#wsjudging2019

@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.

@musesbygeoff

Bun-Bun was hopping you and down excitedly, always completely entranced by Beauty dress-ups. Cheren couldn’t suppress a smile himself, having grown fond of the category. He glanced down at his clipboard.

“Well, you all certainly seem to be dressed to the nines, as this particular category calls for. And my Lopunny always likes to see a bit of glitter...” He glanced over at Bun-Bun, who nodded emphatically. “It is rather nice that you all match. Though I do agree it is a mite safe. Perhaps simple... though I do like a subtle hand myself.”

“I like that your own outfit references your Pokemon, though I do feel you still have a little too much focus. However, your Pokemon shine nicely themselves, their costumes fitting their species quite nicely. It’s simple and elegant.”

@heartists

Both Cheren and Bun-Bun were rather speechless. Of course Cheren, being the well-read nerd that he was, understood just what Zoey and her team were going for— and he was mightily impressed. Bun-Bun, who knew nothing of human history, was far more focused on the mini-appeal and the elaborate costuming. In any case, all aspects of the dress up were fully appreciated between the two of them.

“I... I have to admit... It really is astounding to see the monumental effort put into this round. So much research! All the intricate details, all the information displayed for the sake of the audience, all the symbolism and extra showmanship...”

“I can’t really fault it myself. It’s astounding what you’ve been able to do. And your Pokemon are clearly very invested in what you’ve pulled off. I can see where they had their own input... which is also important. First and foremost, their personalities should be shown. And I think you’ve accomplished that wonderfully.”

@ringsreachingout

“Hmm...” Cheren looked over Steven and Metagross’s ensemble critically. Bun-bun was rolling her eyes at her trainer, never quite trusting him to do this bit correctly. “I admit, this particular style seems more like it would fit in the Cool category than the Tough category, though there is a lot of overlap in both. What with the spikes and all... I suppose it has a sort of biker feel to it.”

“There’s certainly plenty of detail... but I worry that more focus has been put on the trainer than the Pokemon. Metagross should be the star first and foremost, and I feel that, while they look rather striking with their alternate coloring, they almost feel like a prop for Steven and his lovingly embellished ensemble. However, if I look at Metagross alone, they definitely look intimidating... which is what the Tough category is all about.”