A Frolicking Find in the Flowers

Serena's POV

As the group continued on their way to Anistar City, Serena received a message on her guidebook. Pulling it out, she saw a message from the Pokémon Showcase. "The next Showcase will be in Anistar City! We'll be seeing all of you performers there!" Pierre announced in the message.

"That's awfully convenient," Alec commented.

"Yeah. That means I can get my next gym badge and your next key in the same place," Ash stated.

"Yeah. I'll win my next Showcase and get my Second Princess Key," Serena said proudly. Serena then remembered something and stopped.

"Why'd you stop?" Bonnie asked.

"I've got so much work to do on my routine. There's not a lot of time and I've got so much to do," Serena replied.

"You'll do great Serena. I still have things to work on too," Ash told Serena. "What do you say Pikachu? Up for some special training?"

[Always!] Pikachu shouted.

"I'll join you, Ash. I've been neglecting my training recently and I can't keep doing that," Alec admitted.

The group looked for a good place to train and found a flower-filled field not too far away. "Wow! Beautiful!" Serena said in awe.

"Come on Dedenne! Yippee!" Bonnie shouted, running into the field.

"Bonnie! Don't run so fast! You might get hurt!" Clemont called after her. Alec then put his hand on Clemont's shoulder.

"Let her have her fun. She won't be that way forever so you might as well let her enjoy herself. She's also smart enough to know her limits," Alec advised.

"I suppose you're right," Clemont replied.

"Come on Serena," Ash said, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the field. It's a good thing Ash was facing the other way, since Serena couldn't control her blushing. Ash eventually let go suddenly and Serena got a good look at the field.

"What a beautiful place," Clemont commented.

"Yeah, the air's so fresh," Ash added.

As wild Pokémon roamed around, Serena turned to the others. "This would be a great place to take a break," she suggested.

"Oh please! Can we do it? Can we do it?" Bonnie asked excitedly.

"I don't see why not," Alec answered and Ash nodded in agreement.

"In that case, I'll make us some tea," Clemont said, putting down his bag.

"We're going to play!" Bonnie shouted before running off.

"Guy's, let's go!" Ash shouted, letting out his Pokémon.

"And you too," Clemont called out, letting out his team.

"Come on out," Serena said, releasing her team.

"Alright team, let's go!" Alec shouted, letting out his Pokémon.

Chespin then ran over towards Bonnie. "Now don't run off okay," Clemont called out after him.

Serena went off on her own with her Pokémon and she, Braixen, and Skiddo decided to make headpieces out of flowers while Pancham got some shut-eye. [Will these work Serena?] Braixen asked, handing Serena some flowers.

"They're gorgeous. Thank's Braixen," Serena replied.

[I've got some too,] Skiddo said, coming up with some flowers of his own.

"Thank's Skiddo," Serena thanked. She then fashioned some of the flowers into a headpiece and put it on her hat.

"You're so good at that," Bonnie commented. "Can I have one?" she asked.

"Sure," Serena answered. She then used some of the other flowers to make a headpiece for Bonnie.

"So pretty," Bonnie stated.

"And here's one for you two Dedenne," Serena said, giving the small mouse one. "You're the cutest," Serena said.

[Hooray!] Dedenne shouted, jumping into the air and throwing off his headpiece.

Dedenne and Pancham chased after it and Pancham managed to grab it. Pancham and Dedenne then looked at something else. "Are you okay?" Serena asked them.

[Look over there,] Pancham said, pointing. Serena looked as she saw an Eevee dancing on a flat rock.

"Wow, an Eevee!" Bonnie said in glee. "It's so cute."

"Looks like Eevee likes to dance," Serena noticed. "Light on its feet too," she added.

"Serena! Clemont says the tea's ready!" Ash suddenly shouted, startling Eevee and making it look towards Serena and Bonnie. Eevee then ran off.

"Eevee, wait!" Serena called after it, but Eevee didn't even turn.

"Aww. It ran away," Bonnie complained.

"We're coming Ash," Serena called out.

Serena and Bonnie then joined the others and Serena explained what she saw. "You really saw a dancing Eevee?" Clemont asked.

"Yeah, and it moved so beautifully too. Just like it was dancing on air," Serena added.

"Sorry I scared it off," Ash apologized.

"Not all that surprising. Eevee's are pretty rare on their own so they tend to be fearful of humans," Alec explained.

"Though if I can see Eevee dance again, I might be able to get a brand new idea for my routine," Serena stated.

"So let's go find it," Ash suggested.

"Yeah," Bonnie agreed.

"Try not to scare Eevee away this time though Ash," Alec told him.

"Will do," Ash answered. "Eevee, here we come."

The Pokémon gathered and they began to look for Eevee. "Wonder where Eevee is?" Ash wondered.

