Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 52 and Chapter 9 of the Kalos Quest. Here we finally reached Serena's Showcase debut. In other news,I'm finally out of school for the summer,which means I have a lot more time on my hands. For that,let's get on with this,because after this,things start to get REAL,for better or worse.


"Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed-there's so little competition."- Elbert Hubbard


Chapter 52: One Such Step

As the gang was getting ready to leave to the Performance Hall,Serena,along with Fennekin,and Pancham showed off their outfits for the Showcase. "So guys,do you think we could pull his off?" Serena asked. "Of course,you three are gonna look so pretty in when you put them on." Said an overjoyed Bonnie. "You got this nailed Hon." As he cheered her on.

As the gang walked to Performance Hall,Serena discussed her plans about their performance. "Last night,I talked to Shauna and she said that she'll compete in this Showcase." She said. "So you and Shauna are competing against each other?" Drake asked. "Huh,I never thought of it like that before." Serena said. "Don't worry,these things usually work themselves out." Said Ash. "The rivalry could come later,right now I wonder what the Theme Performance is." Said Clemont. "Now that's is something I should keep in mind." Serena said. She remembered what Shauna told her about how the Theme Performance could be a variety of events. "Doesn't matter,you prepared for everything." Said Ash as he held Serena's hand abit tighter as Serena inched closer to his shoulder to lean on.

When they got to the Performance Hall,they see Shauna and Bulbasaur waiting out front. "Hey Shauna." Serena said as she still walked with Ash by her side. "Hey guys,*gasp*." Shauna said hi until she saw the marvel of Serena's hand intertwined with Ash's. "Wha-what is this." Shauna pointed to them. Ash and Serena could only studder as they also felt their bodies heat up. "Well..um...um...well,me and Ash are." Serena couldn't form the words. "Yea,me and Serena...well,uhh." Ash joined her on the same boat,too overwhelmed for the words to escape his mouth.

"Oh come on guys,just say you two are boyfriend and girlfriend!" Bonnie blurred out. "Bonnie!" Both Drake and Clemont said. "What?! They couldn't even speak." Bonnie defended. "That still doesn't make it right to intervene." Clemont scowled her. However all three stopped when they turned to Shauna,who had her eyes closed as she hummed. By they she exploded as she shrieked as loud as a Banshee,surprising everyone including her Bulbasaur.. "OMG,What,wow,incredible,you guys gonna tell me everything,like when did it happen,does she treat you good. Does he treat you good. Have you guys been on dates yet." Shauna continued to bombard them with questions so rapidly that Ash and Serena felt their heads were going to explode.

"Shauna,Shauna,all in due time,ok?" Drake came in to halt her questioning as the couple finally managed to catch a break. Shauna then notices that Ash and Serena looked overloaded from her bombarding demeanor. "Oh,I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to push it." Shauna praised them apologizing. "It's alright Shauna,we forgive you." Serena said. "But you are going to tell when..this happened right?" Shauna asked. "If you really want to?" Serena asked. "YES!" Shauna startled them again. "Oh,sorry." Shauna apologized again.

After happily telling Shauna both sides of the story from Ash and Serena,Shauna was left satisfied and overly happy for what she considers her best friend and her new (or not so new) boyfriend as they then entered through the front doors.

Around back of the building a limo pulled up to the back entrance,unfortunately that didn't stop the press that were already waiting there as well,as they surrounded the limo,asking questions and taking pictures. "I'm sorry Madam,I don't know how they found out." Said a woman talking to the superior older woman sitting across from her,like her boss she wore a female suit with a black blazer,black skirt,black heels,a dark red scarf that went around. As for features she had light brown hair that was slightly greying,gold earrings,lipstick,and finally black shades.

"They're the Press Janet. It's their job to find out." Said the other woman. "Should I tell them to step aside?" Janet asked. "No." The woman said as she exited the door and right away the Press moved in. "Palermo!""Miss Yashio!" "Miss Yashio,you have a comment on today's Performance?" "Are you returning to the world of Performance Judging?" "Miss Yashio,do you have anything to say." Despite all the question,the woman known as Palermo Yashio,simply walked through the press without an udder nor hesitation,and walking through the back door,leaving the Press baffled.

