Mending a Broken Spirit
Serena's POV
After winning her first Showcase, the group continued to Anistar City. They were currently stoping at a Pokémon Center and Serena was looking at her Princess Key with her Pokémon. Her mind went back to the Showcase and her performance there. "We still have two more Princess Key's to get, so let's go practice," Serena told her Pokémon. They followed her outside to the training field next to the Center. "I think we should try a new performance for the next Pokémon Showcase," she told her team, who nodded in agreement. Serena then used a stick lying on the ground and drew up her idea in the dirt. "For our next performance, I'm thinking we should modify the combination move we used last time. Let's review by going over the routine," Serena told them.
Braixen, Pancham, and Skiddo went over the first part of their routine and it went well. "Great! That'll work. So Stone Edge is up next. Are you three ready to go?" Serena asked and they nodded.
[Here we go!] Pancham shouted as he prepared to use the move, catching both Braixen and Skiddo off guard. Pancham used the move and one of the pillars accidentally hit Braixen and she fell to the ground.
"Braixen!" Serena called out as she ran up to her partner.
[Are you okay? I'm so sorry,] Pancham apologized.
[It's alright. I'm good,] Braixen answered as she pulled up her branch only to see it had snapped in two. [My branch!] Braixen screamed.
The four then went to a nearby branch where Braixen was upset. [Braixen, I'm sorry,] Pancham told her.
[You should be!] Braixen shouted.
"Don't fight you two," Serena told them, trying to calm things down.
"What's going on?" Ash asked as he and the others ran up.
[This,] Braixen said, holding up the pieces of her broken branch.
"It broke while we were rehearsing," Serena told them.
"It's important to you, right?" Bonnie asked Braixen.
"Pancham didn't do it on purpose," Serena added.
[I know,] Braixen said miserably.
Inferno then suddenly let himself out. [You alright?] he asked Braixen.
[I don't know, Inferno,] Braixen answered
[Hang on,] Pancham said, jumping out of Serena's arms and running to the trees nearby.
"Where are you going?" Serena asked. Pancham didn't say anything as he disappeared. Serena was about to run after him when Pancham came back with a branch in his paws.
[Maybe something like this can work,] Pancham suggested to Braixen, holding out the branch for her.
[I won't take it,] Braixen responded.
"Braixen?" Serena asked in surprise.
"C'mon Braixen. Don't look so down," Ash told her. "All we have to do is go and look for a branch she likes," he suggested to the others.
"A branch that looks more like the original," Clemont added.
"Alright, let's find it!" Bonnie shouted.
"It'll be fine. Don't worry," Serena told Braixen and the group split up to search.
Alec's POV
When Ash suggested getting another branch, Alec was unsure if it would work. Braixen appeared to be stubborn about it. [Something tells me this will all be for nothing,] Ethan echoed Alec's thoughts.
[Knowing Braixen, she won't accept anything except that specific branch,] Inferno added.
"We have to try at least. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky," Alec told his Pokémon. They each found a potential branch for Braixen and headed back. When Alec and his Pokémon got back, the others were returning as well. They all put the branches they got in front of Braixen.
Braixen walked up and looked at them all. [None of these will work,] Braixen said grimly, shaking her head.
"So you don't like any of them," Serena said, more of a statement than a question.
"We tried finding branches that look like your old one," Ash pointed out.
"Guessed we goofed," Bonnie said.
[We tried our best,] Dedenne said from on top of Bonnie's head.
Braixen then stood and suddenly ran into the woods. "Braixen! Wait!" Serena shouted as she, Pancham, and Skiddo ran after her.
"I'm worried," Bonnie stated.
"Well, let's look again," Ash suggested.
"Good idea," Clemont agreed. The four started going into the wood and when the others split up to search for sticks, Alec followed Serena's trail.
When they found her, Alec saw she was trying to talk to Braixen. Braixen then ran off again. "Braixen!" Serena shouted as she and her Pokémon ran after her with Alec and his Pokémon right behind her.
