She tried to dodge the beam, and quite nearly succeeded. As he kept up the attack, though, she took a hit from it. She fell to one knee, head pounding, at a loss. Even Feliks could see that keeping her out there was just going to be needlessly painful and frustrating.

"Okay, let's not get crazy! You did good, so come back and let Jadwiga have a turn, 'kay?"

As Danuta slunk back to his side, he set the Ralts on the ground. Hesitant at first, she drew what strength she could from the crowd's excitement and Feliks's unwavering faith in her, and stepped out onto the field.