Here's the next chapter! This is going to be probably one of the last Serena focused chapters so there isn't that much Pearlshipping :( . I promise you there will be LOTS more Pearlshipping to come! I just think Serena is a great character and I didn't want to take away this from her. I hope you enjoy it!
Today was the big day. The Master Class Showcase was taking place in a mere 4 hours. After having breakfast together, the group headed towards the beautiful castle where the showcase was going to be held.
They were in the lobby where participants and audience members had to separate.
Serena sighed. "Well, I guess this is it…"
"Best of luck Serena!" said Ash.
"We'll be cheering you on!" said Bonnie.
Clemont smiled. "I know you'll do great!"
"You've worked hard for this, now show everyone just amazing you and your Pokemon are!" said Dawn.
Serena was so grateful to have such kind and supporting friends. "Thank you guys for everything! I won't let you down!"
With that, Serena headed towards the changing rooms, and Ash and the rest of the gang headed towards their seats.
…
After she and her Pokemon had gotten ready, Serena looked around at all the performers who were also participating. She could see Miette and her Slurpuff fixing their bows together and Nini and her Smoochum applying lipstick.
Serena turned to look at her Pokemon.
"Braxien?"
Braxien then turned around and allowed her trainer to grab her beloved branch with a bow.
"This is finally it! We have worked so hard to get here. Win or lose, I want you guys to know how proud I am of each and everyone one of you. I'm here because of you. Now…" Serena held the branch towards the center of their little circle. Each Pokemon put their paw or in Sylveon's case ribbon, on top of the ribbon. "One two three…"
"Yeah!"
"Braxien!"
"Pancham!"
"Sylveon!"
Shauna smiled at the sight. She turned back towards her partner and began to put the finishing touches.
"Serena and her Pokemon work so well together! But we work well too, right Ivysaur?"
"Ivysaur" It said as it nodded in agreement.
Over in the distance corner, there could be a familiar yet non-familiar face watching the performers around her.
"Look at all these performers, they are just here to make me look good. Because who will be Kalos Queen? Of course me! Jessilee!"
"We'll show 'em who's boss!" said the talking Meowth. While the rest of the Pokemon nodded in agreement.
…
In the audience, a lady with short platinum blonder hair sat down and crossed her arms. She was going to watch each and every performance very carefully.
…
In another section of the audience, Ash, Dawn, Clemont, Bonnie and their Pokemon were sitting down.
"There's such a big crowd!" said Bonnie as she looked around.
"Well this is the Master Class! Everyone is watching!" replied her big brother.
Not too far away from them was Serena's mother who was clasping her hands tight.
Finally, James was sitting alone, feeling very nervous as he knew what happened when Jessie didn't win.
…
The stage lights began to move all around the stadium. Then, the doors at the top of the stairs opened and the wonderful MC Monsieur Pierre stepped forward.
"Bonjour ladies and gentlemen and welcome! The time is now and we are now at the moment you have all been waiting for!" He walked down the stairs and closer to the audience. He stopped and opened his arm wide. "Its the Gloire City Pokemon Showcase Master Class!"
Fireworks of all shapes and colors suddenly decorated the entire stage. The crowd was cheering in excitement.
"Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Pierre, your host. It's an honor to be here!"
The crowd roared once again, clearly, everyone loved Pierre.
Pierre motioned above to the top of the staircase. "Now please, turn your attention to the stage" Many capsules started to emerge from the bottom. "And prepare to meet your beautiful and talented performers!"
"Now ladies, take the three Princess Keys you have earned and place them into each of the three locks and watch the door open towards your future!"
Serena looked down at the three which she owned and then placed the first one into the first lock and twisted it.
This first key was the one that started it all. This showed that with my Pokemon and friends, I can start following my dreams.
She then placed the second key in the second lock and twisted it.
My second key shows that I worked hard to take one step forward to achieving my dream.
She placed the final key into the final slot and then twisted it.
My third key shows that even when faced with bumps in the road, my Pokemon and I can work together to achieve anything!
The door glowed and slowly opened. Each performer stepped out of their capsules and faced the crowd before them.
…
"Serena!" All her friends said together in unison while clapping
…
Serena's mom just stared at her with so much pride.
…
In other places, Tierno and Trevor were seen watching the Showcase. Along with Goodra, whom Ash left-back at his home. Korrina and Professor Sycamore were also glued to their TVs watching. Along with Alexa and her sister Viola.
