A Performance Pop Quiz
Serena's POV
After running like their lives depended on it, Serena and Shauna managed to get to the Showcase and register just in the nick of time. Once they did, they headed outside where everyone else was panting. "We're sorry we made you hurry, but we're registered," Shauna told them.
"Next time, make sure the alarm's set Serena," Alec told her as the group headed inside.
"Well, off we go," Serena said as she and Shauna got ready to head to the performer waiting area.
"Yeah, good luck," Ash replied.
"Thanks," Serena said. She then let out Eevee, who looked pretty nervous with the number of people nearby. "Hey Eevee," Serena started, getting her Pokémon's attention. "I'd like you to watch us do our very best, okay?" she asked her.
[O-okay,] Eevee replied.
Serena then turned to her friends. "Will you all look after Eevee for me?" she requested.
"Sure. Leave it to us," Ash answered. Alec then walked up to Eevee with Ethan beside him.
"Don't worry Eevee, we'll get good spots," Alec told her with a smile.
[You can stick near me and Eve if you get scared,] Ethan added, approaching Eevee.
[I'll help too!] Chespin suddenly shouted, popping out of his ball. Eevee jumped and hid behind Ethan.
As Chespin pouted, Eve walked up and hit Chespin over the head with her paw. [You really need to stop scaring the poor girl. You know she's shy so stop trying to force yourself onto her,] Eve told him.
"Chespin never learns," Bonnie commented.
"Don't worry about Eevee. You go have a great performance," Ash told Serena.
"You bet," Serena replied.
"Shauna, do your best," Tierno encouraged his friend.
"Count on it. You know that's the way I roll," she responded.
A few moments later, Serena and Shauna were changing into what looked like clothes you'd see in a school graduation. Serena guessed that the first round had something to do with answering questions. The TV screen turned on showing the stage as a Pierre started his presentation speech, but Serena didn't pay it too much mind this time.
"Alright. First I get through the theme performance, then win my second Princess Key," Serena said confidently to Shauna.
"Not quite. I'm going to win," a familiar voice spoke from behind Shauna. The two girls turned and Serena recognized Nini.
"Nini!" Serena greeted.
"Serena dear. It's been a while," Nini responded.
"Is she a friend of yours?" Shauna asked Serena, who nodded.
"I didn't know you'd be here," Serena said to Nini in a bit of shock. "Have you won a Princess Key yet?" she asked.
"Of course I don't," Nini answered a bit too confidently for Serena's liking. "But I'll win today so technically I already have one. I'm going to show you an incredible performance," she added before turning to Shauna. "Hey, you're the Shauna? It was so fun watching the video of your winning performance. You're wonderful," Nini told Shauna.
"Thanks so much. That's nice of you," Shauna replied.
"Though I must apologize since I'll be walking away with the Princess Key," Nini added.
"We'll both have to do our best then," Shauna responded.
[This girl is like a switch,] Pancham commented.
[Paaanchaaam darling!] a voice called out as Nini's Smoochum tackled Pancham in an attempt to kiss the Playful Pokémon's lips.
[Get off,] Pancham complained.
[Did I miss something?] Skiddo asked.
[Oh yeah, you weren't there, but Smoochum here has a massive crush on Pancham,] Braixen told him.
"I guess Smoochum really missed Pancham?" Serena asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yep," Nini answered.
"They're so friendly," Shauna commented. Serena wanted to comment on that but a staff member stopped that with an announcement.
"Alright, Nini, Lilly, and Serena, you'll all be up first," she reported. As the three girls made their way to the stage, Pierre announced that the first round would be a Pokémon quiz. The platforms rose and Serena was met with bright lights and the cheers of the crowd.
"Now! Our first trio of performers must win the chance to answer in the Stone Trail!" Pierre announced, pointing to three large boulders. "The performers' Pokémon retrieve the ball from inside one of the three boulders. The Pokémon that returns the quickest wins the chance for its performer to answer the question," Pierre explained.
[I've got this,] Pancham said confidently. Serena merely nodded.
"Alright my friends. Let's get underway with round one of our Theme Performance! Quiz Time!" Pierre declared. "Eevee has many evolved forms. Name its Fairy-type evolution," Pierre told the performers. As Serena thought of the answer, which didn't take her long, the Pokémon started running towards the boulders.
