Chapter 2: Final Performance
The voting had ended and as Monsieur Pierre was about to announce the winner of the Lumiose Master Class Showcase, every performer closed their eyes and prayed hoping that they'll be announced as the winner.
"And the winner of the Lumiose Master Class Showcase is…. SERENA!" The crowd erupted in cheers as Monsieur Pierre announced the winner of the Lumiose Master Class Showcase.
"Serena did it! She is still the champion!" said Bonnie as she cheered to her 'big sister'.
"Well, it's no surprise that she won" added Clemont, not surprised on her victory.
"She sure has become the Ash in Showcases. If only Ash was still here to see how far she'd come…" Bonnie giggled as she remembered her old friend.
"Well, no doubt that he'll be very proud of her" Clemont replied, recalling the many times his old friend supported Serena in many of her showcases.
"Speaking of, I still miss him though after he left two years ago. I'm sure Serena feels the same…" Bonnie said while remembering Serena on the day Ash left.
"Yeah me too, I still can't take off my mind on how much Serena was crying after he left." Clemont replied to her sister.
"And I'm certain to this day that she still loves him even though she's not getting much contact with him lately." he later added, now knowledgeable in the subject of love. "But it's incredible on how she's still loyal to him."
"Most girls would dump their feelings if someone they liked hasn't contacted them that much but Serena's different." Clemont said to her sister. "All I can say that she is very patient…" He later added.
"Well, it's good thing that you and Korrina got together! It certainly helped you in understanding this kind of stuff…" her sister giggled as she remembered on the day his brother and Korrina got together.
"B-bonnie!" Clemont cried in embarrassment as a way to tell her to stop as her sister laughed.
"And that's it for the Lumiose Master Class Showcase! Thank you for coming! See you again next ti-…"
"Wait!" Serena cut in as Monsieur Pierre was about to conclude the event.
"Monsieur Pierre, may I have the microphone for a moment? There's something that I need to tell the audience…" Serena asked Pierre
"Well, okay then…" Pierre replied as he gave the microphone to Serena
"Um…..hello." Well, thank you Monsieur Pierre for letting me to speak through the microphone" Serena said as she nervously looked at the audience for a moment before she tells her speech.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank my Pokemon who worked hard and did their best in making us this far…I couldn't have better partners than you guys" Serena smiled as she thanked her Pokemon for the hard work they did for bringing her this far.
"Second of all, I would like to thank my friends, family, my mentor and my fans for your support. I could've done this without you…and also the audience for coming to watch this Showcase" the audience cheered as she thanked the audience watching the Showcase.
"And last but not least, I want to thank my old friend for helping me find my dream and supporting me throughout my journey as a Pokemon Performer two years ago." Serena blushed as she remembers the person she admired and loved. Ash. "If it weren't for him, I would still be struggling on what I want to do with my life…" she continued as tears start to form in her eyes.
"But other than that, I have an important announcement to make." Serena took a deep breath before continuing on with her speech.
"Tonight is the last time I'll get to perform in front of you…" The crowd gasped in shock on what they just heard from their Kalos Queen. Is Serena quitting?
"What? Why Serena?…." is all what Bonnie could said while her brother remained silent.
"I know that it'll be hard for you guys to accept but I've decided that this will be my last Showcase." Serena later added
"Why? Well not that I don't like it but because I feel that I have achieved what I have dreamed for…and that is bringing smiles to each and every one of you. You, the audience, the competitors, every one. "
"After getting the title of Kalos Queen two years ago, I felt that even though I won, I think that my role being Kalos Queen is just getting started. Which is why I defended the title for the next two years as I feel that I need to do more…But now, I feel that everything I wanted to achieve in being Kalos Queen has come true. I'm already satisfied as everything I dreamed of has now been achieved. Well except for one but that's personal. I am vacating the title of Kalos for the next Master Class Showcase for other performers to have a chance in winning the title as I want to see on them on achieving their own dream of becoming Kalos Queen like I did." Serena said as she looked at the other performers
"Guys, don't worry if you lost today. Because someday, I'm sure that each and every one of you will be able to become the new Kalos Queen. Remember to keep moving forward toward your dreams and as my old friend used to say 'Never give up until the end!'" she added as she encouraged the other performers to keep moving forward using Ash's motto they've always shared.
"I hope that you were able to enjoy tonight's Master Class Showcase and once again, thank you all for your support. From now on, I will no longer be your Kalos Queen, but a girl who lives in a small town. I hope that you'll help and support these future Kalos Queens in reaching their dreams. That's all for today and goodnight!" The crowd applauded and cheered as Serena ended her very inspiring farewell speech.
"Go Serena!" Bonnie exclaimed as she cheered for her 'big sister'
"Wow, that was a very inspiring speech!" Clemont remarked on Serena's farewell speech.