Palermo then walked as a worker walked up to her. "Welcome Miss Yashio,the VIP room is this way." Palermo nodded as he lead her around the Performance Hall,away from public areas. He then opened the door at lead to a low lighted big room,but oversaw the entire audience,and stage. "If I maybe ask Madam,is there a reason you requested to oversee this Showcase?" The worker asked. Palermo didn't answer,and her silence was enough for the worker to leave the room and he did. Palermo then took a seat to prepare for the Showcase while everything was being set up. As she was fully comfortable she saw five people who came in the main the auditorium. Two whom,seem of age and look like Performers.

"Wow this place is huge." Said Bonnie. "You said it,and just think about how packed this place will get." Said Drake. "He's right you know,I've only competed once and I first saw all the people staring right at me." Said Shauna. "It sounds nerve wrecking." Said Serena. "It is,but I keep telling myself that I'm not alone in this. I have my Pokémon with me...and so do you Serena." Said Shauna. Serena of course Shauna has some experience and how it ok to be nervous,but she's right. She's not alone,she has the gang,she has Ash,and more importantly she her Pokémon.

"Right,so shall we head to sign in." Said Serena. Shauna nodded as she appeared to lead the way. "Best of luck,ok sweetheart." Ash peaked her on the lips for good luck. "I definitely need to do that for you next time." Serena blushed as she walked away to catch up to Shauna. "That's so cute. You're the luckiest girl I've met Serena." Said Shauna. "I'm grateful to have someone like Ash." Said Serena.

An hour later people started to walk inside the auditorium to take their seats. Another hour and the entire auditorium was packed with a full audience as Ash and the others took their seats fairly close to the stage. "This is gonna be so fun." Said Bonnie. "I'd say,with a crowd like this it's gonna be a real show." Said Clemont. As the final preparations took place. A familiar figure took the stage as a spotlight shined on top of him.

"Greetings one and all to the Coumarine Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase." Said Pierre,who like before was in his custom neon black/blue suit. "I am your host Monsieur Perrie. Here we gather to see the elegant performances for these fair maidens. Their hard work,style and dedication will determine their performance. Like Performer,Pokémon with also play the remaining half of the role. Their skill and creativity will earn the triumphs of each teams. Most importantly their bond and teamwork will prevail through their entire Performance career. May their hearts and bonds forge their desire." Said Pierre.

In the dressing room where many performers dressed and prep their Pokémon,Serena was finishing doing her hair into a high ponytail tied to a pink bow,along with the dress her mother gave her yesterday,a choker with a gold charm,her black stockings all ended with the red flats that came with the dress. When she stepped out,her Pokémon followed by Shauna who was dressed with a with with a hot pink short dress with two white lines followed by a black bow. She also has a white short sleeve jacket with long white gloves that went to her forearm all decorated with black bobbles. For footwear she had hot pink and white boots also decorated with black bows on the sides.

Fennekin and Pancham liked their trainer's appearance and Shauna did as well with Bulbasaur at her side. "Wow Serena,you look beautiful." She said. "Thanks,though I feel like I overdid it." Serena said. "Nah,if Ash could see you,he'd probably be drooling." Shauna mentioned. Serena at that point blushed heavily. Would Ash be memorized by her in this dress,definitely,drooling?,probably. After all,he did see her half naked one night.

Suddenly the door opened and a female worker came in. "Would Shauna,Jessiline,and Alouette come up to stage?" She asked. The three chosen nodded as they head out. "Good luck Shauna." Serena said. "I'll see you in next round." Shauna winked then head out.

"Alright everyone,as the Showcase Central rules state;our fair maidens must thieve in this competition,for the winner of the Rookie Class Pokémon earns this elegant Princess Key." Said Pierre who pointed to his Klefki that was floating up above him. Around its Ring was a highly decorated Key with a center jewel in the middle. "And the owner of three Princess Keys will move to the high grade Master Class. And the winner the Master Class will be crown Kalos Queen." Pierre explained. The crowd roared with excitement as theatrics and pyrotechnics shot up in the air.

"And now,let us our first three maidens." Right away the center stage lowered and came back up to show the first three performers. One of them being Shauna and Bulbasaur,a slightly younger girl in a white dress with a red ribbon around her and her Furrfrou,finally a slightly older woman in a full purple dress and her Pumpkaboo. (right,there's nothing weird about that.) "Wow Shauna is one of the first." Said Bonnie. "So Performances share similarities to Contests." Said Drake. "Looks like it,three of those Keys will earn you the spot to highest level." Ash said. "I wonder that they got planned for this Showcase though." Said Clemont.

