To Become Queen?
No One's POV
As the group watched from the audience, it was clear that the semi-finals were about to begin. "Two more wins, and she's Kalos Queen," Ash stated.
"Maybe, but right now she has to face Shauna and that Jessilie girl," Cassidy stated.
"That's not even mentioning Aria," Liz added.
"Serena can handle it," Alec said confidently.
"I wish this was over because it feels like my heart is going to burst," Clemont commented.
"You're not even competing. Take a deep breath," Bonnie told him.
"Right," Clemont deadpanned.
Pierre then started his announcement. "During our semi-final round, our three performers will engage in a Freestyle Performance using two Pokémon," he stated.
Serena's POV
On stage, Serena maintained a smile as she waited for the start of the semi-finals with Shauna and Jessilie. "I just have to do what I do best, simple," Jessilie commented.
[We got this,] her Gourgeist agreed.
"Serena, let's get out there and show them our skills!" Shauna told her.
"And may the performer win," she added.
"Alors, we now begin the semi-final round!" Pierre announced. Serena and Shauna both moved out of sight when the stage lights turned off and Jessilie took center stage. Pierre then stood where the performers once stood at the top of the staircase. "And we are off! Will we see tears of happiness or tears of sorrow or both? Only one performer moves on! First up? Jessilie!"
Serena and Shauna both watched as Jessilie started her performance with Gourgeist turning on an orange light on her jack-o-lantern body, illuminating Jessilie and Meowth in an orange glow. After a brief introductory dance, the stage lights turned on.
"Use Leech Seed!" Jessilie called out. Gourgeist fired off four seeds that immediately became four large, leafless trees. Jessilie then started a solo dance while Meowth and Gourgeist spun into the air. The Leech Seed then became a high seat that lifted Jessilie into the air.
"Now use Seed Bomb!" she called out. Gourgeist fired and created fireworks around her trainer. "Meowth, use Fury Swipes!" Meowth then jumped off Gourgeist and sliced up the Leech Seed, turning it to green-yellow sparkles as Jessilie gracefully floated to the ground. "And finished!" she called out adopting a final pose.
The audience cheered and Serena knew it was a good performance, one that she planned on beating. The lights then dimmed and Shauna went up on stage while Jessilie joined her. "Next up, we have the lovely Shauna! Get ready for a dazzling performance!" Pierre shouted as a spotlight turned on to reveal Shauna doing a curtsy as the stage lights slowly turned on.
"Now Ivysaur, use Vine Whip, and Flabébé, use Fairy Wind!" Shauna called out. Flabébé started up a Fairy Wind and moved in a circle around Ivysaur, who grabbed Shauna with her vines and carried her behind Flabébé. Shauna then flipped out of Ivysaur's vines and landed on the ground. "Now Ivysaur!"
Ivysaur then spun her vines in a circle, causing the Fairy Wind to become a cyclone. Once that was finished, Shauna prepared her next set of moves. "Solarbeam and Moonblast!" she called out. Ivysaur began charging up Solarbeam and fired at Flabébé's Moonblast, causing light pink and yellow-green sparkles around her and her team.
Shauna then headed back when the lights dimmed and Serena steeled herself before walking towards the center stage with Pancham and Sylveon right behind her. "And last but not least, our final performance before our finalist is chosen! Alright, let's see her in action! Welcome, Serena!" Pierre called out.
The spotlight turned on around her before the whole stage illuminated. "Sylveon, Swift let's go!" she called out.
Sylveon jumped to Serena's side and sent a cluster of stars into the air and had then collided and rained down many more smaller stairs. She then wrapped her ribbon around Serena's arm as Pancham did flips in the background. "Pancham, use Stone Edge!"
Pancham did three more flips, ending up at the edge of the stage before slamming his fist down causing seven pillars to rise from the ground. Sylveon then jumped on the pillars and into the air before spreading her four ribbons out in an 'X' pattern before using Fairy Wind and spinning her ribbons like helicopter blades. The swirling pink wind caused Serena and Pancham to spin around each other in the air before she adopted a pose in mid-air with her team.