"I'm sure Eevee lives somewhere around here," Serena said.

Clemont then chuckled. "The future is now, thanks to science! Clemontic gear on!" Clemont shouted, pulling out a ball with antennas pointing down while the ball was held up by a balloon. "I thought that we'd encounter a situation precisely like this one. It's a robotic radar that detects living things! My Living Thing Finder Mark II!"

"Mark II?" Bonnie asked cheekily.

"That's right. I once used it to search for you," Clemont answered. "The living organism detection power used to be my invention's weakest point! But it's been improved. It can now detect any living thing!" Clemont added.

"Science is so amazing!" Ash said in awe.

"Okay, we're counting on you," Serena told Clemont.

"Our target is very small, so we'll narrow the search down to Eevee's size," Clemont said, tapping a few buttons. "Here we go," Clemont said, pressing another button. "Found it. And it's over there!" Clemont shouted, pointing to a Vivillon.

"Weird looking Eevee," Alec commented.

"One more time," Clemont said, pressing a few more buttons. "Found it for sure! There!" Clemont shouted, pointing to a rock.

"Eevee?" Bonnie asked as a Budew walked out from behind the rock.

[Hey look, another weird-looking Eevee," Ethan commented.

"Okay, back to the drawing board," Bonnie declared.

"I don't understand," Clemont said, pressing so many buttons that he started to overload his machine. It then floated back down to the group and exploded.

[I have to ask. How often does that happen?] Alec's Krookodile, Jaws, asked.

[Every time,] Inferno answered.

[Guess things haven't changed much since last time,] Arco added.

"Oh well. Better luck next time," Bonnie said.

"Thanks. I could use a little luck," Clemont said.

"You'll get the hang of it," Alec reassured him.

"Let's split up. That'll be better," Ash suggested.

"We'll head that way," Serena said, pointing in a direction. She and her Pokémon then went that way while Ash told Noibat and Talonflame to look from the sky.

After a bit of searching, Serena wasn't having any luck. [No luck Serena,] Braixen said as she walked back to her.

"Maybe Eevee isn't here then," Serena said. "Let's try one more time. Pancham, you look over there, Skiddo in that direction, and I'll head this way," Serena told them. They split up and went in separate directions. "Eevee!" Serena called out, walking through some tall grass.

[Don't go that way!] a voice shouted and Serena stopped to see she almost went off a cliff.

Serena turned to the voice and saw Eevee standing on a tree branch. "Eevee. You saved me," Serena thanked.

[I-uh-uh] Eevee said quickly before she jumped to another tree and ran.

Serena was about to follow, but Eevee was already out of sight. Serena then got an idea and pulled off her flower headpiece. She set it down a rock so Eevee would find and hopefully take it.

[Serena! Have you found Eevee?] Pancham asked.

"No. Not yet. Let's go," Serena lied.

Ethan's POV

As Ethan, Alec, and the rest of his team looked for Eevee, Ethan attempted to catch Eevee's scent. "Any luck so far Ethan?" Alec asked.

[No. Eevee's pretty elusive I'll give it that,] Ethan answered.

[I don't see the point in this. We're never going to find it by looking for it,] Blade said, leaning against a tree.

[And what makes you an expert on that?] Jaws asked annoyed.

[I'm used to tracking down beings that don't want to be found. Most of the time, you don't find them when you look for them. They find you,] Blade answered.

[Well, I can't pick up a scent either,] Inferno piped in.

Ethan then thought he heard something behind him, but when he looked, nothing was there. "You got something, Ethan?" Alec asked, noticing Ethan's movements.

[It's probably nothing. But I thought I heard something. I'll take a look just to be sure,] Ethan answered. He went into the trees and when he rounded a corner, he felt something smack into his chest. [What's the big-] Ethan started but saw that it was Eevee. [Oh. Hello,] he greeted.

[Uh… hi,] Eevee answered shyly, slowly backing away.

"Ethan? What's taking so long?" Alec called out from out of sight.

Ethan was about to answer when he saw Eevee look extremely nervous. [Go,] he told her. Eevee looked surprised. [Now,] Ethna ordered. Eevee then ran off and Ethan walked back towards the group.

"What took you so long?" Alec asked.

[Thought I saw something. Turns out it was nothing,] Ethan lied. Alec merely shrugged and they walked back to camp.

When they arrived, everyone else was already there. "Find anything Alec?" Ash asked.

"Nope. Eevee's pretty tough to find," Alec answered. Ethan shifted a bit but stopped when he saw Serena looking at him.

Serena's POV

When night fell, Serena found herself unable to sleep, thinking about Eevee. She started to get out of her sleeping bag when she heard Braixen shift. [Serena?] she started to ask but Serena shushed her.

