Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome Chapter 98 and Chapter 15 of XYZ. We are now in Fleurrh City and Serena now compete for her third and final princess key. I did say before this chapter will be melodramatic and reason so is that Amelia will indeed have more of a presence in this chapter. A highly sophisticated woman with a boastful attitude fill with arrogance along with a good memory. She'll definitely recall Serena. In a nutshell...Amelia is abit of a bitch.

So with that little explanation, let's jump in.


"Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on someone telling you who you are."- Beyonce


Chapter 98: Defining the Odds

The gang walked down Main Street to see the street highly decorated and very active with people. "This place is active." Drake said. "Well it is hosting a Showcase tomorrow." said Ash. "Not just that, Fleurrh City is home to one of biggest fashion districts this side of Kalos. Anything that's fashion can be bought, sold, and made here. It really adds to the city's revenue." Rene explained.

Suddenly they stop when they saw a group of paparazzi ahead taking pictures of someone walking out of a building. "Amelia Amelia!" "Amelia is it true that you're competing in the Pokémon Showcase tomorrow?" A reporter asked to a young woman around Serena's age. She has long black hair that reach to her back and had blue eyes. By her appearance she is a big fan of purple as she wore a light purple sun hat, a normal purple short dress with a purple coat with short sleeves, under her dress was purple pantyhose that cover her legs to her purple heels she had on.

"Is that a question? Of course I am." Amelia spoke confidently. "This will be the third Showcase you be competing. Should you win, this will be your third Princess Key and that will qualify you for the Master Class." Another reporter said. "You mean when I win. Of course I will, with my confidence, skill, and beauty, the people of Kalos will know and see that their next Kalos Queen will come from Fleurrh City." Amelia said as she walk down the steps.

But the paparazzi constantly want more answers or gossip as they demand for from the young woman. Amelia however smiled confidently as she walk pass them. 'Keep them wanting more and they shall follow' Amelia said to herself as she got out of that dogpile with her attendant following her with bags of clothes. Ahead of her was the group of normal people in Amelia's eye and she didn't pay any mind as she walks pass them. Serena felt nervous for no reason as she set aside let the woman pass as the group saw her and her handler get inside a white limo.

"Well I guess she's gonna compete tomorrow as well." Rene said. "Which mean some serious competition is gonna be present." Ash said when he saw Serena with a worried expression on her face. "Serena, are you alright?" Ash asked. "I-I'm fine, I just think I may need to rehearse my routine before tomorrow." Serena said. "I'll get you in shape Serena. Don't worry." Rene reassures. Across from them, a quirky reporter looks to her side to see the crew, more specifically a boy with a black leather jacket and another in a red cap and Pikachu on his shoulder which only meant one thing.

Drake felt his neck tingle meaning something was wrong. "Guys it's them, it's the Ketchums." Drake heard from earshot and turn to see a female reporter make him and Ash. His eyes widen when more paparazzi turn to see them. "It is them" "what are they doing in Fleurrh City?" Some say as they started to chase them down like the usual paparazzi. "Shit, guys run!" Drake yell as he started to move. "Why?" Ash asked as Drake pointed back for the others to see paparazzi ran towards them. "Time to go!" Ash shouted as the group ran away from the paparazzi screaming. The white limo beside the group hadn't left yet and Amelia saw the whole thing and knew she heard 'Ketchum' and she smiled.

An eight minute chase and the group finally lost the paparazzi when they finally hid in an alley. "I think we lost them." Drake said. "Man, I hate fame so much." Ash pants out. "Well this stink, they're gonna be looking for you two now." Rene told the brothers. "I agree, not to mention they'll be all over the Performace Hall tomorrow. I don't see us walking in without being made." Ash said. "On the contrary, we will walk in, with disguises." Drake said. "That's so original." Rene mocks. "If we are following this plan, what disguises do you have in mind?" Ash asked. "Just black sunglasses and a ball cap." Drake said plainly. Ash was stump since this was the dumbest idea his brother ever suggested. "Really? Sunglasses and ball caps? That don't qualify as disguises." Ash argues. "It'll be fine, look we'll have to lose our jackets and go with just our shirts and oh by the way you want to leave your red hat for a different one." Drake said stumping Ash even more. "You're...impossible." Ash said. "It'll be fine Ash, I'll go into town to get the caps and glasses while you guys head to the Pokémon Center." Rene offered. "Sounds like a plan." Drake agreed along with everyone else.

