Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 91 and Chapter 8 of XYZ. Now we reach another Showcase chapter that'll debut both Milotic and Eevee. This will demonstrate their abilities and face personal issues. Let me just say that this chapter will come as...expected but I'll explain the reasons why in the end. Have fun.


"A smile is the universal welcome."- Max Eastman


Chapter 91: New Debuts

After their little adventure in Ninja Village and setting off, the gang finally made it to Couriway Town, sight of Serena's next Pokémon Showcase. "Well guys, here's Couriway Town." Drake said. "It's also known as the Town of Waterfalls here." Clemont mentions. "So I see. There's gotta be at least seven waterfalls here." Ash said as he saw several waterfalls of different kinds. Some big, small, conjoined and even all three. "Actually there's ten here in Couriway Town. Three waterfalls flow from the town outskirts that then flow to the waterfalls here." Rene said. "You seem to know a lot about places." Bonnie said. "I've lived in Kalos all my life Bonnie. Plus I educated myself about history and cultures since I was your age." Rene said. "If you ask me, this seems like a good vacation spot." Said Drake. "Or an escape from society." Rene added. On the road was a white limousine where Palermo was in as she looks out the window where she saw the group on the hill. She despites seeing the Ketchums once more but lighten her mood when she saw Serena and her former student. Today was gonna be an eventful one.

The gang preceded down the hill and into town where it was more populated then normal. "They seem to come for the Showcase." Drake said. "I wonder where's the sign in is?" Serena wondered. "It's actually this way towards the Conjoined Hand." Rene said. "Conjoined Hand?" Drake asked when they walked. "The name of the conjoined waterfalls that's almost in the form of a hand." Rene said. "You should be a teacher or something." Drake said. "I am a teacher. I'm teaching Serena about performing." Rene smiled. "Righttt." Drake spits out.

The gang finally made it to the Conjoined Hand where they saw a whole stage set up in front of the Conjoined Hand. "Wow so its an outdoor Showcase." Serena said. "Yep and with the beauty of the Conjoined Hand reflecting off moves during the Freestyle Performance, this would beat a Performance Hall tenfold." Rene said. "So you would also use the stage to help you?" Serena asked. "Serena you don't always work the stage to needs. You also have the stage work for you." Rene smiled as Serena took note of that.

After signing in at the entrance, Serena was notified that the Showcase starts tomorrow at noon. "That's great, that means we'll have time to work on your routine." Rene said. "That's right. I know I'll use Milotic and Eevee for the Freestyle Performance but I don't know who to use for the Theme Performance." Serena worried. "The Theme Performance is ment to surprise you. Depending on the task you'll know who's best to use." Rene advise.

"Serena!" The gang turned to see Nini running over with her Pokémon. "Nini, It's great to see you." Serena greeted. "You're here to compete as well?" Nini asked. "Yes and you are as well?" Serena asked. "Yep just one more Key and I'll be in the Master Class." Nini showed Serena her two keys. "I just need one Key too." Serena showed Nini her Key Ring. "Well, we'll see who comes out on top." Nini dares as Serena smirked to once again face a rival on stage once more.

Serena's attention turn to what was Nini's newest Pokémon. A baby Pokémon with magenta face, full red lips, blue eyes, black body with a white diamond pattern on its belly, and white ribbons on its ears and one on its neck. Serena decides to scan it with her Pokédex.

"Gothita, The Fixation Pokémon, It stares intensely at everything. It's can be so obsessed with watching that it doesn't notice attacks."

"She's so cute." Serena commented. "She is. She's also having her debut here." Nini said. "That's great. I got two new debuts as well." Serena said as she released Eevee and Milotic. Right away Nini didn't waste any time awning over them. "Serena you never told me you had a Milotic. And your Eevee, She's so adorable." Nini said as Eevee kinda shy away from Nini. "Sorry about that Nini. Eevee can be abit shy." Serena said. "It's okay. I suspose I'll see you all tomorrow." Nini said as everyone agreed.