As the three floated down, Serena prepared herself for what came next. Flipping around to reduce her speed, Fairy Wind kept her and her team up for a few split seconds, enough for Serena to reach one hand down for the landing.
As she put her hand on the floor, she felt a surge of pain in her wrist, causing her to lose focus and begin to fall forwards. Thankfully, Sylveon reacted quickly and flipped her around with her ribbons and she slid on her knees while spreading her arms out. She knew that every professional performer likely realized the mistake she just made, but as she stood up the audience cheered, most not seeing the blunder that almost happened. "Thanks, Sylveon," she muttered to her.
[No problem,] she replied, relieved.
Alec's POV
As the three semi-finalists took the stage, he felt worried about what would happen in the finals. He noticed Serena strain her wrist and knew that this could cost her the round against Aria if she didn't pick her performance right. "You noticed too, huh?" Liz asked him. Alec only nodded grimly.
[Can Serena really perform as normal with a sprained wrist?] Ethan wondered.
"Let's hope so, because from the look of things she'll be going to the finals," Alec replied.
Serena's POV
Now that everyone had gone, Serena stood with Shauna and Jessilie on stage, holding her left hand in such a way in hopes no one would realize she was injured. "And now, time to cast your votes for the semi-final round! Do that by using your Glow Casters. For our television viewers, please press the button that corresponds to your favorite performer!" Pierre announced. "And cast your votes!"
Lights filtered from the audience as they voted. As it continued, the lights dimmed, leaving the three to only see the colored balls of lights filtering into their voting keys. Serena closed her eyes as Pierre started speaking again. "Out of our final three, a single performer is now being chosen who will challenge Aria as Kalos Queen." Silence then followed as the voting stopped. Serena then saw a light over her eyes. "Serena! You've done it!"
The audience cried out once again as she shed a few tears of joy and Pancham and Sylveon jumped into her arms. "You two were great. Thank you," she told her team as the light's fully turned on.
"Congratulations Serena," Shauna said as she approached. "Will you hold onto my dream? If you don't mind."
"Shauna," she stared, but couldn't find the words.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't upset, but…" Shauna started before embracing Serena. "Do your very best for all our sakes. Because you are the best of all of us," Shauna told her as Serena returned the embrace.
"I will Shauna. That's a promise," she replied.
After everything, the three left the stage and Serena was led to another room, with her whole team right behind her. "Please wait here. We'll call you when it's time," the woman told her.
She nodded and headed into the room and sat down on the couch. Taking off her glove, she winced when she saw the massive bruise around her whole left wrist. [Are you alright, Serena?] Braixen asked worriedly.
"Don't worry everyone, I'm fine," she lied. Truth is, her wrist hurt like crazy now that the adrenaline had worn off. Even holding it like she was now hurt. Just then, she heard someone knock at the door. She hid her hands behind her back before answering. "Yes? Come in."
The door opened to reveal the woman Serena had seen after her last Showcase and she was a bit surprised. "Show me. Come on," she told her. Serena tried to feign confusion but it didn't work. "Your wrist," the woman added.
"But how did you know?" Serena asked.
"By how you were moving," she answered, taking Serena's wrist causing her to wince in pain. The woman tried to get her hand to form a fist, but she barely curled her fingers when the pain suddenly spiked. "I can see you can barely make a fist. You'll need to forfeit the finals. You can't put on a proper performance like this. Much less defeat Aria," she told her.
"Forfeit? But this is our big dream. I didn't have any ambition when I started my journey, but now I do and share it with my friends. We've all worked too hard for this. I won't stop 'till it's over!" Serena declared.
The woman's eyes widened for a moment before she stood up. "Seriously. You two are so much alike," she commented, whether to herself or Serena, she didn't know. "Just one performance. I can make it hold until then. But have a doctor look at it afterward. Promise me that you'll do that," the woman said, taking a bandage and wrapping it around her wrist.
"I promise. And even if I didn't Alec would drag me there anyway," she replied.
The woman chuckled lightly. "Yes, your brother does seem like that kind of person," she commented. That statement left Serena a little confused, then realized that this was the person Alec must have met when she got her third Princess Key.