…
Pierre then turned his side and raised his arm in the air again. "It is my honor to introduce our special guest! Former Kalos Queen and a well-known producer, please welcome Palermo. She graciously agreed to take on the role of the special judge!"
Serena immediately recognized who that lady was. She was the one that told her that if she wanted to become Kalos Queen, she was clearly missing something. That was something that drove her, to discover what she was missing.
Palermo stood and spoke. "I'm looking forward to seeing these many amazing performances. Good luck to everyone"
Pierre bowed. "Thank you, it is a pleasure to have you here with us." He lifted his chest up and said as he turned around "Last and certainly not least, I want to introduce you to the current Kalos Queen, the magnificent, Aria!"
Aria and her Delphox walked out from the same doors Pierre walked out from before. She was wearing a beautiful creme dress with blue and gold accents. Everyone looked at her in awe and cheered so loudly for their beloved queen as she walked down the stairs, approaching the audience.
"It's a pleasure to be here! Thank you all!"
The crowd roared with cheers. Aria then turned around towards the performers. "Also, greeting to all the performers. It's an honor to share the stage and compete with you! So with the Kalos Queen title on the line, let's complete with everything you've got!"
Pierre thanked Aria for her words and began to explain the rules. He explained that there was no themed performance. That there are only freestyle performances and that each performer will face off one and other in a tournament-style format. Then, the tournament bracket appeared. Pierre then explained that in the first and second rounds, only one Pokemon will be used, then after that two Pokemon will be used. Finally, Pierre said that the winner of the semi-finals earns the chance to challenge Aria and possibly earn the title of Kalos Queen.
It was revealed that Serena would be going against Miette and another girl whom she didn't know in the first round.
…
Back in the dressing room, Serena was getting the finishing touches on Braxien. The Pokemon she had chosen to work alongside her in the first round.
She looked at Miette and each gave the other a smile, despite knowing that after the first round, at least one of them will be eliminated.
…
On the stage, the first of the first round was happening. It was Nini against Jessilee and another girl with a Scraggy named Concetta.
Each performer has a dazzling performance. Jessilee used her Gourgeist's shadow ball to similarly to fireworks with the spectacles lightly dusting the audience and stage.
Nini's performance used Smoochum's, Heart Stamp. Smoochum jumped on top and through the Heart Stamp, producing a beautiful pink light.
In Concetta's performance, she used her Scraggy's Focus Blast and Brick Break to create a powerful explosion that ended with yellow sparkles.
Now that their individual performances were over, the three performers performed together. Smoochum and Powder Snow while Scraggy used Focus Blast. Jessilee stood in the middle and moved carefully then, her Gourgiest released many Shadows Balls into the air and when they all collided the stage was covered in smoke. Then, the smoke cleared away to reveal how the purple sparkles were dazzling all over the stage.
Each performer was determined not to lose and kept on showing off their gorgeous moves. In the end, it was revealed that Jessilee captured the most amount of votes and would be moving on.
Nini was heartbroken over the news that she was eliminated. She was crying on the stage, knowing that it was all over.
…
It was a heartbreaking sight for Serena to see. Nini was usually so upbeat.
"Poor Nini, it's tough out there"
"Serena." Serena turned and looked at her opponent in the first round. "Whoever wins, let's still be friends?"
Serena nodded in agreement, she wouldn't want it any other way.
…
Two groups of performances had gone by and it was ow Serena and Miette's turn. They rose from the ground.
…
"There she is!" said Ash.
Bonnie screamed. "Go for it Serena!"
"I'm so nervous!" said Dawn.
Ash put his hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Hey, just like you always say, there's no need to worry!"
Dawn smiled and turned away as soon as she realized that she was blushing.
…
Miette started the round of individual performances. She and her Slurpuff used Cotton Spore which circles around them. They danced together along with side the Cotton Spore. Then, Slurpluff released a Fairy Wind which sent sparkles all throughout the stadium.
It was now Serena's turn. Braxien used flamethrower and the two launched her branch into the air which caused the fire to spin all around them. After Braxien caught her branch, the duo danced together all around. You could tell that they were having so much fun just by watching them.
During Sara Lee's performance, she used her Glaceon's ice beam which sparkled in the light.
Now it was time for each performer to show off their moves altogether. Slurpuff was using Fairy Wind, Glaceon was using Ice beam and Braxien was showing them her dazzling Fire Blast. Each performer was giving it their all.