Pancham used Arm Thrust to break open the rock he was hitting and ran back with the ball with Nini's Farfetch'd right behind him. Pancham dropped the ball though, and Farfetch'd took the lead. Just as Pancham caught up, Farfetch'd crossed the line giving Nini the chance to answer.
[Sorry Serena. I blew it,] Pancham apologized sadly.
"Don't worry about it Pancham," Serena replied.
"Let's see, the answer is Espeon!" Nini said confidently. Her podium buzzed, signaling a wrong answer and her Farfetch'd mouth dropped.
"I'm afraid not. Espeon's a Psychic-type. Which gives Serena the chance to steal," Pierre stated.
"Alright. The answer is Sylveon," Serena answered.
"Correct! Tres bien," Pierre responded.
[That was lucky,] Pancham stated. Serena then got the second question while Nini got the third, but Serena was able to get the fourth, giving Serena the three questions she needed to move on.
A few moments later, the three performers were back in the waiting room. "Nice job Serena. I know I didn't win, but I hope you'll win this for the both of us," Nini requested.
"Sure thing Nini," Serena replied.
Meanwhile, on the TV screen, Shauna had just answered her third question and was moving on as well. Serena then changed out of the cap and gown and into her performance attire before watching the rest of the theme rounds.
Once that was finished, the Performance took a short break. "Don't forget. There'll be no holding back from me," Shauna told Serena.
"Or from me," Serena added, giving her friend a friendly glare.
A few moments later, Shauna was called up and Serena watched the screen. "And now, it's time for the Freestyle Performance Stage, where the winners of the Theme Performance will compete. And you lovely people in the audience will get to be our judges," Pierre announced from the screen. "And first up, it's Shauna!" he added as the part of the stage where he stood descended while Shauna rose from the floor with Ivysaur and Flabébé.
Alec's POV
When Shauna rose up from the stage, the audience gave their applause. "Wow, Shauna's up first!" Tierno said excitedly.
"You can do it, Shauna!" Ash called out.
Shauna started off with Flabébé using Fairy Wind while she moved in a circle around Shauna. Ivysaur then picked her up with a Vine Whip and Shauna looked like she was skating on air threw the Fairy Wind.
"Pretty!" Bonnie commented.
"Of course it's pretty. They've been rehearsing that 24/7," Tierno stated.
"She's definitely good," Cassidy pointed out.
Shauna then struck an end pose as the Fairy Wind started to fade away and the audience cheered.
"And next up. Prepare yourselves for the beautiful and talented, Jessilee!" Pierre declared once Shauna was off the stage.
The performance started with a Jack-o-lantern face shining down on Jessilee and her Meowth. Looking up, a Gourgeist was seen slowly spinning in the air. The stage lights then turned on and Jessilee started dancing with her Meowth for a bit. For her finish, Gourgeist used Seed Bomb to cause fireworks.
As the fireworks continued, Ethan rapidly tapped Alec's shoulder. [Eevee's run off,] Ethan told him quickly.
"What?!" Alec said in surprise. "We'd better go look for her then. Probably got scared by the fireworks," he added as he and Ethan stood up to leave.
"What's up Alec?" Cassidy asked.
"Eevee's run off. Me and Ethan are going to go looking for her," Alec answered.
"Need some help?" Ash asked.
"No. I'll be fine. You guys just stay here and watch the performance," Alec told them as he and Ethan left, figuring Eevee ran out of the theater they were in.
[I'll check one side while you get the other?] Ethan asked, already knowing the answer. Alec only nodded in response. The two split up and Alec started his search. He looked under the benches in the main area to see if Eevee was under them, but didn't find her.
"Are you looking for something?" a man asked from behind Alec. He turned and saw one of the workers.
"Yeah. I was watching my sister's Eevee when she ran off. Have you seen her?" Alec asked.
"I did see an Eevee run outside. Looked like she was pretty terrified," he answered.
"Thanks," Alec said, heading outside. Looking around, Alec saw Eevee running towards some trees in fright. "Eevee!" he called out. Eevee slowed down a bit at his voice and turned as Alec caught up. "There you are. You really were scared, huh?" he asked.
[It was a lot of loud noises at once,] Eevee admitted.