After all afternoon of practicing with Rene, the group had dinner at the cafeteria in the Pokémon Center. "So have you given any thought on who you're gonna use for the Showcase tomorrow?" Clemont asked. "I did, I'll use Milotic for the Theme Performance and Delphox, Sylveon, and Pancham can handle the Freestyle Performance." Serena said. "Excellent pairing. You'll no doubt gonna take it all tomorrow sweetie." Ash smile as Serena blushed.

"So I've been doing some digging and I found out a thing or two about that girl from earlier." Rene said as she used Serena's tablet to search any information regarding Amelia. "You mean the girl with a long silver spoon in her mouth?" Drake asked. "You're not wrong, several sources say a lot about this Amelia." Rene spoke as she shows the crew photos of her. "You weren't kidding, coming from one of the most wealthiest families in Kalos." Ash said. "More specifically the Natural clothing line." Rene said. "That's one of the most lucrative fashion brands in Kalos." Serena said. "Yep, Amelia comes from the Warren family. Her mother is the CEO while her father handles marketing. The youngest of three siblings, her oldest sister is the heiress to take the reigns in upcoming years. On top of that the Warren family had live, flourish, and started their company here in Fleurrh City for fifty years. There's not a person here that doesn't know the family." Rene said.

"Oh man, so Amelia has a home field advantage." Ash said. "There's no doubt about it, people here have sided with Amelia so she hold major public influence over the voting process." Rene said. "So there almost no chance for Serena to win tomorrow." Bonnie asked which Serena felt depressed. It seem hopeless to compete against what maybe the perfect performer who hold influence to the public.

"I didn't say that." Rene said. "But it's what we're all thinking Rene. It does seem hopeless." Serena said. "Serena take courage in your abilities and most importantly don't give up hope. The results are never absolute." Rene said cheering Serena abit. "Rene's right sweetheart, I still believe in you. We all do." Ash spoke as he took Serena's hand. Serena smiled and took grace in the compliments and company of her friends. Thank you guys, I'll compete with everything I got." Serena said.

That night Serena managed to slip from Ash's soft manly arms. Serena smile boasting when she thought of the idea of how a small town girl managed to slip pass a trained Aura Guardian's arms in bed. Brushing his hair softly, Serena gives Ash a small kiss on his lips and went over to her bag and released all four of her Pokémon before going to patio outside. "It seems the challenges get bigger and bigger at each turn." Serena said as her Pokémon agreed. "But this will prove fruitful. A step closer to the Master Class and to perform on stage against Aria." Serena said as her Pokémon continue to listen. "Tomorrow we give it our all. Rene's right, we'll hold onto our courage." Serena smile.


The next day at the Performance Hall the group was in the main lobby as Serena return from registering. The whole place was bloody active with all kinds of people and due to yesterday's little ambush Ash and Drake agreed to wearing disguises much to Ash's dismay and argument of the choice of disguises. Both brothers wore black ball caps and black glasses to hide their faces. They also left their jackets back at the Pokémon Center and only had their shirts on.

"I look stupid." Ash said. "Oh will you man up already. We'll be safe in these." Drake said. "Keep it down you two. The last you two need is attention." Rene told the brothers. "I'll say it again, these aren't disguises." Ash said. "Well too late to repent now Ash." said Rene.

"Alright guys, wish us luck." Serena said. "You're be great honey." Ash kissed her good luck. "Have fun Serena remember; don't lose hope." Rene said. Serena nods and heads to the back to the dress room. "Well we should head to find our seats." Clemont said as the group nods.

Serena and her Pokémon heads to the back and open the door to the dressing room. There they saw some familiar faces from the dance party a few days back already dressing and waiting for their moment for the Theme Performance. "Excuse us." Serena was startle when she turn her head to see Amelia next to her. "We are to be on stage immediately." Amelia spoke like a proper rich person. "Oh pardon me." Serena steps aside as she lets Amelia and her Pokémon in.

