I LIVE! Yes, I know it's been quite a while since I updated this one, I don't know why I kept putting it off, but here it is. Let's get to it.
Master Class: Begin
Alec's POV
The group arrived in Gloire city today and approached the castle that would be hosting the Master Class Showcase. Serena was in the front with her team out, looking at the castle with determination. "So that's it, huh?" Ash questioned.
"Wowee! What a big castle!" Bonnie commented in awe.
Serena took a deep breath. "This is it. The Master Class," she said to herself.
"The moment we've all been dreaming about," Shauna added as she arrived and approached the group.
"Where the Kalos Queen will be crowned," Miette continued as she showed up as well.
"That's why we all collected three Princess Keys," Nina finished as she arrived behind the group.
"So, we all know each other then," Shauna noted.
"It's not surprising, considering we've all shared the same stage," Miette stated.
"So cool! You're all in the Master Class!" Bonnie cheered.
"Well, this is certainly going to be interesting," Clemont commented.
[Pancham, my love! So good to see you!] Smoochum suddenly called out as she snuggled next to Pancham.
[Help! I need an adult!] Pancham called out in panic.
[I'm an adult!] Ethan called out as he pulled Smoochum away with Psychic.
[You sure? You act like a child at times,] Eve teased.
"So Ash, you'll be cheering me on, right?" Miette asked him.
"Yeah, I'll be cheering for all of you," Ash replied.
"And if I go against Serena," Miette asked. Behind her back, Serena started giving a deadly glare towards Miette. "Well?" she asked, putting herself between Serena and Ash.
"In that case, I'll be cheering for Serena," Ash stated.
Alec couldn't help but smile at his words. Miette looked a bit confused before turning to Serena. "Are you two an item?" she asked before being suddenly pulled away by Alec's blushing sister.
"That's none of your business!" she called out as Miette started laughing sheepishly.
"That aside, it's good to see you're okay Alec. After Anistar, we were pretty worried," Shauna said.
"Yeah, but I'm better now," he replied, subconsciously starting to trace the scar across his chest which painfully reminded him of its existence.
"Now, let's show everyone what we're capable of," Nini stated.
"And I'm going to win," Miette and Serena said at the same time.
"Well, this is certainly a reunion," a familiar voice said and Alec turned to see Calem approaching.
"Calem?! When did you get here?" Miette questioned in slight shock and a small blush.
"Well, I heard the Master Class would be here so I decided to come to cheer you on," he answered.
Alec glanced at Liz, who was giving him a mischievous look he was all too familiar with and nodded, which he returned. They were so going to tease him about this. Apparently, they weren't the only ones thinking that as Serena smiled devilishly at Miette. "So what's going on with you two?" she asked mischievously.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Miette answered, looking away with a pouting look but her blush increasing.
Alec then got a bit closer to Calem. "Are you alright though? After what happened with Team Flare?" he asked him.
"I'm doing okay, but I'm worried about what this means," Calem answered.
"Just keep your eyes and ears open, that's all we can do until we find something that we can use."
"Why not just attack Lysandre directly?"
"All we have is an eyewitness saying his daughter is in league with them, that's not enough to go after him," Liz stated, joining the conversation.
"After this, I'll try and track him down, discreetly," Calem told the two, who both responded with a small nod.
"Well, I'll see you all at the Showcase, I'm going to practice," Miette's voice stated, throwing the three out of their conversation. She then left heading somewhere.
"That reminds me," Liz started, turning to look at Ash. "You still have work to do with Greninja." She then looked at Calem. "Think you can help with that?"
"What do you mean?" Calem questioned.
"His Greninja's like Sino," Alec answered.
That got his attention as he gave Ash a look of curiosity. "Is that so," he noted.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm in for a tough battle?" Ash wondered with a hint of excitement.
"That's because you are," Alec answered before turning to Calem. "Don't hold back."
Calem showed a familiar smirk, one that he usually wore during their early trainer days when battling Alec. "Heh, sure thing."
The group went to the Pokémon Center for Ash and Calem's battle but before they could get started, Serena came up to Alec. "Why are you pushing Ash so hard?" she asked.