Serena exited the tent and looked behind her to see Pancham and Skiddo had been disturbed as well. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I couldn't sleep, that's all. I'm going for a walk," Serena told her Pokémon. She didn't look behind her to confirm it, but she felt her Pokémon walking behind her. Serena walked towards the rock where she first saw Eevee and was surprised to see Eevee dancing there with the flower headpiece Serena had left.

[It's Eevee?] Braixen asked in a bit of surprise.

[Looks like we found it,] Pancham.

[Where did it get Serena's headpiece though?] Skiddo asked.

"Eevee likes it though," Serena said proudly. As Serena and her Pokémon continued watching Eevee, Serena got an idea. "I'd really like to become friends with that Eevee. Do you three think that it's a good idea?" she asked them.

[With Eevee's dance skills, we could really improve our routines,] Braixen said.

[It'd definitely be worth it,] Skiddo noted.

[I'm game,] Pancham replied.

"Thanks for the support. But how am I going to get Eevee to trust me and that I want to be her friend?" Serena questioned aloud. As she continued watching, Serena then got an idea.

Morning

When everyone was up and about after breakfast, Ash said confidently, "We'll find Eevee today for sure."

"Actually, I don't want to look for Eevee the same way we did yesterday," Serena told the group.

"You're not giving up, are you?" Bonnie asked worriedly.

"Relax Bonnie, Serena didn't say she was giving up," Alec pointed out. He then turned to Serena. "I'm assuming you have a plan?" he asked.

"Yep. I came up with it last night," Serena answered.

Serena brought the group over to the rock where Eevee liked to dance and she and her Pokémon got on top of it. "So, what are you doing?" Ash asked.

"I figure it would be better if we show Eevee our performance instead," Serena answered.

"I don't get it," Clemont admitted.

"We were drawn to how happy Eevee looked while dancing, so I think it would be a great idea to show Eevee how happy we are by dancing, too," Serena explained.

"Great! I like it! After all, your performances are really good," Bonnie said confidently.

"They sure are," Ash agreed.

Serena felt herself blush a bit but thankfully got herself under control quickly. "Thanks, Ash," she thanked. She then turned to her Pokémon. "So, what do you three say? Are we on?" she asked. Her Pokémon said their agreements.

Serena decided that she'd keep the performance small and short, something to get Eevee's attention. "Braixen, Flamethrower! Skiddo, Razor Leaf!" Serena ordered. Braixen fired into the air with her branch creating a swirl of fire in the air while Skiddo's Razor Leaf surrounded the flames, lighting up the leaves without burning them. "Okay Pancham, Dark Pulse go!" Serena shouted. Pancham jump threw the center of the flames and fired Dark Pulse that swirled inside the flames before exploding into a bright orange fireball that rained down orange, black-purple, and green sparkles. Pancham landed and they all did a bow.

Serena's friends started clapping. "Amazing!" Bonnie cheered.

"It sure was," Ash agreed.

"You've really improved Serena," Alec complimented.

Serena was about to say something, but noticed Eevee watching behind a nearby rock. "So did you like what we did? Not too bad, right?" Serena asked her. Everyone else looked and it clued in for Eevee that she was seen.

"It's Eevee," Ash said surprised.

"Eevee was this close this whole time?!" Clemont asked.

"How cool is that?!" Bonnie asked excitedly.

"I thought Eevee would show up but not this close," Alec admitted.

Serena looked at Eevee in the eye. "See, Eevee, the four of us really like to perform together as a team. We compete with other performers in the Pokémon Showcase, and it's a whole lot of fun. Do you think maybe you'd like to perform with us on stage in the Pokémon Showcase?" Serena asked Eevee.

"That's a great idea," Clemont said.

"Then Eevee would get to be a part of your team," Ash added.

[But why me?] Eevee asked.

"Because it's so much fun to watch you dance. I want lots of people to see you too," Serena answered. "What do you say? You want to be part of our group?" she asked.

Eevee looked unsure and started pacing a bit when a cage appeared out of nowhere and captured her. [What the-?!] Eevee asked in shock.

"Eevee!" Serena cried out.

[Help me!] she screamed as the cage was pulled towards Team Rocket.

"What's going on?" Ash demanded as Team Rocket started their motto.

"You let Eevee go!" Serena demanded.

"What for? I'm the one traveling down the road to stardom with Eevee," Jessie answered.

"What do you mean?!" Bonnie asked.

"Bonnie, no," Clemont said, putting his arm in front of his sister.

"You heard him. Gourgeist, go!" Jessie shouted.

"Inkay, join the fray!" James called out. The two Pokémon appeared, ready to fight. "Inkay, use Psybeam!" James commanded.

