Ash and friends finally arrive at Valor Lakefront, site of the Grand Festival. Trouble ensues, however, when they encounter a girl named Makina, dressed up as Flint of the Elite Four, and owner of two Ditto; one of alternate coloration. Despite the fact that she's only been a trainer for a month, Makina mocks Ash for being a "newbie," and loudly proclaims that regular trainers and Gym Leaders alike would run in fear from her two Ditto (which is her reason for not having any gym badges). When battling Ash, however, Makina's tough facade starts to break, and she shows that she's not exactly as "all-powerful" and as she claims.

The Grand Festival continues and Dawn and her rivals have made it past the appeals round, and have moved on to the battle rounds. Dawn's first opponent is Ursula, who decides to use Gabite and and her newly evolved Flareon. Along with Mamoswine and Pachirisu, will Dawn be able to defeat Ursula and progress to the Top 16 round?