"Because if he wants the master this power, he's gotta put a lot into it. Though if I'm being real, the same could be said for your performances," he answered.
Serena looked a little hurt, but curious at the same time. "What's that meant to mean? My performances are great."
"True, but you don't seem to try to improve them, notice the little things you missed," Alec started and Serena looked away as if in thought. "What you've been doing has served you well so far, but there's always room for improvement, those that settle for good enough never make it to the top."
Serena's eyes then widened in what appeared to be realization. "That's it! That's what she meant!" Before Alec could begin to question what she meant, Serena was already out of sight.
[Maybe it has something to do with when she came back from getting her hairbrush after the last Showcase?] Ethan wondered.
"Well, whatever it was, I hope it helps her. Now, let's see if Ash can beat Calem or if he'll get his butt handed to him," he replied and the two headed towards the battlefield.
Serena's POV
After talking with Alec, Serena headed to a field just outside of town and let out her team, all having a slightly confused look on their faces. "Everyone, I know we've practiced earlier today, and I know I said it was good, but that I realize now that good won't be enough to beat Aria. So, we're going to have to do some more practicing, but let me know if you can't keep going, I don't want to push you all too far," she told her team.
[Serena,] Braixen started, [I think I speak for all of us when I say that we're with you. I'm ready.]
[We'll win for sure,] Pancham added.
[I'll dance my heart out,] Sylveon agreed.
Skiddo then brushed his horns against Serena's hand. [I won't let you down,] he said. Serena smiled as she took one of his horns in her hand. Skiddo then suddenly started glowing before her eyes.
Alec's POV
After the battle between Calem and Ash, which Calem won but Ash was once again able to use a partial transformation, he headed towards the phone booths and saw Serena doing the same. "So, what happened earlier?" he asked his sister.
"Well, let's just say your words made me realize the answer to a question someone once asked me," she answered before turning back to the booths. "I take it you were going to call mom?"
"Yeah, I see we had the same idea," he commented.
Alec then dialed in the number and a few moments later their mother appeared on the screen. "Serena, Alec, good to see you two," she greeted.
"Good to see you too, Mom," Alec greeted.
"So, how have you two been? I hope things are going well," Mom asked.
"Well, we're in Gloire city right now and the Master Class starts tomorrow," Serena answered.
"Well, then I'll be there in a flash."
"You don't have to come all the way out here," Serena noted.
"Maybe, but this gives me a good chance to see you two, and I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world," Mom answered.
"I am a little nervous though," Serena admitted.
"It's only natural. I always felt that way before a league battle," Alec told her.
"Alec's right. But that's when you need to tell yourself it's time to go for broke," Mom added.
"Yeah, so I will. I'll give it my all," Serena said with new confidence.
Mom smiled. "I'll be there as soon as I can. And Alec, make sure to support Serena any way you can," she said.
"I will. It is my duty as the older brother," Alec replied.
"It's only by ten minutes," Serena pouted.
"And they were the best ten minutes of my life," Alec stated cheekily.
"Excuse me?!" Serena questioned.
Alec was about to respond when mom's laughter interrupted them. "Oh, where has this been all my life?" she questioned jokingly which caused the twins to laugh at how silly they sounded. "See you two soon," she added once she calmed down and ended the call.
Serena's POV
The next day rolled around quicker than Serena thought it would, but before long she was standing inside the old castle where the Master Class would take place in her usual performance clothing with her team. Including the newly evolved Skiddo into Gogoat.
"Alright everyone, here we are. This is it, all or nothing, so let's give it everything we've got," she told them, getting nods of acknowledgments and determined looks from her team. A quick look around showed the other Performers getting ready as well.
"All performers, report to the stage," a woman said from the door. Serena stood up and returned everyone but Braixen and headed down the hall towards the stage. This was something they had told her about beforehand, so she knew what was going on when she stepped into a booth similar to the one she used in her first showcase, her hands tightening around her three keys.
The booth then rose and Serena waited in for the announcement to start opening the door, which had three keyholes. "Now ladies, if you please. Take the Princess Keys you worked so hard to earn and place them in the locks and watch as the door to your future opens!" Pierre announced.