Serena saw and like yesterday that Amelia's love of purple knows no bounds since she had a regular Espeon and a Shiny Dragonair accompanying her. Amelia took no notice to the other performers around her. For her the motto is 'Me, Myself, and I' and knew deep down with her skills and grace she had this Showcase in the bag like the last two. The other performers on the other hand took notice. They knew who she was, knew what she was capable of and grew weary of her.

Amelia's expression didn't change when she made it to a mirror. Her Pokémon took out her accessories for her as she smiled, behind her back she knew the worried looks on the others and the smell in the air satisfied her. "The smell of hairspray and fear. Good." She thought. In the back Serena look at all the girls with frightened expressions, the girls there seem to have lost all the confidence in their bodies. Despite this, Serena retain focus. "Well we should get ready too." Serena told her Pokémon.

At a side entrance a white limousine parked on the curb when Palermo stepped out. Ahead she saw a jittery attendant running over. "Welcome Madam we are greatly honored by your presence." The attendant said. "You may dispense with the pleasantries." Palermo spoke plainly. "Oh-oh o-of course. Your presence alone will attract admissions tenfold." The attendant stutters. "The performers alone attract the public, not my presence." Palermo spoke unpleasant. "Yes, yes, of course. I just want to present you with our most logical winner." The attendant held up a picture of Amelia. "No victory is certain until the action makes it so." Palermo said. "Of course Ma'am, surely you must know the Warren family holds a great influence here in Fleurrh City and Miss Amelia hopes you would mentor her to be the next Kalos Queen." The attendant said. "I decide with my own two eyes and I'll see if she is worthy." Palermo said. "Yes-yes ma'am, allow me to show you to your room." The attendant spoke.

The lights went on and danced around as the crowd cheered and Monsieur Pierre took the stage. "Hello one and all and welcome to the Fleurrh Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase." Pierre kicks off the introduction. "Here you come to see each of our fair maidens put an elegant display of magnificence." Pierre continues. "So without further adou, let us begin our Theme Performance." Pierre said as the crowd cheers on while the stage rose up to reveal green astroturf and an entire herd of Rhyhorn in a coral.

"Rhyhorn as the Theme Performance?" Drake asked. "It's not common but not unheard of." Rene said. "For every Kalos Queen they must process to win the hearts of Pokémon alike. For this Theme Performance, each performer must attract the most Rhyhorn under a given time limit by any means necessary. Whoever has the most Rhyhorn in thirty seconds will succeed to the Freestyle Performance."

Serena had just finished dressing in her Theme Performance outfit. The outfit was smilier to every performer composed of a white work shirt, brown handling gloves, a short brown work skirt in which every performer wore black tights underneath. The difference about each girl were different color bandanas they wore on their head and shoulders. "Serena, Kazalie, Concetta. You're up." A worker came in and called the first three. The three girls nodded and head to the main stage.

"And now, please join in welcoming our first three contestants." Pierre introduced as three small circle sections rose with Serena with Milotic, Kazalie with her Lilligant, and Concetta with her Scraggy on each section of the stage. "Alright Serena is one of the first ones." Ash said. "You can do it Serena and Milotic!" Bonnie shouted. "Let the first round commence." Pierre snaps his fingers.


Round 1: Serena vs. Kazalie vs. Concetta

Serena and Milotic looked around to see an entire herd of Rhyhorn all around. Kazalie and Concetta were already on the move to surround them. Milotic wondered what her trainer had in mind but Serena had yet to move a muscle. Serena was nervous not from the competition but from her...somewhat estranged relationship with Rhyhorn.

All the Rhyhorn then turned to the honey haired performer and her Milotic where Serena could only smile nervously. However that was just enough for all the Rhyhorn to swoon over and rush over to Serena. "Wow all the Rhyhorn are heading to Serena." Pierre said. By that point, all Rhyhorn were huddled around Serena and the ones next to her took the time licking her face. Milotic merely stood outside the pile smiling and nodding, if it means to go to the next round without getting her coat dirty then so be it. "I did not see that coming." Drake said. "Serena always did have a plutonic relationship with Rhyhorn." Ash smile. "I gotta say, those Rhyhorn show more affection to Serena then you Ash." Rene joked. "Wha-hey I so do show Serena all the affection in world." Ash argued.