As Serena made her way backstage, she was greeted by all the staff members and the performers. Everyone was applauding for her for giving such an inspiring speech.
As she makes her way to her dressing room, she is greeted by her best friend, Shauna. Serena has been close friends with her ever since Ash's departure. She helped in lightening her mood during the days after Ash left.
"Well that's one way to end a career. So, where are you going from now on?" Shauna asked.
"I'm pretty sure you already know." Serena replied
"Let me guess, Kanto. I suppose you're ready to tell him right?" Shauna replied within a millisecond.
"But how will you know if he's home?" Shauna added with a question.
"Well, my mom has been talking with Ash's mom that he's coming home next week after travelling to another region called Alola. She's throwing a party for him so she asked me to come along." Serena replied.
"Well, I'm pretty sure he'll be surprised to see you there." Shauna giggled
"Oh, he'll definitely will. "Serena replied with a blush.
"I just hope that he isn't taken yet." Her blush quickly disappeared and was replaced with a feeling of sadness as she added.
"Believe me. We know how dense your Ashy is, Serena. So I doubt that he already has girlfriend with that skull denser than a Rock-type." Shauna replied on how Ash has always been dense when it comes to romance and never noticed Serena's obvious affections for him.
"While he is dense, I do believe that he feels same about you. It's just that he doesn't know yet." Shauna added.
"I hope so." Serena replied.
"Anyway, are you ready to go back home to Vaniville?" Shauna asked Serena about going home.
"Not yet. I've promised Bonnie to help her decide her starter Pokemon tomorrow. So I can't go home yet. " Serena replied.
"Oh yeah I forgot! Bonnie is starting her journey tomorrow! Well, good for her! What do you think she'll choose?" Shauna replied.
"Well, she's torn between choosing Fennekin and Froakie. She wants to choose Fennekin because she wants to have a Braixen like mine but at the same time she wants to choose Froakie because of Ash's Greninja so that she'll be able to use the Bond Phenomenon." Serena replied as she explained Bonnie's choices of her starter Pokemon.
"Wait, isn't Bond Phenomenon only happens like once in 1000 years? I doubt Bonnie will be able to use that since it's been two years that it happened with Ash's Greninja." Shauna remembering the explanation that Sycamore gave to them about Ash's Greninja's form change.
"If that happens then, something's bad is about happen like what Team Flare did two years ago. It seems that Bond Phenomenon only happens when something's bad is gonna happen which is why Ash was able to do it so that he can save the world. I heard that he lost the ability to use it after battling Xerosic, one of Team Flare's admins." Serena recalling the events that happened two years ago about Team Flare.
"One thing for sure that it's an incredibly powerful form. Especially when it battled against Sawyer's Mega Sceptile in the Conference two years ago despite having the type disadvantage." Shauna remembering Ash's battle with Sawyer.
"Yeah but it's not enough to beat Alain's Charizard. That thing is ridiculously powerful. If it wasn't for him, Ash would've been the Champion back then." Serena replied remembering on how close Ash was winning the Lumiose Conference.
"Well, we better get dressed! I don't want to stay here all night!" Shauna said.
"Yeah. This dress is getting a bit itchy though." Serena agreed.
The two girls would then go in their dressing rooms and change into their regular clothes. As the girls exited the building, they are greeted by Clemont and Bonnie.
"Hey, Clemont! Hey Bonnie!" Serena greeted the two siblings
"Hey Serena. That was a great performance and a very inspiring speech!" Clemont complimented her on her spectacular performance and her inspiring speech.
"Yeah Serena! You've really become the Ash in Showcases!" Bonnie giggled.
"Thanks guys! So how's the gym going Clemont?" Serena thanked them while asking a question to the Gym Leader."
"Well it's been going well lately." Clemont replied. "May I ask, what are you going to do from now on?" he later added.
"She's gonna tell Ash her feelings!" Bonnie replied in a teasingly fashion.
"Bonnie!" Serena exclaimed in embarrassment.
"Huh, never thought about that. But how exactly are you gonna tell him?" Clemont asked.
"She's going to Kanto. Ash's mother told her that he's coming home next week after travelling to another region and she's throwing a party for him. She asked Serena to come along to the party." Shauna replied.
"I see. If I remember correctly, he lives in Pallet Town right? I guess you're ready to tell him." Clemont replied.
"Yeah. My flight is on Friday so I'll have to arrive there first before him. Her mom said that it'll take two days to get to Pallet Town from Saffron City." Serena replied with a slight blush on her face.
"Well it's getting dark now, why don't you two rest in our home? Besides, Bonnie is starting her own journey tomorrow so I suppose Bonnie told you to help her choose her starter Pokemon." Clemont, inviting the two girls to their home.