"It'll be fine. Why don't we head back to the performance? I'm sure you'll want to watch Serena," Alec told her.
[Alright,] Eevee replied.
"Well look who it is," a voice said with malice. Alec looked up to see Chester.
"What do you want?" Alec asked coldly as Eevee hid behind his leg.
"I'm here to show you how strong I am. So let's go," Chester demanded.
"Sorry. But I don't have time for you. Let's go Eevee," Alec said as the two started leaving. As they did so, Alec could hear Chester shouting after him, but he paid him no mind.
"Drapion, Night Slash!" Chester suddenly called out. As Alec started to turn, he saw a Drapion lunge forward towards Eevee, claws glowing a dark purple. On instinct, Alec got himself between Drapion and Eevee and took the full force of the attack. He cried out in pain as he was sent to the ground.
[Alec!] Eevee cried out as she ran up to him.
"Eevee, find Ethan and get back to the Showcase. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of this," Alec told her. Eevee looked unsure, but Alec looked at her with a reassuring smile. Eevee nodded and ran back inside.
"Now then, let's fight," Chester said. Alec moved his hand towards his Poké Balls, only to discover that they weren't there. He must have forgotten them in the rush to get here this morning. Not good. "What's wrong. Don't have the will to fight?" Chester mocked.
"That's not it. It's just that I've decided you aren't worth it," Alec lied, hoping to bluff his way out of this. That turned out to be the wrong thing to say.
"I will not be ignored! Drapion, use Cross Poison on the pest!" Chester shouted, pointing at Alec. Alec's eyes widened in shock as Drapion hesitated for the briefest of moments. He then lunged towards Alec. Alec's hand then moved towards the knife on which he somehow remembered and pulled it out and blocked Drapion's attack with it.
"You'd attack a trainer with your own Pokémon?!" Alec asked in shock.
"Keep attacking Drapion!" Chester commanded, ignoring Alec's question. As Drapion moved in with a Night Slash, Alec brought his knife up again but this time Drapion's attack broke the blade.
"Crap. Not good," Alec thought as Drapion's other claw came up for another Night Slash and his PTSD started up as well.
Serena's POV
As Serena made her way to the platform, she couldn't shake the feeling within her that something was wrong. [You good Serena?] Braixen asked, noticing her trainers unease.
"I'm good Braixen. Something just doesn't feel right," Serena answered. "Don't worry, we'll win this," Serena added, getting herself under control. Serena then rose up to the stage with her Pokémon. She hoped Eevee was watching because now she was going to see a true performance.
"Welcome, Serena!" Pierre shouted as Serena's platform reached the top.
"Let's go," Serena muttered. She, Braixen, and Skiddo then started a dance before Braixen pulled out her branch for a Flamethrower while Skiddo surrounded it with Razor Leaf. Pancham then used Arm Thrust into it causing green and red sparkles to appear. The four then started doing the dance that replicated the one Eevee did when they first met and did so quite well. Pancham then used Stone Edge to create multiple pillars while Skiddo used Razor Leaf around the pillars, really bringing out their shine while Braixen jumped between them. After she leaped off the final pillar, Braixen shot a Fire Blast into the air causing more red-orange sparkles to rain down on the crowd.
The crowd then roared in applause as Serena and her Pokémon took a bow. After one more performance, Serena and the other performers stood on stage. "Please light your glowcasters using the corresponding color of the performer you thought gave the best performance," Pierre told the crowd. The stands erupted with color as small balls of light flew to their performer. When the lights ended, Pierre announced the winner. "And the winner of the Anistar Showcase is, Serena!" Pierre declared.
"We did it! Yay!" Serena cheered with her team.
"You were great Serena. Congratulations on a wonderful performance," Shauna congratulated her.
"Thanks, Shauna," Serena replied.
"Congratulations on being our winner. I'd like to present to you this Princess Key," Pierre said, giving the key to Serena, and she accepted. As the crowd gave off a cheer, Serena smiled as best she could, the uneasy feeling returning heavier than ever.
After Serena changed back into her normal clothes, she and Shauna headed towards the lobby and as they approached the exit, one of the employees got Serena's attention. "Excuse me, Serena. I have a message for you," she told her.
"What is it?" Serena asked.
