you were going for with the precision, the careful and exact movements. Like robots specially programmed to be perfect. It’s quite subtle and clever.”

“I think the smartest part of the appeal was the faux audience. It gave it a very futuristic sci-fi feel that matched your dress-up. The rising and descending light platforms were clever as well. Very unique move combinations and utilization. I rather liked it... though I think it might have worked better for a different category.”

@ringsreachingout

Bun-Bun’s nose was twitching with concern, and she let out a few rabbity squeaks, pointing to Steven’s shoulder. Cheren nodded as the other judges gave their takes, and he quietly spoke into his headset, calmly alerting the first aid folks that they might want to check out this participant after judging. When it came to his turn, he reached up and pet his Lopunny’s head, calming her.

“Steven, again I feel I must address the issue of focus. Metagross was doing quite a bit here, but I’m afraid I agree that your participation was a bit more varied and focus-drawing through most of the appeal. And the concept was a bit basic— smashing rocks.”

He took a deep breath. “But, you did have some creative moments. The bit at the end with the Hyper Beam and Psychic— I never would’ve have thought of turning the stage to glass. Nor changing the glass’s color! It was a very striking moment, and the highlight of the appeal, I think. I would simply recommend looking into safety measures if you’re going to be tumbling into broken glass.”

@diamontha

Cheren reached over and patted Bun-Bun’s back consolingly. The Lopunny, always moves by tragic romantic stories, was crying. But Cheren had to be made of sterner stuff. He was tough, darn it!

“Well, Miss Diantha, I think it’s safe to say that your cinematic background shone through here. The story was intricate and theatric, like a stage production. You and your Pokemon certainly seemed to be very in-character. I like a good story, and this one was quite nice, though I feel at times it strayed a little out of the Beauty category. And perhaps there were a few focus problems, bouncing back and forth between Pokemon... but overall, it was quite dazzling.” Ugh, had he really just said that? Dazzling? Bun-Bun gave a rabbity chuckle through her tears.

“I admit there were some elements that didn’t work as well. As was mentioned, the Z-Moves dances are difficult to make elegant... but that really was minor. You were clever with your moves and used them each to stunning potential. I know Bun-Bun enjoyed herself.” The Lopunny nodded in agreement, her eyes glittering as she looked the team over. Very pretty!

@konpeitocoordinator

Bun-Bun was thrilled to see another Lopunny onstage, but she was also casting a critical eye upon her fellow rabbit. She had high standards for Lopunny, obviously... and so did Cheren.

“Interesting, these small appeals in the dress up round. Like a taster of the future appeal... I just hope you haven’t pulled out all the stops nor used all your ideas before then. It’s nice to be surprised by an appeal. Though this was very well done.”

“I admit, the idea of a fairy tale retelling seems a little more Cute to me than Beauty, but the categories do overlap quite a bit. In any case, Berry’s final gown was very pretty, as were the other outfits. They certainly helped sell the story, and I think it was familiar to everyone in the audience. Though I have to admit there’s something a little familiar about the last bit...”

Cheren glanced at Bun-Bun who held a paw to her lips and let out a rabbity giggle. She too had been reminded somewhat of she and Cheren’s appeal their own first year in the competition.