"Time to cast your votes!" Said Pierre.
Then, the lights started to come towards each of the performer's keys. It was revealed that Serena won by a significant amount of votes. She was so excited!
All the people that we're watching and supporting her were cheering with joy!
…
Serena rushed back to meet her other two Pokemon. Shauna ran up to her and gave her a hug, congratulating her on a job well done. Shauna was next up so she had to go.
Miette was standing by the wall, looking down towards the ground. She was trying her best to not cry but the tears came up. She then wiped them away and stood tall and walked over to Serena.
"Congratulations Serena!"
"Miette…"
"Now go out there and get them for me!" Miette tried to keep the tears back but she couldn't "You have to be the next Kalos Queen!"
Another voice was heard. "For me too…"
"Nini!"
"Please win!"
Serena looked at the two girls, more people counting on her to win. But she knew that as long as she believed in her Pokemon, she could do it.
"Right!" Serena smiled.
Then she turned to the screen and it was revealed that Shauna would be moving on to the next stage.
…
Serena, Shauna, and Jessilee were working hard in their next performances and it all paid off! It was revealed that they would be the three participating in the semi-finals.
They stood at the top of the staircase, getting ready to perform.
Serena looked to Shauna and smiled. This was the girl that showed her the wonderful world of Pokemon Performing and she was so glad to call her one of her closest friends. She thanked the girl for what she did and Shauna smiled.
The remaining Performers started to walk down the staircase to perform.
…
"I'm so nervous, it feels like my heart is about to burst!" said Clemont.
Everyone laughed
"No need to worry!" Said Ash and Dawn in unison. They both let out an awkward chuckle and turned away from each other to hide their blush.
"Oh boy…" said Bonnie.
…
First up, Jessilee alongside Meowth and Gourgeist gave a dazzling performance. They used Gourgeist's leech seed to create a forest-like landscape while they danced all around together. Gourgiest used Seed Bomb to create fireworks in the background while Meowth user Fury Swipes to break the leech seed while creating sparkles in the air.
The crowd loved the performance. One particular voice could be heard cheering extra loud.
Shauna was next up with her Ivysaur and Flabebe. Ivysaur first used vine whip and Flabebe used Fairy wind. The vine whip carried Shauna right behind her Flabebe's fair wind. The fairy wind cast a beautiful sparkle on her and she looked just like a ballerina. Once she landed. Ivysaur used the vine whip to create a tornado of fairy wind which gave off a beautiful light. Shauna Ivysaur and Flabebe danced all around together. They then ended with a solar beam and moon blast which caused an explosion of yellow and pink sparkles all throughout the stage.
Finally, it was Serena's turn. She, Pancham, and Slyveon stood in the spotlight.
…
"You got this Serena!" yelled Dawn.
"Piplup!"
"Go Serena!" Yelled Ash
"PIka!"
"Yay Serena!" Yelled Bonnie.
"You're going to do amazing Serena I know it!" Yelled Clemont.
…
Slyveon used swift into the air which collided and beautiful stars and sparkles fell onto the trio in which they danced together all about. Pancham used a stone edge which created another level of the stage. Slyveon then jumped on it and gracefully moved from one rock to the next. Then, Slyveon used fairy wind which made Serena and Pancham fly. Then, the trio spun around and placed one hand on the ground. Serena then started to fall forward but using Slyveon's ribbons, she managed to stay standing and her trainer.
The crowd cheered hard for the girl. Her friends each exclaimed how amazing she did.
…
It was now time for everyone to cast their votes.
Serena would be lying if she said that she wasn't nervous. She clutched her necklace and closed her eyes as the lights began to come.
As long as I believe in my Pokemon, I can accomplish anything!
"There can only be one that can challenge Aria for the title of Kalos Queen. And that person is…"
Serena opened her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, the spotlight was on her.
"Serena!"
Serena gasped and couldn't help but cry tears of joy. She gave her Pokemon a big hug to thank them.
…
Dawn jumped up. "She did it, I knew she could!"
Everyone else exclaimed how happy they were that their friend was moving on to the finals.
Serena's mom looked at her daughter and was so proud of the wonderful person she has become. She stood up and announced to the people sitting around her that Serena was her daughter and she was so proud of her
…
Onstage, two people were not so happy.