"A girl named Cassidy told me that she wanted to see you at the hospital as soon as possible. She didn't say why, but she looked pretty distressed," she answered.
Serena's unease grew as she and Shauna exchanged an uncertain look. As they walked into the lobby, Serena saw her friends. Besides Cassidy and Eve, which she expected, she noticed Alec and Ethan were missing too. "Serena! Great work on getting your second Princess Key. You were amazing!" Ash complimented her. Serena felt her cheeks heat up a bit, but it didn't last long as the uneasiness returned.
"So, where's Alec?" Shauna asked.
"Don't know. After that Jessilee's performance Eevee ran off for a bit. Alec and Ethan went looking for it and only Eevee and Ethan came back. Ethan and Cassidy then went to see what was keeping him, but they haven't come back," Tierno answered. Serena felt even more unnerved at this info.
"Well, I was told that Cassidy wanted to see me at the hospital, but she didn't say why," Serena told the group. Everyone looked a bit confused by that.
When the group entered the hospital, they found Cassidy sitting with Eve, Ethan, and Arco. Eve looked like she was trying to comfort Ethan, who looked upset, while Arco looked enraged. Cassidy meanwhile, looked up at the group, her eyes swollen and with tears. "It's bad. It's really bad," she said to Serena through her tears.
"What's going on?" Serena asked with concern.
"It's Alec. He's been hurt and it's bad," Cassidy cried. Everyone gasped in shock except for Serena, who was stunned beyond reaction.
"Excuse me, is one of you Alec Kirkland-Yvonne's sister?" a nurse asked Serena and Shauna.
"I am. What's wrong? Is Alec okay?" Serena asked, her voice filled with worry.
"The good news is that he's stable and he'll make it. But we're unsure at the moment if he'll make a full recovery," she answered.
"Can we see him?" Ash asked with concern as he stepped up next to Serena.
"Sure. Follow me please," the nurse said. She led the group to a room with a large window. Looking inside, she saw Alec laying on a hospital bed with machines strapped into him. Near the room was also a police officer. "Your friend Cassidy found him with this Lucario. His left leg is pretty badly damaged and he had a massive wound on his chest. Whoever, or whatever, did this was really brutal," the nurse explained.
The cop then came over to them. "We investigated the scene and we found this knife," he said, holding up a picture of a knife broken into two pieces. Serena recognized it immediately. "Do you know whose it is?" he asked.
"It's Alec's," Clemont answered.
"I see. Well, until he wakes up we're going to have trouble finding out who did this," he explained.
The door to the room then opened up and a doctor stepped out of the room. "Good news. He's going to be fine," he said immediately to the group. Serena let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Unfortunately he's got a rough road ahead of him. The wound on his chest is going to scar and he'll probably have to use a cane or crutches to walk for a few weeks," he added, dropping the mod down a bit.
"Can we be with him?" Serena asked.
"Only family and Pokémon. Everyone else must stay outside," the doctor said. Serena and Arco walked in while Ethan remained still, looking at Alec with something Serena couldn't understand.
Once inside, Arco stood next to Alec while Serena grabbed his left hand. "Arco," Serena started after a bit of silence. "Do you know what happened?" she asked.
[I'm not entirely sure myself. I was in my ball when I started to feel distressed and it turned into pain. I forced myself out of my ball and started running towards the source, as I was still in the Pokémon Center. When I arrived, I found a Drapion walking away from Alec. I didn't see a trainer, but Alec was badly injured. Cassidy showed up a few moments later and we brought him here,] Arco explained.
"I'm guessing your connection to Alec allowed you to realize what was happening," Serena guessed.
[That was my guess too. Ethan's been taking this rather hard though,] Arco stated.
"I'm not surprised," Serena replied.
After Serena and the others left, Shauna and Tierno said their goodbyes and wished the best of luck for Alec. Cassidy had calmed down a bit, but she was still upset. Serena had called her mom to let her know what happened and her mom said she was heading over, not surprising. Serena didn't know what to feel about this day. She won her second Princess Key, but Alec was badly hurt physically, and who knows how he was affected mentally, considering he appeared to have been attacked by the Pokémon that gave him PTSD. One thing though did stand out to Serena, if a trainer did this, she'd make them pay for this. No one hurts her brother and gets away with it, and that was a promise.