She then left the room and it wasn't long before Serena was called back to the stage. Preparing herself, she walked towards her spot and waited as Pierre began his announcement of the final round, her whole team with her. "And now, we come to the moment where the hallowed title of Kalos Queen is up for grabs and on the line! The performers may use as many Pokémon as they want. Let's wish them both well! To great performances!" Pierre announced. "The final round is between Serena, the challenger," he continued as a spotlight shined on her and her team and she waved to the crowd with her right hand, "and our raining Kalos Queen, Aria!" Aria also was shown under a spotlight with her Delphox, Vivillon, and Armoatisse.
As the two presented themselves to the crowd, Serena noticed Aria sending her a determined look, which she nodded and sent a determined smile back, an unspoken agreement between them.
"When all is said and done, who will be Kalos Queen? Let's start with the challenger Serena's Performance!" Pierre announced.
Serena then walked down and stood center stage. As the light's fully turned on, she began. "Everyone ready?" she asked.
[Let's do this!] her team shouted.
Her team started off with a small dance before Braixen and Pancham took up opposite sides of the stage while Sylveon and Gogoat remained beside her. "Braixen, Flamethrower! Pancham, Dark Pulse!" she called out. The two fired their attacks which met just above Serena's head, creating a ball of energy. "Sylveon, use Swift! Gogoat, Seed Bomb!" she called out.
The two used their moves causing the ball of energy to erupt with a few fireworks and sparkles around them. Braixen then took her branch and ran in a half-circle while lighting up the ground in flames before throwing it to Serena, who repeated the process on the other side and completed the circle of fire.
Sylveon then let out a burst of Fairy Wind before Pancham flipped towards the front of the stage and replaced the ring of fire with Stone Edge. Sylveon then jumped into the air and started up another Fairy Wind from above that lifted Serena and her team into the air. "Here we go!"
A combination of Fire Blast, Dark Pulse, Swift, and Razor Leaf flew out from her team and briefly formed a swirl inside the Fairy Wind swirl. The combination then pealed down like a flower opening its petals, but were from Braxen's Fire Blast while Dark Pulse and Swift became sparkles to highlight everything while Razor Leaf added hints of green in the flaming petals.
The display then cleared away to reveal Serena and her team doing a small dance on stage before she twirled forward and raised her right hand into the air. "And finished!" she announced. As the crowd cheered, Serena was proud of herself. "I gave it my all and then some. Now, all that's left is for Aria to perform," she thought.
When the lights of the stage turned off, she and her team went back to the top of the staircase they used to arrive while Aria had a spotlight shined on her and her team as she came down her staircase. "And now, defending her title of Kalos Queen, please welcome, Aria!" Pierre announced.
"Delphox, Mystical Fire! Vivillon, use Psybeam!" Aria called out. Delphox fires the attack up towards Vivillon, who fires Psybeam down towards Delphox which hits the Mystical Fire causing it to split like a fountain and rain orange sparkles. "Aromatisse, use Reflect!" The rainbow barrier appeared just off the ground and Aria used them as a platform to jump up to where Vivillon picked her up before flying up in the air before coming back to the ground.
As Serena watched, she noticed the crowd's reaction to Aria, cheering at almost every moment, to her own, where they cheered during the high moments of her performance. Aria's smile too seemed different from her own in a way she couldn't explain. It was almost as if her smile radiated her own joy, rather than one she got from others.
Like herself.
Realization immediately kicked in on what that other Speaker meant. Serena's smile didn't seem to be her own, rather the one she got from others. "That's what I need to do then," she thought before a wave of acceptance washed over her.
Aria then ended her performance with a Fire Blast from Delphox and after the cheering ended, Serena stood beside Aria on stage, but she herself felt that she truly didn't deserve it yet. Pierre then stood at the top of the central staircase and started walking down while speaking. "So, these two lovely talented ladies have finished their exciting performances. Grab your glowcastors, and get ready to cast your votes. Un, Deux, Trois!" Pink and lime green lights shot off from the crowd signaling the votes of people. "Will a new Kalos Queen be crowned? Or will the reigning queen hold onto her current status? The fateful moment of decision is now!"