Alec then ran up to Serena's side. "Need some help?" he asked.
"At this point, I think I need all the help I can get," Serena admitted.
When they caught up to Braixen, they found her with a man with purple hair wearing an outdoor suit. The man then noticed them. "Oh, hello there. Would this Braixen happen to be yours?" he asked.
"Yeah. Braixen's my partner," Serena answered.
"My name is Jeeves. A pleasure to meet you," Jeeves greeted.
"My name's Serena, and this is-" Serena started when the man stopped her.
"Alec Kirkland, the Champion, I believe," Jeeves said, looking at Alec.
"It's Kirkland-Yvonne now," Alec corrected him.
"Well, this is Pancham and Skiddo," Serena said, pointing to her other Pokémon.
"And these are Ethan and Inferno," Alec added, pointing to his team as Inferno came up to Braixen.
Jeeves then looked back at Braixen, focusing on her branch. "What's that?" he asked.
"I'm afraid Braixen's beloved branch broke. We're having trouble replacing it," Serena answered.
"Braixen must have a good reason to be so attached to it," Jeeves noted.
"I never really thought of that," Serena admitted. She then dawned a look of realization. "So that's why. It's because of all the memories we have with that branch," she said to Braixen.
[Yeah,] Braixen said sadly.
"Why don't we ask Nurse Joy if she can fix it for you?" Serena suggested.
[Yes!] Braixen answered, sounding happy at the idea.
The group headed to the Pokémon Center and Alec couldn't help but feel like he recognized Jeeves from somewhere. When they got to the Pokémon Center, they explained the problem to Nurse Joy. "I'm sorry, but we specialize in treating Pokémon. Repairing a broken branch is beyond my expertise," she told them.
"I understand," Serena said sadly.
[So that's it then,] Braixen muttered.
"I'm so sorry. I wish I could help you," Nurse Joy apologized to Braixen, seeing how upset she was. Nurse Joy then looked like she got an idea. "I know! Give me a moment," she told them. She went into the back of the store and returned with a book and opened it to a page that showed an old man and a Sawsbuck. "Mr. Woodward's a famous tree surgeon, and he lives close by. The picture here is when he reattached a Sawsbuck's horn which everyone said was impossible," Nurse Joy explained to them.
"A tree surgeon?" Serena asked.
"He used a method similar to grafting. He filed down the branch to preserve the horn's exact dimensions, and then attached it perfectly," Nurse Joy explained.
"If anyone can repair that branch, I'd say he can," Jeeves stated.
"You think so?" Serena asked.
"He's worth a shot," Alec answered.
"It's definitely worth a try," Nurse Joy added. Braixen looked hopeful at the idea. Nurse Joy gave them the directions to Mr. Woodward's place and they headed there.
On the way, Alec finally recognized Jeeves as James. Alec walked up and spoke to him in a low voice. "So, why are you helping James?" Alec asked. James slightly stiffened at his words, but it was shortlived.
"Because I know what Braixen is going through, and I want to help," James explained.
"Give me one good reason why I should believe you?" Alec asked.
"If I wanted to steal your Pokémon, I would have already done that with Jessie and Meowth. This is all me," James answered.
"Alright. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now," Alec told him and James nodded in thanks.
When they arrived, they explained the situation to him and he took a look at Braixen's branch with his Gallade. "Do you think you can fix it?" Serena asked.
"Because you're a skilled wood specialist, repairing this branch will be quite easy for you, shouldn't it?" James asked.
"Please say you can," Serena begged.
"It's not as easy as it appears," Mr. Woodward told them.
"But you could reattach a Sawsbuck's horn," Alec pointed out.
"Yes, but that particular procedure was successful because the Sawsbuck had a powerful desire to reattach its horn," he explained.
"But we also have a powerful desire to get that branch repaired," Serena protested.
[I'll do whatever it takes!] Braixen added.
"Then you'll have to show me that desire. That way, I'll be able to devote a hundred percent to this procedure," Mr. Woodward told Serena.