The gang was hungry so they decided to have a panic in a nearby park. Everyone was eating sandwiches until Serena saw that Eevee wasn't eating. "Are you okay Eevee?" She asked. "You gotta build your strength for tomorrow." Ash said. Pikachu spoke softly but Eevee didn't heed until Pikachu rubbed his head on Eevee's to which Eevee returned the gesture in love. "Could it be the food?" Serena asked. "I could mash together some Oran and Sitrus berries into the Pokémon food so that it's easier to digest." Clemont offered as Serena nodded.

After mashing the berries together, Eevee began to eat until the bowl was half full. "I think Eevee's got last minute jitters." Serena said. "It's normal but the important thing is to guild Eevee through this. Once she gets through this once, it'll be like clockwork the rest of the way." Rene said as Serena plunged into thought. "Do you still want to go through this Eevee?" Serena asked her. Eevee wasted no time agreeing to continue. "If that's your wish." Serena agreed.

After lunch, Serena and her Pokémon practice their Freestyle Performance under Rene's watchful eye. Several tries were attempted and they felt ready. "Okay, I feel we're ready." Serena said. "Okay,but always remember to always have fun kiddo." Rene said. "Thanks though I'm not much of a kid Rene." Said Serena. "I know, but still have fun and should things hit the fun suddenly, just smile." Rene advised as Serena noted that.

That night everyone was asleep and Serena and Ash cuddled together while their Pokémon slept on the floor. Delphox and Greninja slept together of course and so did Pikachu and Eevee who which the latter was still awake. Despite all the practice they did in the afternoon, Eevee still felt nervous about performing in front of a live audience. Slowly but surely, Eevee stood up without waking her mate and left to the outer patio. Serena slightly opened her eyes to just see Eevee leave. Serena stealthy got out of Ash's arms around her but having him squirm around and immediately go back to snoring the next second. Serena giggled and kissed Ash on the forehead before leaving to join Eevee but also notice that her Pokémon were up as well to join her.

Eevee could only look at the waterfalls and wonder how tomorrow was gonna go that is until her trainer and her partners decided to join her. "Is everything okay Eevee?" Serena asked as Eevee only barked in a low tone. "I assume you're still nervous about tomorrow." Serena guess as Eevee could only nod yes. "It's okay Eevee. We all get nervous too before a Showcase but we also got each other side by side. Overall always remember Eevee to always have fun." Serena said as Eevee felt her spirits lift up.

The next day in the afternoon the Showcase was on with crowds, theatrics being present. The group took their seats before the show officially started. "This is gonna be so fun. Squishy here is your first Showcase." Bonnie said as she held Squishy up who was curious about this. By then later Pierre appeared on stage with his assistant Klefki. "Welcome one and all to the Couriway Town Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase." Pierre welcomed as the crowd applauded. In a VIP room in the Tower overseeing the stage, Palermo took a seat in hopes of seeing a spark of fire for today.

"Today we come to view the fierce competition today performance by many of our fair maidens but one will emerge today will the beautiful Princess Key and be one step closer to the Master Class." Pierre explained. Serena and the others performers watched and listen from backstage as Pierre prepared to give the Theme Performance.

Sitting amongst them, Jessibella and Meowth leer in anticipation, last night Team Rocket broke in to figure what the Theme Performance was so Jessie would have an advantage. They were partially successful but not before Meowth accidentally tripped the alarm, causing the trio to make an early escape. In their heist, Jessie escape with only a sheet of paper of a drawing of what probably was a weird hat. Meaning that the Theme Performance was Haberdashery and Jessie spelt most of last night making hats. "We got this in the bag." Meowth Said. "No doubt about it." Jessie said.

"Now the Theme Performance is...PokePuff Baking." Pierre introduced as a pink hologram appeared of a PokePuff. Jessie and Meowth were livid but mostly embarrassed. All of last night's work was a waste. At the same time, a single baking station rose to the center stage with everything a baker needs. "Now it isn't enough for Queen to bake well, but to bake elegantly and imaginatively." Pierre explained.