Serena and Braixen shared a quick look before she stepped up to the door and inserted the first key, an orange light showing on the door. The grief of losing that first time, and the excitement she felt when she won her second Showcase. The start of her journey. She then put in the second key, going back to that win as the light grew brighter. The joy she felt when she won and how quickly it turned to pain and fear of hearing what happened to her brother. Hardening her resolve to not only win, but to get stronger. Then came the third key, and the light brightened once more. Sylveon's first performance as an Eevee, and how she grew stronger because of it along with herself.
The door then started to open slowly. "This is it. I will become Kalos Queen. Not just for myself, but for Alec, my mom, my friends, Ash. I'll give it my all for them," she thought to herself as she and Braixen stepped on stage.
Applause rang throughout the crowd and Serena did not doubt that her friends and family were doing it for her. Serena and the other 23 performers stepped towards the center stage and waited, looking out into the crowd. "It's my pleasure, of introducing you to our very special guest," Pierre started as a spotlight turned on a balcony directly across from the stage and a figure stood up. Because of the distance, Serena couldn't tell who it was. "Former Kalos Queen and fellow producer, she has launched countless performers throughout her career, it's Palermo. She's agreed to take on the role of special judge," Pierre continued.
That's when Serena realized who she was. The woman from after she got her third princess key. "You said I lacked something to become Kalos Queen, and I think I've found it. So watch me. I'll show you just how good I am."
"I am very much looking forward to observing all of your wonderful performances today. Good luck to you all," Palermo said. The audience clapped as she sat back down in her seat.
"Thank you. It's a pleasure to have you here," Pierre stated, doing a bow. "Alright! Let's meet our current queen as she makes her grand entrance. Please give a warm welcome to Aria!" Serena and the other girls turned to the top of the steps to see Aria step out of a door with her Delphox. The crowd roared in cheers as she stepped up to the front of the stage.
"Greetings. Thank you all," Aria told the crowd before turning to the performers. "Greetings to all the performers. I'm honored to be here sharing the stage and competing with you. So with the title of Kalos Queen at stake, let's compete with everything we've got." Aria then turned back to the audience, but not before flashing Serena a quick look. "For those here and those watching back home, I hope you enjoy the show," she finished with a bow.
"Those were lovely words Aria," Pierre said as he moved to stand beside her then turning to the crowd. "And now it's time to explain the rules. Here at our Master Class, there is no theme performance: It consists of Freestyle performances only. Moreover, the performers will face each other in this tournament format," Pierre added before snapping his fingers. Holograms that displayed each coordinator appeared and showed the bracket. "The first and second rounds will feature a performer and a single Pokémon. The semi-finals will feature a performer and two Pokémon. And finally, the performer who wins the semi-finals will challenge the Kalos Queen herself. And whoever wins that round, will become Kalos Queen herself!"
Shortly after, everyone went backstage except for Nini, Jessilie, and another girl who were in the first round. Serena adjusted the bow on Braixen's branch as she spoke to her. "Braixen, I want you in the first round. You know who our opponent is," she told her, glancing back at Miette.
"Had to be bad luck for one of us," she commented, seeing Serena's look. She then turned to watch Nini's performance, and after the initial performance, she was trying to compete with the other girl's Scraggy when Jessilie's Gourgeist did a sudden Shadow Ball that stole the spotlight. That turned out to be enough, as she ended up winning the round.
"It won't be easy being up there, but we'll give it all we got and then some," Serena told her team.
[We're with you,] Braixen said determinedly.
"Hey Serena," Miette started. "No matter who wins, we're still friends, right?" she asked.
"Of course," she answered.
No one's POV
As the third round finished, Serena's friends watched in the crowd waiting for her. "And now for the third round, it's Sarah, Serena, and Miette. "Alright, Serena!" Ash shouted when she came up on stage.
"Now it's time to go for broke!" Grace called out.
"Go Miette!" Calem shouted.
"You got this Serena. I know it," Alec said calmly, keeping an eye on his sister and Braixen.