As Pierre finished, the voting lights stopped and spotlights trained on the two performers and their teams. "The revered title of Kalos Queen belongs to… Performer Aria! The reigning Queen has barely defended her crown!" Pierre announced as the audience celebrated. Serena looked at the score and saw it was indeed close, only a couple of votes off. "And with her brilliant performance, Aria is still Kalos Queen! Klefki? Her tiara please," Pierre requested as the Pokémon flew down with the tiara and placed it on Aria's head.
"Aria sure is amazing," Serena commented, more to herself.
[A shame we lost though. We were so close,] Braixen said disappointedly.
[We did our best though, that's what counts right?] Sylveon asked.
[Yeah, it just wasn't good enough,] Pancham noted.
[We'll have more chances,] Gogoat said encouragingly.
After a bit, Aria turned and walked over to where Serena was standing. "Serena, you were great out there. I look forward to performing with you again," she told her, holding out a hand.
Serena was surprised for a few moments before taking her hand with both of hers. "I do as well, but next time, I plan on winning," she replied.
"We'll see," Aria slightly teased, but smiled nonetheless.
They both took center stage and waved to the crowd, which applauded both for Aria's victory and Serena's effort. "And that concludes our Master Class. Until next time! When we discover who will be the next performer to challenge our Kalos Queen, Aria. So, until we all gather around this beautiful stage once again, au revoir," Pierre said.
Once Serena returned to her waiting area, a doctor was already there, and to her surprise, Alec was as well. The doctor bandaged Serena's wrist before heading out, telling her to take it easy for a few days before leaving the twins alone. "You really shouldn't push yourself so hard," Alec commented.
"Why is the first thing you say a dumb remark?" Serena commented amusingly.
"I'm serious. Many people didn't seem to notice, but I saw that move you did during the semi-finals. I told you that a two-handed landing was easier than a one-handed one, even if one is more flashy," Alec said before sighing. "Still, you did great for your first time. I'm proud," he added with a smile.
"Someone told me after I won my third Princess Key, that I lacked something to beat Aria. I thought I figured it out, but now I know what it is. Aria is a giving person, her simile brings so much joy and helps others even when she barely knows them. But I've only got as far as I have with the support of you and our friends," Serena stated.
"Yeah, that sounds about right. So, what are you going to do about it?" Alec asked.
"I'll work harder, so I can become queen and start giving back. Strength, smiles, good advice, even tough love," Serena said determinedly, clenching a fist with her good hand.
"Now that you've realized that, you'll become an even better performer." Serena turned towards the door to see the woman from earlier.
"Palermo," Alec greeted.
"Champion," Palermo replied before turning to Serena. "If you want, I can teach you everything about being a performer, even a few things I could never teach Aria as a Speaker. You don't have to answer right now, but give it some thought and let me know," she told her before heading off.
The twins were both silent for a bit before they both noticed their mom outside the door. "You did great, Serena," she said.
"Yeah, but I came up short anyway," Serena admitted.
"Either way, I'm proud of you. You gave it your all," mom said before hugging Serena, which she returned.
Later, everyone was outside the gates to the castle where they performed and Nini's Smoochum was giving a big kiss to Pancham's cheek, much to his protest. "You were really close Serena," Bonnie said sadly.
"Yeah. But even with all your faith in me, I still lost," Serena replied.
"What are you talking about. It's a brand new start for all of us," Miette stated.
"I'm going to come up with lots of new performance routines that will blow your socks off," Nini promised.
"All my losing days are over," Shauna added.
"Good luck with you know who, by the way," Miette added, grabbing Serena around the shoulder.
"Miette!" Serena all but screamed as her thoughts went to Ash and a blush appeared on her face.
"See you. And good luck on your mission, Calem," Miette said as she left.
"I'll see you soon, Miette," Calem replied.
"See you on the next stage. Come on Smoochum," Nini told her Pokémon and the two headed off as well, but not before Smoochum got a big kiss on Pancham's cheek.
"Later. Take care," Shauna added as she headed off.
The group waved their goodbyes before Calem left on whatever mission Miette said he was doing, but not before Alec tossed him a device. "Use that to get in contact with me. I don't trust the transceivers," Alec told him. That left Serena a bit confused. Why wouldn't Alec trust the holotransceivers?