"Ah yes, this was always a fun thing to do." Rene said. "What does he mean Rene?" Ash asked. "The task is simple, the performer bakes a single PokePuff but they won't be judging that but of the routine performance the performer and Pokémon display while baking." Rene explained. "The judges of each performer's Performance will be you the audience. If a performer masses enough votes, she'll succeed to the Freestyle Performance." Pierre said as a Key Meter was in view over him with a line crossing near the top. "The idea is for the performer to gain at least seventy percent of the meter filled to succeed to the next round." Rene said. "Serena excels at dancing and baking. I know her." Ash said.


"Now let's welcome our first performer, performer Nini." The center stage rose back up with Nini and her three Pokémon in tow. "Alright guys, Let's get this party started." Nini said as Gothita start off with Psychic to lift up a bowl of berries into the air. "Now Farfetchd, Fury Cutter." Farfetchd then flew up and slice each berry to crumbs. Meanwhile Smoochum caught the crumbs with a bowl in quite a jumpy mood then passed it to Gothita to be used for later.

Nini and her Pokémon were stretching out dough and wiggling their hips enjoying their work. Gothita and Smoochum added a double portion of fondant on top as Nini then place the PokePuff in the oven to bake. While the PokePuff bakes, Gothita and Smoochum worked on making some chocolate fudge in style by stirring and hula dancing.

Once the the PokePuff was ready, it was time to decorate as Nini started piping the top with frosting while Smoochum flips over the dish twice while piping the plate around the PokePuff with the fudge from earlier. Gothita used Psychic to lift up the berry crumbs from the beginning up in the air and sprinkle them all over the plate. Once that was done, Nini introduce a chocolate and vanilla fudge PokePuff with a cherry on top along with fudge lines around the plate with berry crumbs around. "Fini." Nini bowed as the crowd cheered.

"Now you the audience, if you enjoy Performer Nini's Performance then use your Glow Sticks under your seat, light and point it on three."

"One"

"Two"

"Three"

There, those who enjoyed Nini's Performance pointed their Glow Sticks towards the stage and a ball of light floated towards Nini's Key Pin. The meter above her head filled up and rose over the line and stopped at around 79%. "Performer Nini has succeeded to the Freestyle Performance." Pierre announced as the crowd cheered. "We did it." Nini awe and hugged her Pokémon.


"Now let us welcome our next performer, performer Jessibella." Pierre said as the center stage rose back up with Jessibella, Meowth, and Wobbuffet. Jessibella kicks off with a step by step presentation starting with Wobbuffet spraying flour into a bowl with speed and precision following by a touch of milk by Jessibella.

Next was Meowth with his personal Meowth's Paw Massage on the dough to make it fluffy. One forming it into a PokePuff ball and setting it into the oven, Wobbuffet gather some extra ingredients including chocolate for piping. Once the PokePuff was done baking, Jessibella topped it with vanilla frosting and chocolate lines crossed on top followed by Meowth stamping his head charm on top that left an imprint.

Finally was the addition of a pink fudge filled topping came the final step. "Now Use Fury Swipe." With his car reflexes, Meowth quickly cut the topping to not just have the fudge filling fill the charm imprint but also cutting them into tiny hearts on the PokePuff and around the plate. Jessibella topped off with a Meowth charm sticking out. "Viola!" Jessibella presented having the crowd cheer.

"Now it's time, if you enjoyed Jessibella's performance then please light your Glow Sticks and point them forward. Ready?"

"One"

"Two"

"Three"

Right then, dozens of light balls floated from the audience and on to Jessibella's Key Pin which filled up the Key Meter to about 75%. "Performer Jessibella will succeed on to the Freestyle Performance." Pierre said "Ha as expected." Jessie smirked.


Backstage, Serena figured she would go last as she and her Pokémon saw everyone go. For this type of theme performance she would go with Delphox to show off her new appearance since evolving. Some time pass and two other performers managed to succeed to the Freestyle Performance while three others didn't make the cut. Now came her turn.

"Let us welcome our final contestant, Performer Serena." The stage rose up to have Serena in an apron and Delphox by her side. Right then Ash's belt wiggled and Greninja popped out of his Pokeball. "Right, I figure you wouldn't miss this for the world." Ash said as Greninja nodded. Palermo looked at Serena and looked at her new Delphox and wondered what kind of spark Serena will ignite.