Even though she had lost, Jessie was happy with her performance. She made it very far and was able to make a name for herself.
Shauna turned to Serena. "Congratulations Serena, could you hold on to my dream for me?"
"Shauna…"
Shauna ran up to the girl crying and gave her a hug. "Do your best for everyone"
…
Serena then went into her own dressing room. She took off her glove and saw how swollen her wrist had become. All of her Pokemon looked at their trainer's wrist with concern.
"No need to worry guys, I'll be fine!"
Suddenly, there was a knock at her door and Serena quickly hid her hand and granted the person access to come in. It was Palmero.
"Let me see it. Your wrist"
Serena then showed Palmero her wrist.
"You can barely make a fist, you need to forfeit and take care of this"
Serena couldn't believe what Palermo just said. "Forfeit, after I've come this far? I started out my journey with no dream and now that I'm so close to it, I can't just give it up. I'm not going to stop until it's over!"
Those words reminded Palermo of the same words the current Kalos Queen once said to her.
Palermo sighed. "Just one performance, this will last you that" she said as she began to tape Serena's wrist. "But then please have a doctor check it out"
"Okay"
…
"It is now time for our final performance. Who will take the title of Kalos Queen?"
First up was Serena's performance. Serena walked down the staircase will all her Pokemon and began her performance.
…
Everyone was watching in anticipation. All hoping that Serena would take the title of Kalos Queen. All having confidence that Serena can do it.
…
Each Pokemon begun the performance by dancing to a rhythm, Serena included. Braxien showed off her tail, Pancham did some cool acrobatics and Slyveon flocked all around. Braxien and Pancham released a flamethrower and dark pulse respectively, There then was a ball of energy to which Slyveon used swift and many sparkles were released all over the stadium.
Braxien then used the flamethrower to create a half-circle of fire, then she threw Serena her branch, and Serena completed the circle. Then, Slyveon used fairy wind that combined with that flamethrower gave off a beautiful light. Pancham used stone edge which replaced the fire with stones. Slyveon used fairy wind as she danced on the rocks which caused Serena, Braxien, and Pancham to fly.
Braxien used flamethrower, Pancham used dark pulse and Slyveon used swift which resulted in a flower-like structure to blossom and afterward a dazzling display of sparkles. The performer and her Pokemon then posed, indicating they were done.
The crowd cheered loudly and Serena was proud of her performance.
Now it was Aria's turn. Delphox used mystical fire and Vivillon used psybeam. The two moved collided with one and the other created a constant source of gorgeous sparkles. With Aromatisse using reflect, Aria dancing around as her Vivillon carried her up. The sparkles still flowing downwards.
…
Serena just looked at her opponent in awe. Every time she watched Aria, she was blown away by just how incredible she was. She then realized that she was always the one that was feeding off of other people's strength as she thought about Aria, Ash, and Dawn.
…
Aria ended her performance with a final burst of light and sparkled down onto the crowd and of course, giving the biggest smile she could.
It was now time for everyone to vote. The lights started to gather towards Serena and Aria's keys. All the lights had been collected and the stage went dark.
"The title of Kalos Queen goes to… Aria!"
Everyone was disappointed that Serena had lost but they were happy for her nonetheless.
Aria was given the tiara once again.
Serena just looked at the Kalos Queen in awe. She knew that she did everything she could and she was proud of all she accomplished.
Aria then went over to the runner up and asked if they could perform together again. Serena was surprised by this request but gladly agreed.
…
The doctor had just finished taking care of Serena's wrist in her dressing room. Once the doctor left, Palermo was seen standing in the doorway.
"How are you feeling?"
Serena smiled. "I'm feeling a lot better now, thank you for-"
"Don't ever do that again, especially if you want to beat Aria"
Serena sighed. "I remember when you first told me that. I remember it very clearly. You said that I'm missing something Aria has. And after watching her performance, I think I know what that is." Serena took a pause. "I still have so much to learn. I feed off of my friends and Pokemon, they are the ones that give me strength. Aria is a giving person, she is so kind and makes others smile. I know I have been the opposite of that but I want to become Kalos Queen so I can give back what others gave to me. I want to give people strength and make them smile"
Serena clutched her hand. "So I'm going to work even harder!"
Palermo smiled, satisfied with that she just heard. "Now that you realize that, you can become an even better performer" Then, Palermo did something she rarely did. "Would you like to learn with me?"