"And so for our Theme performance,the contest will." Pierre pointed to the back end of the stage to where three small,sealed gazebo rose up from the ground.

"Pokémon Grooming." Pierre announced

"To show the styling and creativity of Performer and Pokémon,each team will dress and style their Pokémon to their highest ability. The winner of each will depend on you,our magnificent audience. Underneath your seats is a glow stick that corresponds with three colors. You chose with Performer you think was best with the color that corresponds with the color that matches a Performer's Key Pin on them." Pierre explained.

"Wow,this sounds like some next generation stuff." Said Drake with the glow stick in his hand. "Sure beats common buttons on a buzzer that's for sure." Ash said.

"And the Performer with the most votes will move on to the next round." Said Pierre. "The timer above is the amount of time Performers have. Now without any further ado,let us begin!" Pierre said.


Shauna vs. Jessiline vs. Alouette

As all three then stepped inside each gazebo,inside was a good amount of accessories such as ribbons,bows,props,even flowers,all of different varieties. To help there are brushes,combs,and even a small sink hooked to the end of the wall.

As Shauna quickly got to work as she now had an idea to earn the votes from the audience as she got a fair amount of flowers and started wavering them together.

Jessiline seemed pretty confident in her abilities,but didn't seem to have a plan,but instead improvised and worked quickly with several ribbons,a can of black spray paint,followed by a various jewels that were also proved.

The third girl with a pair of scissors in hand began to trim her Furrfrou's fur. This followed by rinse,blow,and finally brush.

"The timer is nearly up,which means it's time for our performers to put on the finishing touches." Said Pierre who pointed to the holo hourglass with the sand nearly at the bottom. Right away Shauna,Jessiline,and Alouette put it into high gear to finish their Grooming.

Then all the sand finally made it to the bottom. "Times up." Said Pierre. "Now each Performer will walk down the runway with their Pokémon,presenting their special appearances and styling. After,you the audience will decide who was on top." Said Pierre. "Now for our first Performer the lovely Jessiline." The first gazebo opened and Jessiline came out with a shadow right behind her. The Shadow came out and revealed Pumpkaboo with a dark black torn gown on it that reach to the ground. It was all scary-theme with many beads,and charms around it,and Pumpkaboo itself was sprayed painted to look like some sort of killer ghoul. Despite that,some applause did went to her,not much,but some as they walked up and down the runway. The Performer on the other seem to drive off the attention and made things more for herself.

When their turn was done,Shauna came out next and by her side was Bulbasaur dressed like a flower bouquet around its bulb followed by a crown of pink hydrangeas around its head. A real nature stage,and since using a grass type really worked well for Shauna as they walked up and down the runaway. Shauna waved to the applausing crowd as she and Bulbasaur looked like they were having the time of their lives.

"Wow Shauna and Bulbasaur are so cute." Said Bonnie. "I agree,they really seem work really well." Said Clemont. The brothers could only congratulate from afar as they enjoyed Shauna's work.

Finally there was Alouette who came out,who done her Furrfrou in a blue Pharaoh cut. Like Shauna she received a good amount of applause as she and Furrfrou walked up and down the runaway.

With all three presented,it all comes down to the audience. "Now everyone,please take out your glow sticks and set it to the color of the Performer you thought was best." Said Pierre. For Jessiline it was dark blue,Shauna was purple,and Alouette was yellow. Right away the audience set their glow sticks to the color they chose. The group voted purple for Shauna. "Now everyone,pointed your glow sticks forward." Said Pierre with everyone following.

"1"

"2"

"3"

(By the way this kind of voting is revolutionary to me.) Something that mesmerized the brothers was when the glow sticks formed a ball of light that corespond to the color that was set. It then float to a Performer who's Pin matches the color as a Holo Key Meter set above each Performer as the meter rose according to the amount of light balls that filled it up. Shauna and Alouette were filled with surprising and confidence as more and more light balls floated to them. Jessiline,on the other hand,only got two light balls to her meter and didn't see nothing more coming to her,leaving her shocked.

When all the light balls seized,the time to decide a winner was now. "Now for the Performer who will go on to the next round is." The lights went dim as three spotlights waved around as if someone's life depended on this. "The winner is."

"Performer Shauna!" Pierre announced,causing Shauna to hop in place with glee and happiness. "Bulbasaur we did it!" She told her partner. Alouette was sadden that she lose,but took it well and congratulated Shauna. Jessiline on the other hand was steaming like a tea kettle with anger. "Grr,why! I should've been me that won." She grunted to herself as she and Pumpkaboo angrily walked away.