Kazalie and Concetta acted fast with Kazalie having Lilligant use Sweet Scent to lure four Rhyhorn over to them and Concetta managed to pull one to her with Scraggy's help. Serena was still getting lick around until she looked ahead of the pile. A lone Rhyhorn stood there watching and Serena figure something was up. "Excuse me guys, I'll be back." Serena move through and running to the lone Rhyhorn.

Up close Serena noted this Rhyhorn was an adolescent and much smaller than the others. It looked worried. "You were startle were you." Serena crouch down to its level. "Its okay, you're safe here and your friends are here too." Serena attempts to calm it but the Rhyhorn still stirred in worrisome. Serena thought what else could she try from her mother's Rhyhorn training and decided to pet Rhyhorn on its head near where the horn met. "Rhyhorn always enjoyed being pet here." Serena smiled and calming down the Rhyhorn. "If you let me, I'm gonna mount on." Serena asked as the Rhyhorn let her mount on its back. "Alright, let's go." Serena signals the Rhyhorn to move forward with her feet and finally joining the others.

"Alright, time's up." Pierre announces. "Now we announce the winner." Pierre said as the lights danced around. "The winner is...Serena!"


The crowd cheered as Serena was deem the winner. The herd was composed of twenty Rhyhorn, Serena managed to secure fifteen, Kazalie had four and Concetta only had one. Serena and Milotic cheered for their advancement to the Freestyle Performance as they head back to the dressing room. "I knew she could do it." Ash said. "I thought so too." Bonnie cheered. Palermo watched from her room, her expression didn't chance as she watches Serena.

Four rounds have passed and the final round came with Amelia, Shelly, and Rachel. Around the group the crowd roared in expense for Amelia that they were out of their seats. "Well there go my ears." Ash said. "Look at everyone, they must really want her to win this." Clemont said. "Well I'm sure Serena will knock them out of their seats." Drake said.


Round 5: Amelia vs. Shelly vs. Rachel

Right away Amelia wasted no time gather up Rhyhorn. "Alright Espeon, Dragonair use Attract." Through teamwork and beauty, both summon out a volley of hearts that went and affected all the Rhyhorn. Every Rhyhorn went over to Amelia and her Pokémon immobilized by affection. "Performer Amelia has manage to rangle all the Rhyhorn to her." Pierre said. Rachel and Shelly were stumped and desperately tried to wrangle in a few Rhyhorn with their partners but no matter what they did, the Attract the Rhyhorn were under was simply too strong. Amelia smirked boasting, the plan was going on like clockwork and watch the other two inferiors helpless tried to gather a few Rhyhorn but never succeed.

The thirty seconds ran fast and the decision was absolute. "Time's up, our final top contender is...Amelia!" Pierre announces and Amelia smiled confidently and waved to her adoring audience. "Wow she didn't even try." Ash said. "She's overconfident." Drake said. "That does seems to be the fatal flaw for her." Clemont added. "Now with our five contestants selected, we will now move on to the General Freestyle Performance." Pierre announce.


Three rounds have already pass as Serena finished grooming Delphox last and place the brush on the table. Already in her dress and so were her Pokémon Serena felt ready. "Alright everyone, today's the day. We finally get our third princess key." Serena said. Sylveon however was nervous, she hasn't officially performed since she was an Eevee and that moment of misstep cost them the win last time. "

"Sylveon?" Sylveon looked to see her trainer looking at her level. "It's okay Sylveon, we don't have to be perfect. All that matter is we have fun." Serena said but Sylveon's expression didn't seem to waver. "I got it. Here have a Poke Puff." Serena took her basket of Poke Puffs and offered it to her Pokémon. Each took one and thank their trainer. "Delicious right? Let's remember guys that our courage gives us strength, our smile draws the audience and even when things look grim, let's not lose hope." Serena smiles as her Pokémon nods.

"Serena?" Serena turns to see a fellow performer with green pixie hair in a dark blue dress. Serena remembers her from the party and remembers her name was Shulin. "Shulin right? I remember you from dance party." Serena said. "Yea, yea. I wanted to wish you and your Pokémon best of luck and to confirm a rumor." Shulin said. "Thanks and what is it?" Serena asked. "Well it was no fake news that the Ketchums were there as well and that the younger one was your date." Shulin said. "O...Kay?" Serena dragged. "Anyway, the rumor is that you guys are dating. I only know this because the other girls talk and spread gossip around." Shulin said.