"Yeah, I wouldn't trust them myself. I'll contact you once I've got something," Calem replied before giving a two-finger salute before heading out of town.
Later that night, the group was in the Pokémon Center and after saying goodbye to Serena and Alec's mom, they ate a larger dinner than normal made by Clemont in celebration of Serena's close victory. After the meal, Serena and her team stepped outside in her nightclothes just looking at the rising moon.
"What's wrong? Does it hurt?" Ash asked as he came to stand next to her.
"Oh, no. I've just been thinking," Serena answered.
"Yeah, I bet you were thinking about your next performance, weren't you?" he asked.
"Something like that," she answered.
"I get it. When I lose a battle, I get excited about what I'll do next time. My next strategy. Then I know I'm going to win."
"It's good to know you're always so positive, Ash."
[That sounds like Ash,] Pikachu commented.
"It all seems to come so naturally to you and Alec. I don't really understand how you do it," Serena admitted.
"I don't know about Alec, but I'm pretty sure we both don't always know what to do," Ash stated. "But in the end, if I do nothing, I won't learn anything. Then I will have a better chance of knowing what to do."
"I guess so," Serena muttered.
"Anyway, I'd better call it. We've got an early morning tomorrow," Ash said before heading back inside.
Serena had to agree. Tomorrow they headed for Snowbelle, which she knew Alec and Liz were looking forward to, considering it was their hometown. Ash as well since it'd mean his eighth gym badge would be won there. Still, she sat outside a bit longer, looking at the moon before realizing her answer to Palermo's question.
The next morning, Serena awoke a little earlier than the others and headed out to where she knew Palermo was staying. She made good time, as she arrived the woman was exiting the hotel to get into a limousine parked in front of the door.
"Ms. Palermo," she started, getting her attention.
Palermo turned to see Serena and her team. "My, your up early. I hope you're here to say yes," she admitted.
"I do like the offer and it does sound appealing…" Serena started.
"I'm guessing there's a "but" somewhere?" Palermo asked in reluctant acceptance.
"Yeah. I just can't go with you right now. I know this is a good opportunity and I really should accept it without a second thought, but I would feel guilty if I just left my brother and friends like this, even if they would likely support my decision," she admitted.
"You want to stick with your friends, I understand that."
"When I started out on my journey, it was just an excuse to get away from something I didn't want to do. But when I started performing and met my rivals and Aria, I wanted to learn everything I could about being a performer. And while I would like to go with you and learn everything you could teach me, I just don't feel ready for that yet. Not until I finish my journey here," Serena finished.
Serena thought Palermo would be disappointed in her but was surprised when she gave her a light smile. "Alright. Keep on your journey till your heart's content, but when you're ready, give me a call," she told her, handing Serena her business card.
Serena took it and looked at Palermo. "Thank you, for giving me this chance," she told her. Palermo nodded as she stepped into her car and it drove off.
She quickly returned to the Pokémon center where the others were waiting for her and they headed off. "Alright Ash, you're up next," she told him.
"Yeah, the Snowbelle gym. And I'm gonna win!" he declared.
"Have fun against the old man," Alec commented in amusement.
"Oh yeah. You'll definitely enjoy him," Liz agreed.
"And I suppose I won't get any hints?" Ash asked knowingly.
"Nope," the two Snowbelle residents said.
"Though I'm looking forward to going home," Alec added.
"Oh yeah. And if we're lucky, my mom will have some Snow Dunkers," Liz continued, a small longing in her eyes.
"What are Snow Dunkers?" Clemont asked. This questioned got Alec and Liz to look at him like he'd commented a terrible crime.
"Oh, we are so getting you all to try some when we get to my place," Liz stated.
"Then what are we waiting for!" Ash shouted, grabbing Serena's hand and running ahead with the others running after him. Serena herself didn't have time to hide her blush as Ash pulled her along, but still smiled.
And that's a wrap. Now, before everyone pulls out the pitchforks and torches at Serena not winning, I'll admit, I was tempted. But then I realized, Serena losing was important for her character ark, so I kept it in, but lessened the amount she lost by. Showing that though she could have become Queen, she still has a ways to go. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!
Other than that, I hope you all enjoyed.