Afterwards many more performers got up and performed their bit and one by one only one perfomer succeeded into the next round.

As Serena and her Pokémon prepared their performance,the worker came for the last three remaining Performers. "Would Serena,Blanche,and Clarice come to the stage." She called. They nodded as they walked right out the door.

"And now for our last round of ladies." Pierre announced. "Finally,Serena should be in this group." Said Ash. "You seem tense." Drake said. "Alittle,but I have faith." Ash vowed. Serena need all the support he could muster.

Finally the center stage rose up with Serena and Fennekin,Blanche and her Fletchling,and Clarice and her Meowstic. Along with the crowd the group cheered for Serena,especially Ash. "You got this Honey!" He yelled as the others could only smiled at his remark. In the VIP room,Palermo oversaw all the performances and guess correctly when she saw the same girl from earlier.

"Alright,now let's get this round underway." Said Pierre.


Serena vs. Blanche vs. Clarice

As each performer was in her own gazebo. Serena put her skills at work,and knew this was some sort of test. She remembered all the times she prepared for this. The mornings she spent looking at fashion magazines,the afternoons she practiced her routines,and the nights spent planned very detail. "Fennekin?" The fox Pokémon listened. "I been looking forward to this. And now,here we are." Serena told her Pokémon.

After ten minutes the timer was up,Pierre announced the Performers to come out. First there was Blanche along with her female Meowstic who was groomed with pink striped socks,little magenta bobbles on its paws,a small red striped tie on its necks,pink blush on its cheeks,and topped off with gold earrings. Blanche waved to the crowd as she and Meowstic enjoyed their forty seconds of attention.

After Blanche,it was Clarice's turn as she stepped with Fletchling pertched on her forearm. Fletchling's natural instincts took over as it flew to the crowd to show off its outfit,composed of a black top hat and a red stripe,along with a red bow tie on its neck. As Fletchling flew over its trainer,Clarice waved as the crowd cheered them on. Abit less then Blanche,but still recognizable.

After Clarice,it was now Serena's turn. "Alright,now its time." Serena told herself. "And now,for our final Performer,Performer Serena!" Pierre pointed to Serena's gazebo and the door opened. Out came Serena with a big smile and waving to the crowd. By her feet was Fennekin with a small white top hat with a pink stripe, small white socks on each paw,a string of baby blue beads wrapped around its tail,and finally a long pink ribbon tied around its neck. "Yea Serena!" Ash yelled while Bonnie was fangirling and Drake and Clemont applauded for their friends.

As Serena and Fennekin,Serena first thought of the pent up nerves back in the gazebo. But now,as they walked down the runaway,all these people cheering them on,now fill their excitement and drive to compete. "Fennekin we are doing it. Our first step into our dream." Serena told her partner as Fennekin walked down with her.

Unfortunately such a first big step comes in many different ways. One such step came in the form of Fennekin's front left paw getting caught on her long pink bow,causing her to trip. Time felt like it began to slow down as Serena saw off the corner of her eye was her Pokémon suddenly falling down. She could've done something,caught her,shouted,but no. The paralyzing effect took over her body.

And finally...thud.

The entire group gasped,the whole audience had ceased their cheering,and Palermo,sitting in her room,could look with a stern look at what just happen. Nothing,not a word nor a cry from Pokémon. "Fennekin!" Serena broke the silence and kneel to pick up her parnter. On her look,Fennekin felt sorrow,she maybe..no...definitely...cost them the Showcase. Serena however,wasn't thinking about the Showcase. Right now,she focus was on Fennekin,who still had a worried look on her face. Serena then turn to what was in front of her. The whole audience,the spotlight,all focused on her and Fennekin. Filled with more sorrow and slight disappointment,Serena only had a very sad,almost dramatic,frightening look on her face as she stared at everyone looking down on them.

One Such Step for Anyone.

"I'm so sorry."


Back in the back room Serena and Fennekin,who was on her lap,only to looked at the screen of the round's result. Blanche took the victory with sixty percent of the vote. Clarice managed to gain thirty-five percent. And finally Serena only took the remaining five percent.

Looking back down she saw Fennekin sniffing her runny nose as she was crying for costing them the Showcase. "It's ok Fennekin. This isn't on you. Sorry that we're not going to the next round Pancham." Serena apologized for she also knew how prepared Pancham was for their routine for the second round. Suddenly the door and went inside was Shauna and Bulbasaur,who were worried about them.