Serena immediately dove in work with making the dough while Delphox was making the caramel, both were tap dancing to a tune in their minds. Serena then put the brown PokePuff in the oven to cook. While that happens, Serena took a single Oran Berry and tossed it in the air. "Delphox use Scratch." With sharp claws, Delphox slice the Oran Berry into fourths. Palermo watch and studied every movement Serena and Delphox made, seem promising but at the same time average.

By then the PokePuff was ready and Serena took it out of the oven and put caramel frosting on top. Serena then spun the plate around like a waitress as Delphox did a side jump over her while piping a single top of vanilla cream on top. Serena set the four Oran pieces while Delphox piped a ring of Vanilla cream around the sides. Serena finishes it off a open curve heart toy to decorate. "Finish." Serena and Delphox bowed as the crowd applauded.

"Now one and all, vote with your Glow Sticks if you enjoying Performer Serena's Performance." Pierre said. The next moment many light balls floated to Serena's Key Pin where the Key Mater above filled all the way to 81% percent. "Serena will succeed to Freestyle Performance." Pierre said. "We did it Delphox." Serena cheered. "I knew she could do it!" Ash said as Greninja cheered.


"That is all of the Theme Performance. We will take a two hour break until this evening where we will precede to the Freestyle Performance. Join us soon." Pierre announce as everyone starting getting up from their seats. Palermo also stood up from her and came to the conclusion of meeting Serena and her former protege once again.

Waiting outside the entrance, Serena and her Pokémon approached the group were Ash and Greninja went up and hugged their girlfriends. "You were great out there Sweetie." Ash said as he gave Serena a quick peck. "You always give me the strength I need Ash." Serena smiled. "I'm not the only one whose supportive." Ash said as they saw Greninja and Delphox nudging their faces to each other. "Like trainer, like Pokémon." Serena said. "Ash isn't the only one whose supportive." Rene said as the others came over. "You were excellent Serena. Now all that's left is the Freestyle performance." Rene said as Serena nodded. "Serena." Everyone turned to see Nini coming over. "Nini, you've made it to Freestyle round." Serena said. "As did you. Now tonight we'll see who come out on top." Nini dared. "It's on." Serena dared back.

After Nini left to eat, the group was left to themselves. "So guys, we got two hours, so you guys want a quick bite to eat?" Drake said. "You said it, making PokePuffs that you can't eat really makes me hungry." Serena played causing everyone to laugh.

Going back to the Pokémon Center for a quick bite, the group ate at the cafeteria while having small talk. "So now that you're in the Freestyle Performance, are you and your Pokémon ready?" Drake asked. "Of course we are, right guys." Serena said as Milotic and Eevee nodded. "I support the confidence but don't let it drive throughout this contest."

The group turn to see a woman wearing glasses and wearing a black head scarf around her head. Only Rene knew and deducted her identity. "Lesson #20...what are you doing here Palmero." Rene said plainly. "I'm merely doing my job. You squeak pass the Theme Performance on the edge of your shoes." Palermo said. Serena wasn't blind as she sense a near hostile tone under that tough exterior. Serena didn't say anything and could only glare back. "Okay if you came here to play pressure weigh then can get the hell out." Rene nearly yelled. "All in time, but for now I'll oversee what you will give the audience. What your passions and motivations will reveal...I wish you the best of luck." Palermo merely said as she was about to leave. No one spoke, not even Rene but most of the group wasn't amused to see Palermo.

After for sure Palermo was gone, Serena merely banged her head on the head and groan loudly. The last thing she want was now top judge now observing her performance. "This is just perfect. Now I gotta worry about Palermo's expectations." Serena's voice muffed from being against a table. "Forget about all that Serena. You just focus on the audience." Ash said. "She was real quick to turn tail and walk out." Drake said. "It's called professionalism Drake. She said all she needed to say, plus I think she wants to ignore you and Ash as much as possible." Said Rene. "Does she only have a problem with us? Or does she have this..distrust of men." Drake asked. "Yes,and...kinda but I'm not gonna explain that." Said Rene.

