I'm pulling out a special disclaimer for this chapter, I don't own pokemon or the lyrics used today.

That morning, we were all in the pokemon center as Serena was registering for the showcase tomorrow. As she placed her pokedex on a registration tablet, Nurse Joy says,"Serena from Vaniville Town, all set. I'm happy to say that your entry into the pokemon showcase rookie class is now complete. Best of luck." As Serena grabbed her pokedex and thanked Nurse Joy, she turned to her pokemon, reminding them on how they will win. We were right behind her with compliments and words of wisdom. I placed my arm around Serena and say,"You're going to be amazing sis. I just know it." As we headed outside, there were so many decorations and lights as well as people carrying presents. It was an amazing site as May asked me,"What do you think is going on"? Before I could answer, a voice came, saying,"They're getting ready for the festival," with it coming from Ramos. As everyone wanted to know more, Ramos says,"The Coumarine festival happens each and every year. There's a story behind it. Long ago, there was a trainer and his pokemon. They went on a journey and experienced countless adventures. So, at the end of their journey, they settled down in this land and lived here happily ever after. In honor of their lasting friendship, the trainer gave his pokemon a little tree, as a lovely reminder of everything they had been through together. Before long, that little tree grew and grew, becoming the largest tree in Coumarine City. And that tree is known as the Pledging Tree." It was a good story as Ramos added on,"Since then, it is said, if a trainer gives their pokemon a gift while under that tree, the bond between them will grow even stronger." Of course, it explained why people were heading there with presents.

It sounded like so much fun, we all wanted part in it. Now, we were all set to go gift hunting. Clemont and May were going to stay behind since they would make their gifts by hand. Bonnie was staying behind to watch over the pokemon. As for me, I say,"I'm going to look at some of the stores here," which was actually a half-truth. I knew the festival was happening, so, I made my gift for my pokemon early. What I really wanted to do was find a gift for my friends. They've done so much for me, so, I thought this would be my way of showing my gratitude to them. So, as I left, Serena and Ash headed to the monorail to head to the shoppinv district. As the two of them strolled, Serena was thinking Wow, Ash and I are alone. It's almost as if we're...on a date! Of course, that thought made her grin and blush. Team Rocket was spying on us as they plotted on stealing the presents. After riding on the monorail, Ash and Serena planned to check out every store. Some of the stuff that Serena saw was great while Ash's ideas as gifts were a little...extreme. As they kept looking, Ash headed in a different direction to look for ideas, much to Serena's chagrin. With it in mind, she walked into the store to find gifts for Fennekin, Skiddo and Pancham. Strolling passed a few more stores, she found one that displayed this amazing pink dress. Amazed, she says,"You know, if I wore an outfit like this at the showcase..."

Meanwhile, I was having gift troubles as well. I already found gifts for Ash, Clemont, May, even Bonnie. However, finding a gift for Serena was really hard. There were so many ideas, it's hard to choose. I was pondering Ok, what do I know? She loves baking, maybe a cooking set. No, not good. Um...fashion! But, I don't know what she likes in that case. It was difficult and time was running out. I then saw a guitar shop and seeing what they had gave me an idea. Of course! She loves my music! I'll perform a song for Serena!Writing one will take too long, but performing one of her favorites. That'll be my present for her! I ran off, looking for a quiet place to work. Back at the pokemon center, Bonnie had all the pokemon line up so she can groom them. As they gathered in line, Goomy was thirsty as she had to give it water right away. Then, Pancham and Chespin were almost at each other again. It was a bit of a struggle to keep them apart. Meanwhile, Ash still had no idea what to give his pokemon as a present. One guy tried giving Ash some ideas, but it was hard to decide. As the sun was beginning to set, Ash was stumped on ideas as Serena found great accessories for her pokemon. As they met up, they headed to the entrance of the monorail. Suddenly, a ball exploded with confetti as a bunch of guys congratulated Ash for being their one millionth customer. He received a package as a prize, which was pretty cool.

On the monorail, Serena and Ash wondered what was in the package. When he opened it, it turned out to be a blue ribbon which was really pretty. Even with it, Ash still had no idea what to get. Serena then gave Ash an idea, asking,"What would make you happy if you got a gift? They're your pokemon and they think like you." It seemed to work as Ash came up with something. Once the monorail arrived at the station, Ash rushed off to get his present as Serena headed towards the pokemon center. May and Clemont were putting the finishing touches on their gifts as Serena walked in. Bonnie had the pokemon lined up so she could do a drawing of them as her present. Seeing this, both Clemont and Serena smiled as they got to work. In the forest, I was finishing the last vocal of the song I thought fit Serena the best. I heard someone grunting as I saw that it was Ash picking berries. I put my guitar away and walked to him, saying,"Need a hand"? Ash kindly said no, but thanked for my offer. I geaded back to the center, saying that I'd meet Ash there when he finished. Soon, we all met up again as Ash soon joined us with a bag full of something. With our gifts wrapped and or placed well, we headed to the Pledging Tree to put our gifts down.

