James Davy

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

"Zoro, Feint Attack!" The real Zoro reappeared behind the real Obsidian with a fist at the ready.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

"Zoro, Substitute!" The Zoroark let off a brief flash before standing still like a statue. The statue was a Zoroark decoy while the real Zoro was out of sight. Obsidian let off a brighter flash, but Zoro was unaffected thanks to his Substitute. Both coordinators lost points, but Shiranui lost more than Liam did due to his less flashy display.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

"Zoro, it's ninja time!" Shiranui opened Zoro's Poké Ball and dark stars issued forth, coalescing into his Zoroark.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Shiranui took his place after he was ready.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Shiranui knew May was no slouch in the contest circuit, having placed in the quarter finals in the Hoenn Festival and making the semis in Kanto. After the coordinators took their spots, the timer began. "Munchlax, take the stage!"
"Zoro, it's ninja time!" May sent her Munchlax out and Shiranui sent his Zoroark out.
"Munchlax, Belly Drum!"
"Zoro, Imprison!" Zoro donned his Ninetales guise and conjured a translucent red forcefield around Munchlax. Munchlax played a catchy rhythm on his belly and maximised its Attack. Both coordinators lost points, Shiranui losing more than May.
"Munchlax, Brick Break!"
"Zoro, Foul Play!" Zoro switched guises and now looked like a Krookodile as Munchlax charged at the disguised Zoroark. Munchlax jumped into the air and readied a chop while Zoro stood his ground. When Munchlax's attack was about to connect, Zoro grabbed Munchlax by the chopping arm and did a judo throw, slamming Munchlax onto the stage. Munchlax barely held together as May lost a lot of points.
"Munchlax, Self-Destruct!"
"Zoro, Protect!" Zoro took a defensive pose as Munchlax unleashed an explosion of raw energy, covering the stage in smoke and dust. When the dust cleared, Munchlax was knocked out and Zoro had changed disguises, now looking like an Aegislash in Shield Forme. The judges' screens all had crosses as they declared Munchlax unable to battle.

---

"You've done well to get this far, May," Shiranui praised after he and May returned to the green room.
"Thanks Shiranui," replied May, giving Munchlax a PokéBlock of her own design, "My brother Max is a big fan of you and your friend."
"Would he be the same Max that Liam and I met at the Petalburg Gym?" Shiranui inquired.
"That's him," May confirmed, "He would not stop talking about your recent tag-team double battle with Gabby and Ty."
"Typical fanboy," commented Shiranui, "Anyway, we shall see each other in the Grand Festival."
"Count on it!" May agreed, "I may be your friend, but we will be rival coordinators!"
"I would not have it any other way," replied Shiranui, "Cheer for me in the final." May nodded as she left the green room with Munchlax tagging along.

"Well, you just made yet another friend," commented a voice that sounded like May. Shiranui saw what looked like a perfect double of May and jolted in surprise.
"Zoro, you scared me," stated Shiranui.
"The look on your face was priceless!" replied the May lookalike, chortling as Zoro dropped his illusion. Shiranui let out a chuckle as well.
"There's never a dull moment with you around, Zoro," Shiranui stated.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Zoro made quick work of a Xatu in the quarter final.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

After a few spectacular appeals, it was now Shiranui's turn. "And now for contestant #7, the champion of the Kalos League, Shiranui Tsukiko! The crowd cheered as Shiranui made a ninja-style entrance. "Time to show off some culture," he announced, "Kitsune, I choose you!" Shiranui sent out his Ninetales (Zoro in Illusion) and the crowd was awestruck by its majestic appearance. An illusion of Ecruteak City enveloped the hall. "Start with Will-O-Wisp!" Each of the nine tail tips lit up with short bursts of pale blue Flamethrower that looked like a Will-O-Wisp. The mock Will-O-Wisp was launched and soon formed a spinning circle of flames. "Follow it up with Fire Blast!" Zoro breathed out some illusory flames that formed the shape of a Fire Blast before moving into the centre of the Will-O-Wisp ring. "Finish it with Dark Pulse!" A series of dark rings were formed that became approximately spherical before the attack was launched at the fiery assembly. The combination exploded into lots of orange and purple ember-like sparkles before Zoro dropped his illusions. Both the Zoroark and his trainer bowed and the judges gave their verdicts.

"A spectacular blending of skills and setting."
"Remarkable!"
"Both you and your Zoroark are creative."

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Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Shiranui registered and went backstage as well. He donned his ninja outfit and waited patiently for the contest to start.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Shiranui did likewise, thinking about the next appeal.

Pokémon Hoenn: α and Ω

Shiranui thanked Sherlock for his service and soon spotted the skyline of Lilycove City on the horizon.