"Serena?" Shauna asked. "Hey Shauna...congratulations on making it to the final round." Serena smiled to the best of her ability. Unfortunately even the pain of loss is still getting to her head. "Some game huh?...I should taken to account that Fennekin needed to walk." Serena said. "But you can still managed to show off Fennekin's beauty and potential." Shauna pointed out. Serena could only grin down at the floor,sure Shauna tried to cheer her up,but such things could only go so far. "I'm gonna get change." Serena then picked up her bag and went to the dressing room.

Five minutes later,she was back in her original attire. "I'll be rooting for you in the finals Shauna." Serena said. "Thanks,are you going back to Ash and the others?" Shauna asked. Serena thought about it,but felt that she wasn't ready to face anybody,not even the gang,not even Ash. "No,I think I need to ponder about things,but I'll still watch your performance. And one last thing." Serena said. "Yes?" Shauna asked. "Stick the landing for me." Serena said. Shauna smiled and nodded and will win the Showcase,for her and Serena.

After a string of performers who gave their routines to the audience,Shauna was the last one to go. One stage was her,Bulbasaur and her new Flabébé. "Alright you two,let's give them a show!" Shauna jumped with her Pokémon. "Flabébé use Fairy Wind." Flabébé then stirred up the atmosphere around them with a pink wind,trapping them in a funnel. "Bulbasaur Petal Dance." For effect,Bulbasaur shot a row of pink petals that wished around the funnel like leaves dancing in the autumn season. All this happened while Shauna danced in place.

In the crowd in a isolated spot,and trying to be distant,Serena saw Shauna and realized she may not have much understanding of all...this. As she now see Bulbasaur hoisting Shauna up in the air,while the funneling dancing petals were still active,Shauna seem to enjoy the med. part theatrics as she smile big at the crowd,while they cheered her on. It seems there much more at work then just the routine itself as there was also another part in play. Something that really makes the performer and their Pokémon stand out more.

After awhile,Shauna was ready to finish this. "Alright,Bulbasaur use Solar Beam. Flabébé you use Moonblast." Both Pokémon stood on opposite ends as they charged up their attacks and fired into the air. Both moves into a yellow/pink display of fireworks as sparkles rain down below. There Shauna and Pokémon took their bow,ending their performance.

"Excellent well done. Now everyone the moment you all been waiting for. Now is the time to decide a winner." Said Pierre. At moment the other four contestants came to the stage. There at the center,all five Performers stood along with their Pokémon,waiting for who will be crowned victorious. "Now everyone please take out your glow sticks to vote for your favorite performance." Said Pierre. In this case there were five colors to chose from with Shauna's still remaining purple. The group enjoyed Shauna's performance and picked purple as they now wait. "Alright everyone."

"1"

"2"

"3"

Right away everyone pointed their glow sticks forward as colors of purple,green,blue,red,and yellow floated to the performer's matching color as the Holo Key meter above them filled up. Finally when all voting ceased. The time has come. "Alright everyone all the votes are in,and the winner of the Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase is." A drumroll was added as the lights went dim and spotlight waved around. Then one spotlight stopped on one.

"Performer Shauna!" Immediately shocked by name announced. Shauna and her Pokémon jumped in glee as they just won first Princess Key. "We did it guys! We did it." She hugged her partners. From afar,Serena saw Shauna won the whole thing. "She did it. Good job Shauna." Serena smiled for her friend.

On stage was Shauna,her Pokémon,and Pierre as she was about to be awarded. "Congratulations Shauna,for your hard work and dedication. It is my honor to reward you with this convenient Princess Key." Klefki Then unhooked his key ring and gave Shauna her new Princess Key. "May we you see success more in the near future. Until next time Au Revoir!" Pierre said.

Back in the VIP room,Palermo stood up and began to walk out the door. The worker beside her help walked her way out. By the back entrance,her limo waited there,thankfully there were no Press to ram through as Palermo then opened the door and took her seat. Her assistant signaled the driver to take off. "Did you enjoyed the Showcase Madam?" She asked. "Well I did watch the whole thing did I." Palermo said,telling her assistant what she thought of the Showcase itself. While nothing seem to be of anything remarkable minus the one performer in her mind. The same one who made a fool of herself...but then again,maybe she wasn't a fool,but perhaps someone else.