Back on stage, the spotlight shone on Miette. "Slurpuff, Cotton Spore!" she called out. Slurpuff let loose two large spores that circled each other in the air. They then broke apart and fell in a circle around Miette and Slurpuff and the two played with a few of them, batting them around like balls before they all eventually formed a ring of cotton on the edge of the spotlight as they danced. "Fairy Wind!" Slurpuff let loose the sparkling wind as the Cotton Spore disappeared and spread across the audience.
The light then turned off then moved to Serena. "Alright, Braixen, let's show'em what we can do. Flamethrower!" she called out. Braixen hopped forward while pulling out her branch and igniting the tip, she then twirled around Serena before the two both took the branch and threw it into the air in a spin, causing small amounts of fire to form a ring around the two that quickly dissipated into red-orange sparks. The two then danced for a bit as Braixen kept her branch out while keeping the flame and sparks active.
The spotlight then moved once again to Sarah and her Glaceon. "Now, Ice Beam!" she shouted. Glaceon created an ice pillar that formed something like a tree before it broke apart and fell in white light, which the yellow spotlight highlighted well.
"And now, it's time for the simultaneous performance!" Pierre called out. The light then turned on across the whole stage.
"Slurpuff, Fairy Wind!" Miette called out and Slurpuff immediately took action.
"Glaceon, Ice Beam!" Sarah shouted. Glaceon fired too.
"Braixen, Fire Blast!" Serena called out. Braixen jumped a few times, building up the fire in her branch before letting it out as a star that like her Flamethrower erupted into small lights.
It was then the applause started happening. Alec watched Serena with pride in his eyes as Ethan was waving the glowcaster excitedly. "Time to cast your votes. Is everyone ready?" Pierre announced. The gang turned their glowcaster's to pink, Serena's color, while Calem lit his teal, Alec having to snatch his from Ethan. "And the performer moving on to the next stage is…" Pierre started as the vote was totaled. The holo keyholes filling up as the light circles hit the gems on the voting keys. "...Serena!" Pierre shouted, Serena winning with an almost filled keyhole.
[We move on!] Braixen shouted as she and Serena hugged.
"Alright, Serena!" Ash shouted in celebration.
"Miette did well you know," Alec told Calem.
"I know, and I'm proud of her, but in the end, your sister was the one they preferred," Calem replied, sounding a bit defeated and disappointed at Miette's loss.
"There's always next year, and I'm sure she'll use this to grow stronger," Liz added. Calem's only response was a nod while still looking at the stage.
Serena's POV
After winning the first round, Serena immediately headed back to the waiting room where the rest of her team waited. "We made it!" she cried out in joy and the rest of her team quickly ran up to her.
[Alright! We're moving on!] Pancham shouted.
[So what's next?] Gogoat asked.
"Gogoat, you'll be in the next round. Pancham and Sylveon, you'll take the semi-finals," she told them.
"Yea, Serena!" Shauna shouted as she suddenly hugged Serena and the two shared a quick laugh. "You were great," she complimented.
"Thanks," Serena replied.
"Shauna, you're on standby," a woman announced to her.
"Right. Good luck," Shauna told Serena before heading off.
Serena was about to continue talking to her team when she heard someone behind her. "Serena," Miette's voice started. Serena turned to see Miette, her eyes slightly red as a sign of crying. "Go out and win for me too, okay. You've gotta be the next Kalos Queen," she told her with fresh tears in her eyes.
"For me too, Serena," Nini added, looking at her with admiration.
"I will," she promised.
As the performance went on, Shauna won her first and second rounds, and Serena used Gogoat in a more stationary performance than what she normally did, but ended up getting past the second round too.
"And now, for those that are moving on, our last three performers, come on out! Beautiful! Talented! Wonderful!" Pierre announced as Serena, Shauna, and Jessilie got on stage. Serena had Pancham and Sylveon with her, Shauna with Ivysaur, and an orange flower Flabébé, while Jessilie had a Meowth and Gourgeist. "It's Jessilie, Shauna, and Serena! Which one of these lovely three performers will win?" Pierre announced.
"Here we go Serena," Shauna told her.
"Yeah, and I plan to win," she replied.
"Not if I win," Shauna added, slightly joking.
The two nodded to each other before the three started walking down the steps towards center stage.