Mikoli picked up the microphone and looked straight into Baimu's eyes, "To be honest, I was once disappointed, but now I feel fortunate."
The moment he spoke, the whole audience erupted.
Disappointed? Fortunate? Why such an evaluation?
Mikoli continued, "At first when I saw Milotic's performance, I thought I saw another version of myself, feeling like looking in a mirror. I was surprised that someone who can bring such singing and dancing from a Pokémon would offer such a performance. Did I judge the wrong person?
"But as the performance went on, I realized I was wrong. Similar in form but different in essence, the same yet different. You and Milotic are on a different path! A path with your own creativity and rhythm! Through Milotic's performance, I felt like I could see your soul! This makes me incredibly glad I didn't hastily judge with biased views.
"Though it seemed there was no communication throughout, in reality, you were resonating with each other at every moment. You also managed to let the audience experience the beauty, the most crucial theme of this Gorgeous Competition. Unfortunately, there were slight flaws in the final stage, making it regretfully hard for those watching the live broadcast to feel it too, but I look forward to the day when you will walk a path that is different both in form and essence!"
His eloquent speech was a mix of criticism and praise.
It enlightened many of Mikoli's fans.
They had a vague feeling that this performance seemed somewhat similar, yet entirely different, and only after their idol's explanation did they understand everything.
Vivian wiped the cold sweat off her forehead, smiling as she thanked Mikoli for his critique, thinking indeed he is a master-level figure, that phrase "disappointed, fortunate" was truly shocking.
"Thank you very much to the four judges for your evaluation. Now, let's invite them to score."
The camera zoomed in on the scoreboards.
Beep beep beep beep.
9.9/9.9/9.9/9.7
A total of 39.4 points! Tied for first with Xiaoyao! Both are ranked first!
Applause once again echoed throughout the venue!
Baimu and the Altered-color Milotic bowed in gratitude once more and then exited the stage.
Mikoli's score was lower, but actually it was quite generous, especially considering Xiaoyao's Water and Fire Fusion Skill scored only 9.8.
And the Altered-color Milotic did have a slight mistake at the final moment, if those scattered water droplets were controlled properly, they would allow the audience to see many Altered-color Milotics inside, like a kaleidoscope.
Unfortunately, the sunlight wasn't quite right at the time, coupled with Milotic's still low ability to control attribute energy.
It's young.
Deducting 0.1 was appropriate.
Similar in form probably deducted another 0.1, but Baimu wasn't disheartened; rather he felt quite fortunate, knowing that Mikoli prioritized originality this year, and even if completely different moves were used, he still had reason to deduct more points.
The main reasons were the expression of different ideas and the integration of audience interaction, allowing him to be lenient?
As for that final 0.1...
One could only say that achieving perfection in Mikoli's eyes is nearly impossible, even if he was amazed enough to be glad to hold this Mikoli's Wula La and Garchomp event, it would still be a 9.9.
Baimu's mind still echoed with Mikoli's words about finding one's own path.
"Hmm..."
As he pondered.
A tender call sounded beside his ear.
"Milo!"
Baimu only felt a darkness before his eyes as Milotic's massive figure lunged over, happily nuzzling against his face.
"Ah, alright, alright, I know you're happy, alright, alright."
He helplessly comforted it.
Previously outside, it had to maintain its gracefulness — taught by Mawile, causing Milotic to want to pounce but not dare. Now it was completely out of sight of the audience, it could finally show its coquettish side with its Trainer!
Hahaha!
So happy! The highest score!
"Milo~"
Milotic's tail swung back and forth, the action so wide that the sharp parts of its caudal fin rubbed off quite a bit of wall paint.
Baimu immediately slapped its head, "Silly! Don't wear out your scales!"
"Milo~"
Milotic felt a little pain but still looked very happy, sticking close to its Trainer, thoroughly demonstrating what true mindlessness means.
A certain dragon acts foolish for the sake of coquettishness, mischievousness, and prankster antics.
Whereas Milotic.
It's purely so.