When everyone was gone,and making sure the coast was clear,Serena walked out the front door where Ash and the others were waiting. When the gang saw her,Ash immediately ran up to her,and embrace her,and Serena felt that she really needed that. "Are you alright." He asked. "Yea,of course." Serena said,but Ash need that was only a cover up. Not wanting to make Serena feel anymore bad then she does now,the gang decided not to bring up Showcase at all.

Then Shauna came back to say goodbye before leaving. "There you guys are." She said. "Congratulations on your victory." Drake commended. "Thanks but I own most to my Pokémon." Shauna said. "So,are you going to tell Tierno amd Trevor about this?" Serena asked. "Of course,I can't wait to see the looks on their faces." Shauna said. "That's good...I'll see you down the road Shauna." Serena said. "You too. Don't let this get you down Serena. One day we will compete in the Master Class. That will be the day to live for." Shauna said. "I'll be looking forward to it." Serena said as she and Shauna gave a girlfriends hug to each other.

After Shauna left,Serena turned to the group. "So...who's hungry?" She asked. "I am." Bonnie raised her hand along with the others. "Great why don't we all have dinner at the Pokémon Center." Serena said. "Now you're talking." Said Bonnie as Serena then took her hand as they walked together. Meanwhile the boys talked about what happened. "Is Serena gonna be alright?" Clemont asked. "It'll take time." Drake said. "Of course she will. Like you said,and she's strong willed." Said Ash

At the Pokémon Center while dinner,the group discussed what their plans are. "So Ash,where is the next Gym challenge?" Clemont asked. "I think you know Clemont." Ash smirked. "Right,you now have four Gym badges." Said Serena. "Which means." Bonnie said. "The time has come for our Gym Battle has come." Said Clemont. "Alright so our next stop is Lumiose City." Said Ash. "Alright,so the quickest way to get to Lumiose City is...through the Lumiose Badlands?" Drake check the route map on his Pokewatch. "What's wrong with that?" Ash asked. "It's a dessert and a whole lot of it." Bonnie said. "It shouldn't be a problem. We just need to bring a lot of water." Said Drake. As everyone conversed,Serena stayed quiet as the result of today lingered in her mind.

In bed,Serena couldn't sleep as she slept on her side of the bed,while Ash snores on his side. Even after today she still felt like she make a fool of herself. In the history of Showcases,in history of Kalos,in the history of fools for crying out loud.

The dawn was near as Serena was getting dress and released Pancham and Fennekin out their Pokéballs. "Do you guys want to go out?" She asked them. They nodded,still tired,but anything for their trainer. As she was about to leave,Ash suddenly wakes up. "Hey hon. Where are you going?" Ash tiredly asked. "Oh hey,Ash. I'm just gonna go on alittle walk." Serena said. "Well,do you want some company?" Ash asked. "No,its fine I won't be long." Serena said while walking towards him. "Alright...I love you." Ash yawned. "I love you too." Serena kissed him while Ash suddenly fell back asleep. "Sweet Dreams." Serena said then left.

The walk took Serena to a quiet dock where her Pokémon looked worried. With a disconnected look on her face,Serena reflected back to what happened on that stage. The fall,the cradle,and finally the reaction of everyone. It was too much to bear and she thought she may not recover. This finally caused her to unable to hold these feelings back and broke out.

Tears slided down her face and she collapsed on her knees. Her Pokémon cried out to her to try to cheer her up,but Serena wouldn't budge and continued. The pain was too real and too much to bear as she cried and cried while trying to stop. In a desperate act,both Pokémon into her arms and that caused her to stop. "You guys." She hugged them,feeling support.

In a similar limo that stopped on a red light,Palermo looked out the window and saw a familiar sight. On the dock was the same girl in the same position as she was on stage yesterday. Unable of what to think,but feel suspicious there was just something about this girl,some potential she has yet to realize.

As Serena hugged her Pokémon,the calm breeze,the stirring water and rising sun gave her some time to think. "Thanks guys. You know we may have lost this time,but I know that this was lesson...as of this point we are competitors as part of something bigger...we would win or lose together." Said Serena. She knew this was an experience nonetheless and she must learn from it. But now knows a sudden realization. What must she change? What to achieve? Can she even do it in this kind of condition?...no,no she can't...so with a determined looked Serena opened her bag and took out a pair of scissors and ran to the dock.