"It's...true, but my relationship with Ash is private." Serena said. "Oh I understand. It's guess so many girls wish to be in your shoes myself included. I must say that I was one of the lucky ones to dance with him at the party, which I didn't do anytime too harsh." Shulin chuckled nervously. "Yea...some of them threw themselves at him." Serena's expression went unamuse. "I recall, he dances good for a boy that never seem interested in dancing and his touch was...rough but so gentle." Shulin lost in her thought but came back to reality when Serena was still looking not amuse. "Right...sorry." Shulin chuckled nervously.

"So you're dating him?" Both girls turn to Amelia who was finishing applying makeup to her face. "Yes." Serena spoke plainly. "This true?" Amelia asked Shulin. "She says it." Shulin didn't waver from her opponent. "Well after this Showcase, he won't be anymore." Amelia smirked shocking Serena and Shulin. "Why are you so sure? Because you got a long silver spoon in your mouth?" Serena questions. "Wha- n-...well partly true but it's because I got more to offer then you. I got wealth, fame, looks and he's has that as well. Together we'll be the most pristine couple in Kalos. What do you got to offer?" Amelia mocks. By that point, the other two girls including Shulin surrounded them.

Serena would've been nervous in this kind of situation but this wasn't one of them. This girl clearly has the nerve to threaten the things close to her. She was a taker, she was threatening to take the things she loves including the love of her life. Serena looked at her Pokémon wondering what their will their trainer do. Serena looked determined and walked right to Amelia's face.

"I got love, a heart and you don't. You may intimidate these girls and leave them hopeless but not me. This Showcase isn't absolute because I don't give up hope. You ask what I got to offer? Self worth, courage, imperfection. That's the thing you could never touch, sure make me feel inadequate, doubt myself. But I'll still be here nonetheless with a fighting spirit." Serena spoke confidently. Amelia was spook, this was first time a performer took guts to stand up to her. Despite this Amelia held her ground. "When this is over, you'll see your hopes, your courage, and that so called inferior spirit wisked away along with that hunk of a boyfriend you have and you'll be left broken." Amelia theatens.

Suddenly a door opens to reveal a worker. "Miss Warren, you're next to perform." She called. Amelia didn't take her eyes from Serena as she walked out the door and left to the stage. Serena was angry but also determined. "Wow...that took some serious balls to stand up to her." Shulin said as Serena looked back at her a bit angrily. "If it's any consideration, I really hope you wipe the sliver dollar off her smug face." Shulin said.


The stage rose up to reveal Amelia in a purple short dress, purple pantyhose and heels. Her Espeon and Dragonair wore identical purple shirts. "Alright, let's do this." Amelia yells as both her Pokémon did front flips and sticks their landings. "Espeon use Psychic, Dragonair use Dragon Dance." With Psychic Espeon lifts Dragonair and have her spinning around like a flying dragon while Dragonair emits a pink light from the Dragon Dance, leaving pink sparkles to dance in the air while Amelia does ballet in the conditions.

"Now both of you, use Attract." Both Pokémon flip acrobatically over each other and shoots out a volley of hearts at the crowd, wowing them. Both Pokémon land and Amelia mounts on Dragonair. "Espeon use Rain Dance." Espeon then cries out to summon a rain cloud on top their heads. Amelia walked across Dragonair's body and when the rain began to pour she acted by flipping backwards and landing on stage. "Dragonair use Ice Beam." Dragonair spins mid air to shoot an arc Ice Beam that turn the raindrops to soft snow.

"Alright now use Hyper Voice." Espeon then cries out loud like a soprano that ignited the soft snow and turn them to white sparkles, putting the crowd in awe. Finally bowing down Amelia concluded. "Finish!" She said.


The crowd roared in amazement and cheering Amelia as the performer and her Pokémon prepared to go back down stage. Serena looked to see that Amelia wasn't gonna be easy to beat. "Performer Serena, you're up next." Serena said. "Serena." Shulin called as Serena looked at the three other girls. "Knock her dead." Shulin said as the other agreed. Serena smiled and then left. "And now, please help introduce our final contender, Performer Serena." Pierre introduced as the stage rose up revealing Serena with Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon.