Serena gasped, she had certainly not been expecting this.
"I'll teach you everything. You don't have to answer now" Palermo began to walk away. "Think about it"
She left, leaving Serena along in the dressing room.
…
Serena along with her friends and rivals were standing right outside the gates of the castle.
"You were so close!" Said Bonnie.
"Yeah… you guys put your faith and me and I let you down…"
Dawn put her hand on Serena's hand. "Let us down? Serena you were unbelievable out there! You blew me away! I couldn't be more proud to call you my friend"
Serena smiled at the coordinator.
"Yeah Serena" said Miette. "It's a brand new start!"
"I'm going to come up with lots more performances!" Said Nini.
"Next time, I'm going to lose!" exclaimed Shauna.
Each rival then said their goodbyes and walked away.
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Serena was saying goodbye for her mom who had to leave to take care of her Rhyhorn and Fletchling.
When saying goodbye, Serena debated whether to tell her mom of her injury and of what Palmero offered her but she then decided against it and just thanked her mom for coming.
…
At night, Serena couldn't fall asleep and went on a walk.
"You were amazing today"
Serena turned around and it was Dawn.
"Thanks…" She said sheepishly.
"Something wrong?"
Serena looked at Dawn. She didn't know whether or not to tell her.
"Something happened, you know you can talk to me"
Serena sighed. "Today, I was offered an amazing chance to go worked with Palermo to become a better Pokemon Performer…"
Dawn smiled. Even though not on the same scale, she too once had this similar situation.
"That a big honor. I'm guessing you don't know what to do"
Serena nodded.
"You know, a friend asked me to start a new journey with them just as I was about to head to support Ash in the Sinnoh League"
Serena looked at Dawn.
"I didn't know what to do. Up until that point, I only thought about supporting Ash. But then, this offer came up"
Dawn put her hand on Serena's shoulder. "Only you can decide your future. Remember, everyone will support your decision no matter what"
Serena smiled. "You know, we should make these nightly advice sessions a regular thing"
Dawn giggled. "I'm always here for you"
Piplup let out a big yawn, indicating just how tired he was.
"I'm going to head to bed, goodnight Serena," said Dawn.
"Goodnight Dawn…"
…
Serena rushed over to the place Palmero was staying. She caught her just saw she was walking towards her limo.
"Ms. Palmero?"
Palmero turned and saw Serena. "You're up early, I'm hoping you are here to say yes"
Serena bowed her head. "I'm sorry I know I should be accepting this offer with no hesitation but I just can't leave Ash and the others right now!"
Palmero was shocked and certainly not expecting this. "They're your friends?"
Serena nodded. "When I first started out my journey, I just wanted to get out of my house. Throughout my journey, I learned about the world of Pokemon Performing. Through my friends, rivals, and Aria… I found my purpose and worked hard to follow my dream. I need to finish my journey first, alongside the people who supported me!"
Serena's Pokemon nodded in agreement.
"Well alright then…" said Palmero as she got into the limo. "Keep going on your journey until your heart is content. Once you're ready, just give me a call"
Then the limo drove off.
…
"Hey where's Serena?" Asked the inventor.
Serena ran up. "Right here!"
Dawn smiled, she had a feeling she knew where Serena was.
"Come on Ash! It's your turn to win at the Snowbelle gym!"
Ash smiled. "I'm going to win my eighth badge for sure!" He then turned to Dawn. "Wait does this mean you're coming?"
Dawn gave Ash a big smile. "I'm going to be here until the end of the Kalos League!"
Ash could not have been more excited! He ran up to Dawn and gave her a hug.
"Ash… can't… breathe"
Ash let go and scratched the back of his head. "Sorry I guess I let my emotions get the best of me"
Dawn smiled. "It's fine. Now come on!" She grabbed Ash's and Serena's hands and ran. "We got us a gym battle to win!"
Bonnie and Clemont ran behind them laughing. After all, they had missed Dawn.
Ash couldn't help but blush.
With Dawn by my side, I can't lose!
What a chapter! That took a lot to write. But now Serena's story arc is basically over. I tried to incorporate as much Pearlshipping as I could but this chapter was for Serena. Like I said earlier, there will be lots, lots more! I want there to be at least a little bit of a balance between how much writing I dedicate to each character, not only is that how the actual anime is, but I can't just ignore character development! I hope you understand! Anyways, stay safe!