"But Ash is right Serena, just ignore Palermo. She just want you to perform with resolve." Rene said. "I don't see how that helps." Ash said. "Being thrown off your game is but the empirical thing is to remain in control. Serena listen to me: don't think about Palermo, or her expectations. Only focus on the audience and on us. We'll be here." Rene said as Serena could only nod. "Hey guys, two hours is almost up." Drake checked his watch. "We gotta head back." Rene said. Serena could only take their advice, they were right she has to remain strong for them, for her Pokémon.


Back to the Conjoined Hand, the gang took their seats as Pierre prepared to announce the start of the final round. The night sky filled and lit the stage with dozens of star and the waterfall of the Conjoined Hand work in harmony that reflect pes such beauty. "Welcome back one and all, now we will precede with the final General Freestyle Performance." Pierre said as the crowd cheered. "Now for our first contestant, please welcome Performer Nini." The stage rose up with Nini, her Farfetchd, Smoochum, and Gothita. All four wore matching outfits, for Nini it was a long sleeve black maid dress with white frills all over along several magenta bows on the hem and one as neckwear, long black stockings, and black low heel shoes. Finally was a fair amount of makeup applied on Nini's face.

"Let's go." Nini said. "Smoochum Powder Snow." Smoochum cries happily and burst out a light snow show. "Farfetchd, Use Fury Cutter." Flying up and using his stalk, Farfetchd swipe and slice all the snow to create a shiny snowdrift. At the same time, Smoochum and Gothita perform head spins while Nini jump somersaults over them. "Gothita use Psychic." With Psychic power, Gothita lifted Nini up into the air and controls her position while Nini spun around happily like in zero g.

"Now use Heart Stamp." Smoochum puckers up and kisses out dozens of heart stamps in the air. "Now Fury Cutter." Farfetchd flies up and slices the heart stamps into smaller hearts to even small petal like theatrics while Nini slowly floats to ground in a pose that resembles a figure of a music box. "It's such a heartbreak." Nini tears out until she lands on solid ground. "Fini." Nini and her Pokémon bowed. The crowd cheered over a display of theatrics and acting.


"Well done. Now let's introduce our next performer. Performer Jessibella." The stage rose up to let Jessibella in a purple gown and gold mask, Wobbuffet dress as a rodeo clown with shades and Gourgeist dressed as a fair lady. Jessie decided for a performance is from taking a page from her Coordinating days.

Down stage, Serena,dressed in her Florges Kimono,watch as Jessibella start her performance until she saw Nini coming in. "Serena..wow, that dress is so you." Nini said. "Thank you, It was actually a gift for a favor I did. Your performance was spectacular, very theatrical." Serena said. "That was the idea, I even gave it a name called Heartbreaker." Nini said. "Perfect calling." Serena thanked. "Now what do you got plan Serena?" Nini asked with a smirk. "No spoilers, you'll find out soon enough." Serena smirked back.

"Now use Leech Seed." Gourgeist spit out a couple of seeds under Jessibella's feet which sprout vines that carried Jessibella up high, whose sat on them like a thone. "Now Wobbuffet." Using Mirror Coat, Jessibella jumps off her thone and coming down and bounces off Wobbuffet's reflective body. Jessie spins while gliding in midair until Gourgeist caught her with its hair arms.

Gourgeist tosses her upward where Jessibella performs an axel spin in the air that caught everyone's attention. She lands on her feet where it's time for the finale. "Now use Shadow Ball." Gourgeist charged up and shot a Shadow Ball at Wobbuffet. Still using Mirror Coat, Wobbuffect reflect the Shadow Ball back to sender. "Now Seed Bomb." Gourgeist spews out several seeds that struck the reflected Shadow Ball, causing a chain reaction that exploded into sparks of fireworks that filled the stage.

The crowd went in an uproar as Jessibella and her Pokémon took a bow. "Finish!" She cheered as crowd applauded.


Not long after Jessibella's turn two other performers went with their performances until finally it was Serena'a turn. Before going, Serena looked at Eevee and Milotic one last time. Eevee wore a pink dress that extended to a small part of her tail, small pink shoes on her four paws,and a pink decorative bow that hung on her left ear. Milotic had a simpler outfit due to its body with beads wrapped around its feeders, a baby blue bow attached to the front of its horn and a baby blue vest hung around it's upper body. "This is it guys, Let's remember to have fun out there." Serena said as both Pokémon could only nodded.