"Alright let's go!" Serena and her Pokémon cheered and all three Pokémon perform frontal acrobatics. Delphox set the stage by using her branch to form a dancing ring of fire around her team in style. Once the ring was set, the team took the next step. "Sylveon use Fairy Wind." With grace, Sylveon summons a pink updraft that carry the flames upward turning them to a fire typhoon.

With a will Pancham rush to Sylveon who with her feeders tosses him up in the air. Flipping back down, Pancham prepared to use Stone Edge and slams his fist to the ground, creating an instant circle of of pillars that disperse the typhoon and leaving orange sparkles in the air, almost like a lotus blooming in the springtime. The crowd awed at Serena's abilities and thought they were just as good as Amelia. "Serena is performing amazing." Bonnie said. "That's my student." Rene added. "You got this sweetheart. Just take it home." Ash whispered.

Under what look like fire lanterns Serena and her Pokémon perform a synchronized dance around each other. Mid dance Sylveon hop on to Serena's shoulders when the latter stretch her arms out for Sylveon to run across. Afterwards the three Pokémon danced together in which mid dance Delphox created a small fire ring for Sylveon and Pancham jump separately. The crowd was getting more and more intrigue into Serena's routine and couldn't turn away. "She winning the crowd." Drake said. "She may pull this off yet." Clemont added. Palermo smile for once today, knowing that this girl didn't faulted off her shoes.

"Pancham use Stone Edge." Pancham once again slam his fist down to create a two conservative row of pillars for Delphox and Sylveon to jump across, each one disintegrated to sparkles after each jump. Jumping high after the last one, Delphox and Sylveon concluded by Delphox using Fire Blast and Sylveon using Swift. Both moves combined to form a perfect fire star in the air that shined like a diamond in the sky which exploded to more fire lanterns.

Both Pokémon landed and hundle around Serena. "That's it!" Serena bows as the crowd gave an encore to Serena and her Pokémon. "Wonderful, how marvelous. Give a hand to Performer Serena as we now approached the time to crown a winner." Pierre said.


All five performers stood on stage side by side with their Pokémon behind them. "Now the time to select a winner has arrived. You, the audience, have to choose. By using your Glow Sticks, you decide which performer you thought was excellent." Pierre said as everyone in the audience took their glow sticks at the ready. For this case, Serena's Key Pin was pink, Amelia's was green, Shulin is blue, Ally was yellow and Kerry was red.

"Ready?"

"1"

"2"

"3"

The crowd pointed their glow sticks forward and glow balls floated to their designated pin. Amelia boasted know more and more glow balls floated towards her. Serena stayed hopeful as she receive as much as Amelia. This was gonna be close. After the last glow balls come, Key meters appeared on top and began to fill. Ally came short, while Shulin and Kerry were at neck and neck. That left Amelia and Serena.

"Now..the winner of the Fleurrh City Pokémon Showcase is." The lights dance around in suspense.

"Performer Serena!"

The veil was released as the crowd roared and Serena stood surprise at what she heard. Looking up at the Key Meter, hers managed to succeed past Amelia's by five percent. Serena was in tears as she hugged her Pokémon. Amelia on the other hand was even more shocked. Somehow this had to be a mistake, an error. There was no way on earth this inferior girl toppled her at her own game, in her hometown. "She did it." Ash cheered. "She really did!" Bonnie said. Palermo grin a bit for Serena's victory but that was it. With that she decided to take her leave. Serena looked at Shulin to see her smirk and nod.

"Congratulations Serena on winning your third Princess Key." Pierre handed Serena her final Princess Key. "We done it! Our final Princess Key!" Serena cheered with her Pokémon. "With this Key, you now have the opportunity to compete in the upcoming Master Class." Pierre said as Serena wowed at the chance to make her dream come true.


That afternoon Serena decided to contact Shauna about her victory. "I've earn my final Key and now I'll be able to attend to compete in the Master Class." Serena showed Shauna all three of her keys. "That's awesome Serena, plus I've heard you manage to beat a fashion heiress to get it." Shauna said. "Trust me it wasn't easy and she was quite a troll but as Ash and Drake say; 'Money makes you soft and spoiled.'