She held the scissors to the upper part of her hair and closed her eyes. No more running blind,no more crying,no more cowardice,so like the man she loves has done before her...she must become someone else...someone new...like Ash and Drake...she must become reborn. As she snip..snip...snip. She'd remembered everything from the moment she reunited with Ash,to her first rivalry against Miette,the discovery of her dream at Summer Camp,to her first kiss with Ash,all those practices in the afternoon.

To now,as most of her hair flew off her head and flew off into the breeze as the dawn rose to where light reflected off her shiny honey hair...what was left anyway. Her Pokémon were shocked to see what she just done as she walked towards them. "Well guys...like Drake said: time waits for no one,and like Ash said: never give up until it's over...and we won't give up now." Serena raised her fist as her Pokémon joined her.

No,she won't give up nor is she done. They were just getting started.

Seeming her boss smiling Janet asked. "Madam what is it?" Palermo lowered her glasses. She still didn't know,but what she does know was that this girl had potential,more then any other performer. But there maybe just one...distractible...thing with her. "It's a secret." She smiled.

As the group was getting ready to leave,the group wondered where was Serena? Ash was very worried as she didn't even come back from this morning. "I wonder where Serena is?" Bonnie said. "She knows we are leaving soon." Said Clemont. "I don't like this. I'm gonna go look for her." Ash said.

"That won't be necessary."

The group turned around to see a shocking twist. "Tada." Serena showed an entirely new look. Composed of new bright pink dress with a white collar that went just below her hips,a long sleeveless red waistcoat over it along with her original black top under her dress,topped off with a blue ribbon tied around her collar,a new reddish/pink fedora with a black strip,her old black stockings,and brown cowboy boots for footwear. But the most recognizable feature was her hair. Cut to where it was a short wavey bobbed and enough to where it just reach to the middle of her neck.

The group all had mixed reactions. Drake was surprised along with Ash,and Clemont and Bonnie almost looked frightened to where they thought they saw a stranger. "Your hair!" Ash yells. "What did you do!" Clemont said also. "Why did you cut it! I liked your long hair." Bonnie complained. "Well...I decided to a take a page from you guys,and decided to do things differently." Serena pointed to Ash and Drake. "I think it suits you." Drake said. Ash could only walk to her and stare into her eyes.

"You look beautiful." He said. Serena could only blushed as she enjoyed that Ash liked the new outfit. Then his attention drew to the ribbion around her neck. "This...is this what I think it is?' Ash asked. "Yep...now I will always have a part of you with me." Serena said with mist in her eyes. Ash's next action was to embrace her tightly and full of love. "When you said you're doing things differently?" Ash said. "I'll still be your girl." Serena smiled. Both then inched forward and happily kissed,causing the group to look happy or away.

"So guys on to Lumiose City." Said Ash as they walked out of the Pokémon Center. As they walked,the group will enjoy this new beginning as the Journey continues.


At the Kalos Power Plant,progress was proceeding as plan until the raiders hit a snag. "So did they tell you where the remaining half of the schematics are?" Asked the figure. "Thought they wouldn't talk they said...regardless yes,they gave us exact coordinates." Mike said as he tap a couple of numbers on the computer. The satellite then traced to area of the Luminous Badlands.

"Ok...that's in the middle of nowhere." Said Keith,who was with Mike's side. "No...zoom in." Mike obeyed and zoomed to where they saw was a patch of green. "Ok...a garden in the dessert?" Keith said. "No,according to sources,an oasis thrives there as some sort of safe haven." Said Mike. Suddenly another solider came into the room.

"Sorry to bother you Sir." He said. "What is it Lieutenant?" Said the figure. "A couple of the scientists got away." He said. "*sigh* isn't that your job to make sure that doesn't happen?!" The figure yelled. "It gets worse. They appeared to trip the silent alarm,and now locals forces are coming here." He explained. The figure only stood there calm,and sophisticated. "Then it appears our time here is over." Said the Figure. "What will we do Sir?" Said Mike.

"We hold,Mike,you and your team will head over and retrieve the miss half of schematics." The figure order. "Roger,we will leave immediately."

"Huh. It's time to introduce ourselves." The figure laugh evilly. Knowing that the time for vengeance has arrived.


Whew done,this one was a long one,but also a very important one. Like Ash and Drake,Serena will now start doing things differently. Now that we will pass Coumarine City,we will now go through a new wall. One that the brothers or even you the readers won't see coming. Just who is this Figure and what are their goals. We will find out soon...real soon.

Like,comment down,and thanks for reading,this is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.