"But how are they going to do that?" James asked.
"I think the best way is for your Braixen battle against me Gallade. The best way by far to get to know a Pokémon's Heart is during a Pokémon battle," Mr. Woodward answered.
"That makes sense," Alec agreed.
[I'm ready Serena. Let's do this,] Braixen said determinedly.
"Alright then. We accept," Serena told the tree surgeon.
They went out to the battlefield next to the building, Serena and Braixen on one side, Woodward and Gallade on the other. As the battle was about to start, Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie showed up. "Serena! Alec!" Ash called out as the three ran up to Serena.
"So what happened with Braixen's branch?" Bonnie asked. Serena explained the situation to them.
"I see. If you battle him, he'll fix Braixen's branch," Clemont recited.
[Show him what you've got Braixen,] Inferno cheered Braixen.
[Will do,] Braixen said determinedly. Everyone but Serena and Braixen joined Alec and James on the sidelines. Clemont then stepped up to where the referee would normally stand.
"If you don't mind. I'll be the referee," Clemont offered. Woodward nodded. "Trainers will each us one Pokémon," Clemont declared.
Serena's POV
"Alright. Now Braixen, let's show them just how strongly we feel about this," Serena told Braixen.
[Agreed,] Braixen replied.
"Alright. Battle begin!" Clemont declared.
"Now then. I'm waiting for so bring it on," Woodward stated.
"Braixen, use Scratch!" Serena ordered. Braixen ran towards Gallade, claws glowing white.
"Dodge it Gallade!" Woodward ordered. Gallade jumped back away from Braixen's attack. As much as Serena wanted to use Flamethrower, she figured with the broken branch it'd be all but impossible.
"Scratch once more!" Serena commanded. Braixen charged in again but Gallade dodged.
"Use Slam!" Woodward ordered. One of Gallade's arms glowed white and he uppercutted Braixen. Now Serena was getting worried. Braixen wasn't much of a close-quarters combatant.
"You can still battle. Right Braixen?" Serena asked.
[I'm still in this,] Braixen replied.
"Use Psycho Cut!" Woodward commanded. Gallade's arms glowed purple this time and he charged in towards Braixen, but she was able to dodge gracefully.
Before the battle could continue, an electric net suddenly went toward Pikachu but he managed to get out of the way. Team Rocket then revealed themselves. At first, it was Jessie and Meowth, but James showed up soon after and the three did their motto. "You three up to your old tricks again?" Alec asked, sounding like he already knew the answer.
"Give me that gizmo!" Jessie ordered James. She then took a device off James. "This time, I'll aim correctly," Jessie added.
"We don't have time for this. Inferno, use Flame Charge!" Alec ordered. Inferno charged in towards Team Rocket, who immediately let out Pumpkaboo and Inkay.
"Inkay, Foal Play!" James shouted. Inkay flew up to Inferno and hit him with the attack, sending Inferno into the air.
"Revenge!" Alec commanded. Inferno flipped before he was surrounded by a red outline and slammed into Inkay with his paw. "Now Flamethrower!" Alec called out. Inferno fired, but both Inkay and Pumpkaboo dodged.
"Pumpkaboo, Dark Pulse!" Jessie ordered.
"Inkay, Psybeam!" James called out. Both attacks hit Inferno, hurting him badly.
[Inferno!] Braixen cried out.
"Pancham! Braixen!" Serena shouted. The two nodded, the latter looking angry. Pancham used Stone Edge on the ground creating pillars for Braixen to hop across. Braixen jumped off the last pillar and grabbed both pieces of her branch. She slammed them together and a stream of fire emitted from the break. The stream then turned into a five-pointed star and Serena recognized Fire Blast. The move hit Team Rocket, knocking out Inkay and Pumpkaboo, but the power from Fire Blast damaged Braixen's branch further.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted. Pikachu fired and sent Team Rocket blasting off again.
Braixen looked at the pieces of her branch with a pained expression. [Are you alright?] Inferno asked Braixen.