"Wise words from the Hunk Brothers." Shauna said. "I guess." Serena said. "Plus I also heard you guys help turn a dance to a real party a few days back." Shauna said. "You should've been there. We brought the house down." Serena said. "Oh I wish." Shauna said. "Well...we finally reached the Master Class." Serena said. "Our final step is nigh Serena. We gotta be at our peak." Shauna said as Serena nodded. "Serena, we're ready." Bonnie came in and called. Serena nodded and turn back to Shauna. "I gotta go Shauna. I'll see you at the Master Class." Serena said. "You as well Serena." Shauna said then hung up. With that Serena went with Bonnie to the cafeteria.

Serena went inside and was surprise by a layout of food on the table. "What is this?" Serena smiled. "Oh just to celebrate your victory on your third and final Princess Key and your succession to the Master Class." Ash said. "You earn it Serena." Rene added. "Well let's dig in." Serena smiled as everyone took a seat. Couples sat together, everyone talked and laugh about hopes of the future. The party came up and they laugh much more about that day.

After the feast the gang decided to head to their rooms and Serena was in the lobby with Rene. "I think after that great feast, Now is a good time for a good brushing." Serena said. "That's a grand idea." Rene agreed as Serena combs through her bag for her brush. Serena grew suspicious since she never felt her brush in hand. "Something's wrong?" Rene asked. "My brush ain't here." Serena began to worried. "Stay calm. Now could you have left it somewhere?" Rene asked.

Serena thought hard and remember back at the Showcase, she brushed her Pokémon and placing her brush on the desk. "Oh no, I left it back at the Performance Hall." Serena said. "It's okay, there should still be a crew cleaning up. We'll head there, you ask for it and you get it back." Rene explained. "Okay, thank you." said Serena.

The girls went to the Performance Hall and asked a female worker for the brush Serena lost. A few minutes pass and the worker came back with the brush in hand. "Is this what you were looking for?" She asked. "Yes it is. Thank you so much." Serena thanked. "It was no problem. Have a good evening." She said. "Thank you." Rene said.

"Alright, you got your brush back. Happy?" Rene asked. "Of course, I'm sorry for dragging it along Rene." Serena said. "You don't have to apologize Serena. I would go to great lengths for you." Rene said as they started to walk around the entrance. Suddenly they stop when they heard an argument ahead. Coming out of the side entrance was Palermo which Rene winch at the sight of. The other was none other then Amelia who was angry about something.

"It's not fair. My performance was more pristine then hers and far more elegant." Amelia argues. "Your adoring public thought otherwise." Palermo spoke. "But I had the perfect score. I even-.." Amelia stop when she turn to the side to see none other then Serena, the girl who stole her victory. Palermo saw the two girls and merely watched.

"You!" She marchs over like on a warpath. Rene stood in between when she saw Amelia raising her fist. "You! You did this! You freaking did this! You rob me of MY key, my winning streak!" Amelia yells. "Now hold on, Serena didn't steal anything. She won that Key fair and square!" Rene argues. "Stay out of this lady!" Amelia argues. "I told you, I had things you didn't. Those things were essential to win. If you can't accept that and the results then it's just sad and I feel sorry for you." Serena spoke angrily. "I don't need your pity from the likes of you!" Amelia yells. "Apparently you do." Palermo said as she walks over. "She has something more to gain than you do. Something to thieve for, you don't. Ask yourself what will you thrive for?" Palmero asked.

"Then how's this!? At the Master Class I'll THRIVE to the top and I'll see that you're on the ground, beaten and broken! You'll have nothing When this is over! No hope, no strength, and especially you won't have Ketchum by your side when I make him mine!" Amelia vows as the three woman looked at her angrily. "Then I'll look forward to it. But don't be surprised when you choke on your pride Miss Warren. It'll just leave you breathless." Serena said. Amelia glares at the three and then walks away, feeling angry and disgusted.

"*scoff*...perra." Rene spoke. "Language." Palermo scowls. "Well it's true, money makes you soft and spoiled." Rene said. "I must say Serena...you held your ground against her and congratulations on your win." Palermo said. "I have a feeling there's more." Rene asked uninterested. "There is." Palermo said then quite unexpectedly slaps Rene across the face, shocking Serena.