The stage rose up with Serena and her Pokémon side by side as the crowd cheered for them. "Serena you got this!" Bonnie yelled. "She's got this handle. I just know it." Ash said. Palermo watched from her VIP room and began to observe every movement she'll make.

Serena and her Pokémon began by taking their bow. Eevee felt its nerves tense up until Serena called her. "Let's go Eevee!" Serena called as Eevee woke back up, smiled and jumped into Serena's arms. "Milotic use Water Gun." Milotic slithers around in a circle of around five foot radius with dancing water that created a literal water ring around Serena and Eevee. While Milotic handles the water ring, Serena spun around in place ballerina style with Eevee in her arms.

She then tossed Eevee in the air, where Eevee put her acrobatic moves to use in somersaults which went on in repetition. Serena eventually let Eevee down where then She, Eevee,and Milotic began a synchronized dance side by side composed of step, step, jump, twirl, step, jump, twirl, almost replicating Eevee's personal dance moves from before. Palermo studied the dance moves which caught her eye, this young woman really came up with something fresh and classical.

"Use Aqua Ring." In a unique way, Milotic summon a set of aqua rings and shot them out forward like manta rings. Eevee jumped through each manta ring in quick succession and jump high after the last one spinning that some of the water elements revolve around Eevee's momentum until it finally sparked and dispersed over the shiny moon sky. Palermo smiled at Serena leadership, everything was so far so good by her book.

On each side of her, Eevee landing in between on one paw and pose, having the crowd roar. Unfortunately reality set back in as Eevee saw everyone in the stands, paranoia began to settle and Eevee felt her paw slip, causing her whole body to drop on the ground.

Everyone went silent at what they saw. Serena gasped and now worried for Eevee. Deja vu came across her mind when Fennekin first fell on their first Showcase. Despite this, Serena took control to recover and called to Eevee. Eevee looked to see her trainer's spirit continued to shine bright and wasn't let her to give in. Eevee nodded and jumped on to Serena's hands. Despite the setback, Palermo admire the young girl's determination.

Serena decided to wrap this up, and toss Eevee up in the air. At the same time, Milotic jumped at an arc angle, having its body straight for Eevee to run across on and jump off. "Now use Dragon Pulse and Swift." Milotic bursts out a dragon shaped beam while Eevee shot multiple stars that merge with the Dragon Pulse that changed the stars' color to rainbow and size to big as their light reflect of the waterfall in back until they explode into fireworks, wowing the crowd. Serena and her Pokémon stood side by side and bowed. Having the crowd roar in excitement, Serena waved back as other performers started to make their way to the stage.


The five performers took the stage waiting to see who would win. Serena hopes to take the victory, even though its a long shot due to her mistake. "Now everyone, be ready to cast your votes on three." Pierre said as everyone in the audience set their Glow Sticks to a color.

"One"

"Two"

"Three"

Right away, everyone pointed their Glow Sticks as light balls of a certain color floated to a performer's matching Key Pin. Serena closed her eyes and prayed. Finally came the result. "The votes are counted and the winner of the Couriway Town Pokémon Showcase is...Performer Jessibella!" Pierre announce as Jessie sprouted a surprise face. Meowth and the others immediately began to cry. At last they won legitimacy at something. Serena turned sad and looked at the Key Meters up top. Based on the measurement, she won third out of the five, that mistake really cost her the victory. Nini came in second by an inch from her.

Eevee turn disappointed as she knew her screwup cost them the win. "It's okay Eevee." Eevee turn up to her trainer. "There will always be others. Besides you had fun right?" Serena asked as Eevee barked yes. "Shame Serena didn't win." Clemont said. "Can't win them all really." Drake said. Rene looked at Ash who had a worried look. "Don't worry Ash. Serena's a strong woman, and we'll work harder then before." Rene calmed him as Ash nodded.