[You're okay. That's what matters,] Braixen told him.
Serena then looked at Woodward. "Woodward, please. Let's continue our battle so you can fix Braixen's branch," she begged.
"My dear child. I'm afraid that branch was already well beyond repair from the very first time you brought it to my attention," Woodward told Serena. He then looked at Braixen. "Now Braixen. You know why we did all this, don't you? Why I asked you to have a battle with me? You see, there's nothing wrong with wanting to hold onto precious things from the past. But becoming overly attached can leave you stuck in the past as well," he told her. Braixen nodded. "You tried to use Flamethrower with your broken branch and it ended up as Fire Blast. It was unintentional, but you used it because your feelings were so strong. And if you hold on to that desire of yours, I'm sure you'll be able to master anything you possess," he added.
[I understand,] Braixen replied while nodding. Pancham then pulled out the branch he found for Braixen.
[Braixen. I know this will never replace the original, but I hope you will use it,] Pancham told her. Serena then crouched down and put her hand on the branch.
"Braixen. We didn't fulfill the promise we made to each other with the branch you had, so let's make a new promise with the branch Pancham wants to give you," Serena suggested as Skiddo put on on his hoof on the branch. "It's time to write the next chapter of our partnership," she added. Braixen looked at the branch before putting her paw on it. "It's all for one. Let's do this together," Serena vowed.
[I'm in,] Pancham said.
[As am I,] Skiddo added.
[And I,] Braixen finished.
Serena then pulled out a red ribbon from her bag. "This is to remember the promise we made," Serena said as she tied the ribbon into a bow on the new branch.
Braixen flicked her branch down and a small amount of flame flickered from the tip. [Let's do this,] Braixen said determinedly.
"Alright. Let's try it out," Serena said aloud.
"Then let's get back to our battle," Woodward said. The two returned to their spots on the battlefield.
"Let the battle resume!" Clemont declared.
"Use Psycho Cut!" Woodward ordered.
"Dodge and use Fire Blast!" Serena ordered. Braixen successfully dodged Gallade and jumped over him. She then spun in midair and sent the powerful Fire-type attack towards Gallade.
When the smoke cleared, Gallade was still standing but looked hurt pretty badly. "Alright. I think that's enough for now," Woodward declared. "Excellent work Gallade. You did great."
[Thank you,] Gallade replied.
"Braixen!" Serena shouted as she ran up to her partner and hugged her.
[Alright!] Pancham shouted as he jumped onto Serena's shoulder.
[You did it Braixen!] Skiddo cheered as he ran up as well.
"That was amazing you two," Ash complemented Serena and Braixen. Serena was too busy blushing that she unknowingly missed the small one on Ash.
"Thanks, Ash," Serena said, trying to regain control.
The group then noticed Woodward gathering the pieces of Braixen's old branch. "So, what are you going to do with those?" Ash asked.
"I thought you said that you couldn't fix the branch?" Clemont asked with confusion.
"I did say that. However," Woodward said. He then dug a hole in the ground and attached the pieces together with tape before planting it in the ground. "Just as it should be. That branch will live a brand new life here," Woodward explained as Gallade poured some water on it. "There will be a day when it will be useful to someone once again."
"And someday we'll come back here and tell it about our big success," Serena said to Braixen.
[We will,] Braixen agreed.
The group then started to leave and continue down the road. "Thank you so much, Woodward. I can't thank you enough for your generosity," Serena thanked him.
"Now now. I haven't really done much of anything at all. It's something you and your Pokémon learned together, my dear child," Woodward told her.
"We'll thank you anyway," Alec remarked.
Serena then had a realization. "What happened to Jeeves though?" she wondered aloud.
"The guy with the glasses?" Bonnie asked.
"He just disappeared, didn't he?" Clemont asked.
"It's like he vanished into thin air," Ash added.
"I wouldn't worry about him. He's fine," Alec told him. Serena wondered what he meant, but Alec turned to the sky with a smile on his face. The group then said their final goodbyes as they left.