"Ethan!" Alec shouted. Ethan jumped up and took Inkay's Psybeam.

"Braixen, Pancham, Skiddo, let's help Eevee," Serena said.

"She's such an irritating twerpette. Shadow Ball!" Jessie shouted.

Gourgeist fired, but Serena wasn't going to let that stop her. "Braixen, Flamethrower!" she shouted. Braixen fired, destroying the Shadow Ball.

"Okay, Inkay. Use Tackle!" James ordered.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash shouted. Pikachu attempted to strike Inkay as he approached, but he stopped at the last moment.

"Use Foal Play!" James commanded. Inkay threw Pikachu into the ground.

"Now Pancham, use Stone Edge!" Serena called out. Pancham's attack hit Team Rocket, freeing Eevee.

As Serena ran towards Eevee, she heard, "You keep that twerpette away from Eevee. Seed Bomb, now!" Jessie shouted.

"Serena!" Alec called out, but she ignored him as Gourgeist's Seed Bomb landed around her. Serena jumped forward and grabbed Eevee.

"You okay Serena?" Ash asked with concern.

"Are you okay?" Serena asked Eevee, ignoring Ash for the moment.

Eevee's response was to immediately jump out of her arms and she started running towards the trees. "Oh no you don't!" Jessie shouted.

"Dance your way back here!" Meowth demanded as he and Jessie started chasing Eevee.

"You're wasting your fancy footwork!" Jessie added.

"That's far enough!" Serena declared as she stepped between Team Rocket and Eevee.

"Oh please. Gourgeist, Seed Bomb!" Jessie ordered. Gourgeist fired as Serena prepared for the pain, but it never came. When she opened her eyes, a blue-green barrier stood in front of her. Looking down, she saw Eevee using Protect.

[Take this!] Eevee shouted as she used Swift, stunning Team Rocket.

"I'll finish this," Alec said, stepping forward. He then pulled up his Z-ring with the Steelium Z on it. He performed the movements and the energy went to Ethan. "Corkscrew Crash!" Alec called out. Ethan's body spun forwards like a drill and slammed into Team Rocket, sending them into a blastoff.

"Can't you take a hint!" Bonnie shouted after them.

"Eevee, thanks so much," Serena said to her.

[I uh…] Eevee started as Serena knelt down.

"As I was saying. Please Eevee. Won't you travel along with us? If we dance together, it'll be more fun," Serena asked, holding out her hand. Eevee hesitated for a bit, before walking up and putting her chin in Serena's hand.

[I'll come with,] Eevee said.

"Great to hear," Serena responded. Eevee looked a bit stunned.

[Don't worry. Serena responding to you is normal since she can understand us. It just takes some getting used to,] Braixen told Eevee, who calmed down after hearing that.

"Welcome aboard," Serena told Eevee. Serena then pulled out a Poké Ball and tapped Eevee with it. Three shacks and a click later, Eevee was caught. Serena then threw Eevee back out.

"Alright gang, come on out!" Ash shouted, throwing out his team as Clemont did the same.

"Uh guys, I don't think that's a good idea," Alec said, but it was too late. Seeing all the new faces, Eevee ran behind Serena's legs in fear. "I was about to say that Eevee appears shy, but you just had to throw out everyone at once," Alec remarked.

[What a bunch of buffoons,] Ethan added.

"You don't have to worry Eevee," Serena told her.

"Everyone's really nice. So, let's be friends," Bonnie said. Eevee started to come to Bonnie, but Dedenne jumped out of her bag, startling Eevee.

Eevee then ran and ended up in front of Hawlucha. [Hello,] he greeted. Eevee ran off again.

[Nice work,] Frogadier commented.

Eevee then ran towards Chespin. [Hey Eevee. It's nice to meet you. I'm-] Chespin started when Eevee ran off towards Ethan and hid behind him. [Why?!] Chespin shouted, annoyed.

[You okay?] Ethan asked Eevee.

"What do you know. It likes Ethan," Clemont commented.

"Probably since Ethan is an evolved form of Eevee, so she might feel comfortable around him," Alec theorized.

[Why that little,] Chespin grumbled before running towards Eevee. Ethan's response was to lift Chespin off the ground with Psychic.

[No,] was all Ethan said.

Ash then got Serena's attention. "Hey Serena, I'm glad you got to meet a new friend," Ash told her.

"Me too," Serena replied. She then looked at her team. "Braixen, Pancham, Skiddo, and now Eevee. We'll win the showcase together," she said confidently. Eevee then jumped into Serena's arms. "I'm so happy you're here," Serena told her.

[I'm happy to be here,] Eevee replied. Serena knew she had a greater chance at winning the Pokémon Showcase now. And she would win.