Soon, everyone was gathered around as Ramos prepared to light the tree. Suddenly, a giant vacuum started sucking up all the presents. It turned out to be Team Rocket, who wanted the presents for themselves. Not wanting this to happen, May released Blaziken as I released Braixen to join the others in retrieving the presents. With all the attacks combined, we got all the presents back as we anded them back to the owners one by one. Soon, we were able to have everything back to normal and light the tree. Soon, everyone began to give their presents to their pokemon. The drawing Bonnie did was very good, resembling everyone exactly. Clemont made a music box with mini figurines of his pokemon. Serena had a ribbon for Fennekin and new sunglasses for Pancham. Both accessories to be used for the showcase. Ash revealed his bag to hold a lot of handpicked berries for all of his pokemon. May made a bulletin board with all the contest ribbons for display for her pokemon. With Rotom Dex's new projector, I made a video scrapbook for all of my pokemon as they enjoyed reliving great moments of our journey together. I then got my presents out, saying,"Guys, here my presents for you guys. Just a way to say thank you for being such great friends." For Ash, I got him a customized jacket that really suited him. Clemont, I made him a little invention called the late night lighter, perfect for late night inventing. For Bonnie, I hand sewn a Pikachu plushie just for her, which she enjoyed. For May, a sparkly purple bandanna to wear for contests. Now, was time for Serena's gift as I asked Ramos to allow me the mic as Pikachu and Frogadier followed me.

I clear my throat, got out my guitar and say,"Good evening. I was out earlier, looking for the perfect gift for someone special. A friend, now sister, who's showed me more ways to life than being by yourself. Sometimes, you need true friends to guide you through. So, Serena, this song I handpicked just for you. Frogadier, Pikachu, start me off please." With a count off they started the song for me while a few guys got their instruments for mysic accompaniment.

~~~~~~~~~Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars~~~~~~~~

Pikachu and Frogadier: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh.Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh.

Liz: Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like their not shining. Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying. She's so beautiful and I tell her everyday. Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her, she won't believe me. And it's so, it's so sad to think that she don't see what I see. But everytime she asks me,"Do I look ok," I say.

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would say cause you're amazing just the way you are. And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while cause girl you're amazing just the way you are. Yeah!

Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me. Her laugh, her laugh, she hates, but I think it's all sexy. She's so beautiful and I tell her everyday. Oh, you know, you know, you know I'd never ask you to change. If perfect's what you're searching for, then, just stay the same. So, don't even bother asking if you look ok. You know I'll say.

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would say cause you're amazing just the way you are. And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while cause girl you're amazing just the way you are.

The way you are, the way you are. Girl you're amazing just the way you are.

When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would say cause you're amazing, just the way you are. And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while cause girl you're amazing just the way you are. Yeah!

I received a lot of applauses from people and pokemon of all kind, but it was Serena that was the most happy as I bowed and went straight to her, sharing a sentimental hug. Everyone was definitely enjoying their gifts as the night progressed. Then, Serena noticed that there was one gift left ungiven. We thought someone forgot to give it, but then, Clemont noticed a name tag on it. It was labeled Serena, meaning that it was for her. When she opened it, a beautiful dress was inside, impressing us and Serena. Nurse Joy saw and said,"I'm glad you finally got that package. It was delivered for you with instructions that said to give it in a way that was a big surprise. In the pokemon center, we instantly found the answer. It turned out be Grace, our mom ( Serena's and Liz's ), who gave it to her. She said,"I'd figure if you were going to enter the showcase, you'd want a brand new outfit." She was definitely right before adding,"There's more in the box. The other part's for Liz." I looked and found a small blue box. I opened it and it revealed a red headband with a pokeball and a heart. I instantly knew what it was, it was the headband my parents gave me before starting my journey. I thought it burned away in the car fire, but seeing it safe was enough to make me smile and well up with tears of joy.

I turned to the screen and smiled, saying,"I can't believe you found this! I've been looking for it for 2 years! Thank you, thank you, thank you! How did you find it"? Grace says,"I knew that since you're now a part of the family, I'd need to know a little more about you. So, I asked Sycamore and he showed me the scene of where the accident happened. In a black, charcoal box that had your name on it, I found it like the way you're holding it and knew that it belonged to you." I was smiling so brightly as I thanked her. Soon, we heard fireworks outside as we saw the amazing show. All of our pokemon, all of my pokemon, united as one happy family on this momentous night. During it all, Ash gave Serena the box with the ribbon he got earlier to her as a way of saying thank you. She graciously accepted it, saying,"I'll always treasure it." Tonight was a night a of great things as the bond between all of us grew stronger tonight.

What a night of momentous memories. And now? It's time for Serena's debut as the journey continues.