At the entrance, Serena joined the group once more when Ash approached her. "Are you alright?" Ash asked. "I'm fine Ash, I know I'll need to work harder then before. Plus we all had fun." Serena smiled, bringing Ash relief. "You got that right Serena. There's no way we'll fall behind on our training." Rene said. "I wouldn't want to Rene." said Serena. "Serena." The latter turn to see Nini standing behind. "Nini, I'm sorry you didn't win." Serena said. "I'm sorry for you too, but I saw you never let your Pokémon down on stage and that means something. We'll just have to train harder." Nini said as Serena agreed.

After everything, the gang decided to rest at the Pokémon Center for the night and continue on the road tomorrow. Once they walked into the lobby, they encountered none other then Palermo standing in the way. No one said a word until Rene broke the silence. "Guys..could you give us a minute." She asked the group as they nodded and went to their rooms, only Serena and Rene stay for what Palermo had to say.

"Could you say what you need to say and nothing else? It's been a long night." Rene said. "Very well, I commend on you willpower to keep going after that little mishap. Most performers would've caved after a stunt like that." Palermo said. "I couldn't let my Pokémon know they're alone." Serena said. "Agreed, but nevertheless I advice on working on harmonizing balance." Palermo said. "It was their debut. They performed to their highest skills." Serena argued. "If that were true, your Eevee wouldn't have fallen. Do not display your Pokémon on stage and use hope as a tactic. You wanna hope for the best that you'll win is easier said then done but this isn't the Girl Scouts! Once you make a mistake, you're done! because that's all the audience will think about when they look at you. You don't perform at your best, you perform flawlessly! That's how you gain recognition." Palermo said as Serena could only look towards the ground in disappointment.

"Nonetheless, the rest of the routine was exceptional. Your dance moves are commended but each time you gotta do better then the last. I won't have this conversation with you again. Do I make myself clear?" Palermo demanded as Serena walked up to her. "I never wanted this conversation period. But yea, crystal clear." Serena growled out angrily then march to her room.

"Your student is becoming more like you each time I see her." Palermo said. "You say that like its a bad thing." Rene said. "She has a long way to go. This is a setback." Palermo said. "You always think a mistake is a step back. You're a perfectionist Teacher and we don't always live to expectations. I think mistakes reminds us to not let up on our training, to not let our skills grow sloppy." Rene said. "The only mistake she continues to make is by remaining with the boy who holds her back." Palermo argues.

"Oh right, I forgot you're not a just a perfectionist but also a sexist. You think love clouds her judgement well I think it's done more justice to her then ever." Rene said as she started to walk to her room. "Oh just for the record, that boy has done nothing but love and support her every step of the way which is more then I could say for you with anything...or anybody. Enjoy your evening." Rene spat out then walked away, leaving Palermo alone.

In bed for the night Serena and Ash talked for the night. "So you know what you're gonna do?" Ash said. "I'm gonna train harder then ever before. Me and Rene." Serena said. "I'm glad you didn't let this defeat keep you down." Ash smiled as wrapped his arms around her. "Well I did learn from the best in that category." Serena smiled as she and Ash kissed. "I'm really tired, so I'm gonna turn in." Serena yawned. "Okay, Drake say we should finally get to Terminus Cave tomorrow." Ash said. "Guess that means Squishy is finally going home." Serena said. "We'll see soon enough." Said Ash as he kissed Serena one last time and both went to sleep. Serena may have faced defeat this time but that won't stop her. Now by tomorrow the gang would reach Terminus Cave which means anything could happen as the Journey continues.


Done guys, sorry this long but I had a bit of writer's block on certain parts to make this chapter more interesting. Nonetheless here's Chapter 91, I know that I could've let Serena win this one but I had two reasons for making her lose. First was obviously to pave for the chapter of the Showcase where she'll face Amelia later on. Second is more descriptive as I wanted Serena to have a reality check on her vast journey to the Master Class, and with Palermo breathing down her neck, she'll face more personal issues on how to deal with them.

Stay tune next time as we finally get to Terminus Cave which means another showdown with Team Flare. There'll also be a second part following the battle as the group picks up more clues about their enemy and their plans for annihilation.

One last thing is that with this new turn of events and how this story is heading which by the way is almost worse before it gets better, I decided to change the rating of this story to rated M. I'm probably just paranoid about this, but it's good to be safe.

That's all, thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.