"Thanks Clemont! So Bonnie, are you excited to start your journey tomorrow?" Serena asked the yellow haired girl.
"You bet I am, Serena! Isn't that right Dedenne?" Bonnie replied full with energy along with her little mouse Pokemon.
"Okay then, let's-" Clemont was cut off by a voice from a distance.
"Clemont!"
The group had wondered where the voice was coming from but it sounded familiar to them.
"She's here, big brother…" Bonnie remarked, recognising the voice.
"Wait, I thought she-"
"Gotcha!"
Clemont was caught off guard by a long haired girl with skater gear being accompanied by a Lucario.
"Oh! H-hey… Korrina!" Clemont greeted the long haired girl in embarrassment, who turned out to be his girlfriend, Korrina, the Gym Leader of Shalour City.
"Hi Clemont!" Korrina replied as she hugged his embarrassed boyfriend
"Uh, I thought your day off is tomorrow?" Clemont asked in confusion.
"Well, it is but there haven't been any challengers today at the Gym so I thought to come here early." Korrina replied with a smile.
"Okay. Well, it's a good thing that Gurkinn allowed you to.." the glassed Gym Leader replied.
"Yeah. It's a good thing that I don't have to battle him every now and then just to see you. He certainly has gained your trust ever since you beat him that day." Korrina replied, remembering the difficult times in getting her grandfather's approval about their relationship.
"One thing for sure is that your grandfather is a very stern man. It wasn't that easy to gain his trust though." Clemont added on how strict her grandfather was.
"Oh! Sorry about that guys! I guess we got carried away!" Korrina replied in embarrassment as she remembered the group's presence.
"Oh don't worry! It's ok." Serena replied "It's actually kinda cute seeing you and Clemont like this.." Serena added with a giggle.
"They certainly are Serena! I'm hoping to see the same with you and Ash!" Bonnie teased the performer.
"B-bonnie!" Serena exclaimed in embarrassment while blushing.
"Hehe. Hi Lucario!" Bonnie greeted the Aura Pokemon with the Pokemon growled back.
"Wow, I didn't know Clemont and Korrina are together…How did that happen?" Shauna asked
"Well, long story short. It wasn't that easy especially with his grandfather…" Bonnie answered.
"Anyway, we better get going guys! Dad and Clembot are making dinner tonight!" Clemont said as he noticed the sky getting darker in which the whole group agreed.
The group then strolled the city with the couple of Clemont and Korrina in the lead. The two girls would check out the shops along the way while the couple held hands with Clemont visibly embarrassed.
The group finally arrived in the sibling's home. As Clemont knocked the door, they were greeted by a bearded man, a robot and an Ampharos.
Clemont and Bonnie hugged the bearded man, which was their father, Meyer.
"Haha! It's good to see you two again." Meyer greeted his children.
"Dad, we've gone for like a couple of hours yet you acted like we haven't been home in a long time!" Clemont replied.
"Haha, sorry about that but I just love seeing my children!" his father replied while he hugged his children tighter.
"Well, look who we have here? I didn't expect you to come this early." He greeted his son's girlfriend after he released his children from the hug.
"Yeah well there weren't any challengers at the Gym today and since it's my day off tomorrow so I decided to come here early to spend more time with him" Korrina replied with a giggle
"Well I guess you and Lucario have been waiting for a day off after battling very strong trainers in the past few days…" Meyer replied while patting her Lucario on it's head.
"Yep!" Korrina replied with a grin.
"So Serena, how was your performance? I heard that you're done with Showcases." Meyer asked the honey blonde performer before turning his attention to her.
"Yeah, well I felt that I've accomplished so much during the past two years defending the title so I feel like it's enough for me to feel that I've achieved my dream. Besides, I don't want to hold the title for the rest of my life. I still have some other things that I want to do outside of Showcases." Serena replied.
"Hmm, you seem the kind of person who appreciates simple things despite your field of expertise having a lot of extravagance…" Meyer remarking on Serena's decision to leave Pokemon performing.
"Yeah well, it's really not my type of life I want to live on the rest of my life. I like to live a simple one without the flashy things around me so…" the performer replied.
"Well, anyway me and Clembot have prepared dinner for you guys so let's all eat then!" Meyer said.
The group then had their dinner together with Clemont's family. Korrina would then feed Clemont like a baby that made the latter embarrassed.
"C'mon Clemont! Take a bite!" Korrina asked her boyfriend to eat the food in her spoon.
"Oh come on Korrina! This is embarrassing!" Clemont exclaimed in embarrassment.
While the group laughed at the couple, Serena watched the couple as she remembered Ash.
"Clemont and Korrina sure does look cute together. I wish that would've been me and Ash." Serena said to herself as she stared at the couple.
"Uh Serena, are you okay?" Shauna snapping Serena back in reality
"Oh! Sorry! Yeah I'm okay!" Serena replied to her best friend "I just got carried away, that's all" she added.