Holding her face, Rene was surprised and smiled. "Wow...I mean I saw that coming from a mile away but I thought it be pathetic and weak." Rene joked. "Well you figure wrong. That was for the little post planning on the Dance Party a few days back." Palermo said. "Well if that's the case...thank me again." Rene dares back all smug.

"You only disappoint yourself and on top of that you hurt Aria's creditability by beating her in a Performance Battle." Palermo said. "For the record, Aria wanted that battle to get closure despite my wishes so I don't know why you're worried about her credibility." Rene argues. "It's the impact to her career and that affects everyone." Palermo said. "No you let it affect you. You see...you, much like Silver Spoon from earlier, obsess with perfection and that drives you like an addiction." Rene dares. "You dare!" Palermo theatens. "Oh I do old hag! and I've learn over these pass a few years is that in the real world, perfection is an illusion much like fairy tales. You only take what you have that make everything you, your self doubt, your differences, your imperfections and godsdamn you make something out of it!" Rene yells. "In case you haven't notice, this isn't the fifties or whatever time period you're still living in, its the twenty-first century, it's a whole other world where we stop playing by those rules." Rene continues.

"You were something Rene, somebody. And now look at you. I gave you everything you wanted to be." Palermo said. "Maybe, But I also knew you tried to imprint your rules, your code into me while I was Queen. I didn't like that and that's how it lead to rebellion." Rene said. "Well it would surprise you that Aria wants to know why you quit." Palermo said. Rene sighs and turns back to Serena. "Serena could you give me a minute. I'll meet you back at the Pokémon Center." Rene asked. Serena would've argue but this has clearly gotten ugly and wanted no part of it anymore and agree to head back.

Now it was just Rene and Palermo. "Oh it doesn't surprise me at all. Don't worry...you and her will know the whole story soon enough. On how my entire life, my career was run and controlled by the likes of you, cause me nothing but despair." Rene scowls. "The girl isn't ready for the Master Class. She lacks a critical element to win this!" "My student...like Aria and unlike us Palermo, is twice the performers we were. She has never failed me and I won't give her up. I know she can win this and when she does, we'll just see who's obsolete among us...old hag." Rene vows and then turning her back on Palermo. Palmero could only watch her walk away while Rene thought in anger. As much as this was about helping Serena win the Master Class, she could only see her victory as the final string being cut from Palermo's hand. Rene vows, she's gonna pay.


The next morning the group prepared to leave and were in the lobby but not before the TV when on about yesterday's Showcase and Serena's victory. "He speaks the truth honey." Ash said as he held Serena's shoulders. "And now time nears for the Showcase Master Class and the location for the Master Class to be held is...Gloire City." Pierre presented the location.

Serena looks on her tablet to search Gloire City. "Gloire City is on the road. It's in between Snowbelle City and here but it's in a different path down East instead of North." Serena said. "Not to mention the date for the Master Class is in a couple of weeks." Rene said. "It's okay Serena. Really, my Gym Battle can wait. This moment is about you." Ash held her hands. Serena smile at Ash's nobility for holding up his Gym Battle for her. "You're the best sweetie." Serena cried.

With that the gang now set off on a detour and was now on route to Gloire City for Serena's Master Class Showcase as the Journey continues.


Oh man this was..wow. So this was Chapter 98 and we're two chapters away from this story being triple digits. I could just imagine how long this story is for you guys but it makes it all the more better.

So we introduce Amelia and her character, and I wasn't kidding from the beginning when I said she would act like what you expect from rich people with a superiority complex. Unlike the anime of course, this isn't the last time we've seem of her, she'll be back in what maybe part of the biggest cast list in this story so far.

So onto the next chapter, instead I'm gonna do a work around in this case because supposedly the next one was gonna be about Zapdos and the one after is about a renegade locksmith. But since I still want Ash's Kanto Team to at least have more time on the field with him, I'm gonna switch around the two Chapters around so next one will be about the locksmith and the one after will be about Zapdos.

So that's the plan, and please review on this chapter guys. It will mean a lot to me. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.