"Are you sure? You seem to look kinda down…" her best friend replied
"Yeah I'm fine" Serena bashfully replied.
"So Bonnie, are you ready to start your journey tomorrow?" Meyer asked his daughter
"You bet I am dad! Isn't that right Dedenne?" Bonnie answered while she asked her little friend in which in replied in a cheerful tone.
"Bonnie, have you decided on which starter Pokemon would you choose?" Serena asked the little girl.
"I don't know but I'm torn between Froakie and Fennekin but hopefully I'll be able to decide it for tomorrow." Bonnie replied.
"Oh yeah, since it's your birthday tomorrow, I have something special to give you" Korrina told Bonnie.
"Oh really! What is it?" Bonnie exclaimed in excitement
"You'll find out tomorrow!" Korrina teasingly replied
"Awww…I want it know!" Bonnie replied in an impatient tone.
"Bonnie, you must learn how to wait. Besides, Korrina doesn't want to spoil your gift for tomorrow…" Serena reassured Bonnie.
"Well okay, then…" Bonnie pouted.
"Anyway we should go to bed now. It's getting late…" Meyer told the group.
"Okay dad. Serena, wouldn't you mind if you and Shauna sleep in Bonnie's room? Bonnie will sleep in dad's room so I guess you two are tired from the Showcase right?" Clemont asked the two girls.
"Sure Clemont! Thank you!" Serena replied with a grin. "Yeah, will be fine in Bonnie's room" Shauna added.
"Really? Great! You two go ahead and get some rest." Clemont replied.
"Oh and dad, don't worry if you have to do the dishes tonight. Me and Korrina will do it…" he later added.
"Thanks son! Well, looks like you're learning to do some house work. You're gonna need it a lot by the time you and Korrina get married!" Meyer teasingly replied.
"Dad!" Clemont exclaimed in embarrassment.
"Hehe, it's ok Clemont. Anyway, let's go wash the dishes, future husband!" Korrina teasingly said to her boyfriend.
"Okay then, me and Shauna are heading to the room now. Goodnight everyone!" Serena said to the family before proceeding to their room with Shauna.
As the two exhausted performers went on to their rooms, the family has cleaned up the dinning room, with Clemont and Korrina washing dishes, the latter's Lucario arranging the chairs, and Bonnie cleaning the table and Meyer sweeping the floor before going to their own rooms and change into their pyjamas to sleep. Bonnie would sleep with her father in his room while Korrina and Lucario would sleep in Clemont's Room. In Bonnie's room, Serena and Shauna would change into their pyjamas before going to sleep.
A few hours later, Shauna was woken up by Serena, who seems to be shifting left and right in her sleep.
"Serena, are you okay?" Shauna asked her sleeping friend in a faint voice.
"Ash, please come back after you're done….." She replied but with her eyes still closed. She is clearly having a dream.
"Don't worry Serena, I'll come back for you when I'm done. Promise" Ash replied to her.
"Well, Take care. Don't you forget about me" She replied with tears in her eyes.
"I promise I won't" Ash reassured her.
"Goodbye Ash. See you soon…" Serena replied while wiping her tears.
"Bye" Ash replied.
As Serena watched Ash board the plane, her surroundings became darker and the sky became red.
"W-what's going on?" Serena said to herself, confused on what was happening around her.
Suddenly, roots started to rise from the ground surrounding the honey blonde performer. Trapping her.
"Oh no….ASH WAIT DON'T GO!" She screamed at Ash but he doesn't seem to hear her.
As he boarded the plane, the plane started to take off. Serena, feeling helpless, did nothing but scream and scream to the plane until a tall, stone, snake-like figure started to appear in front of the plane Ash was in.
The stone, snake-like figure turned out to be the Megalith. The Megalith was created by Team Flare's leader, Lysandre after he tasked Alain in collecting Mega Evolution energy to control it.
Red surges of energy stated to surround the Megalith. The energy would charge into a ball before launching a beam of this energy towards the plane that Ash was on board.
"ASH! NOOOO!" Serena cried.
"ASH! NOOO!" Serena cried as she woke up before realizing it was a nightmare. In front of her was Shauna, Clemont, Korrina, Lucario, Meyer, Bonnie, and her Dedenne.
"Serena! What's wrong? Are you okay?" her best friend cried out in concern.
"What happened?" Korrina asked the terrified performer.
"I-I-I just had a nightmare. Sorry, it looks like I woke up everyone." Serena replied with a hint of fear in her voice.
"Um, okay. Would you mind telling what it was about?" Bonnie asked in concern.
"Bonnie, I don't think it's the right time. She just had a nightmare and I don't think she's in the mood of talking about it." Meyer replied to her daughter. "Besides it's like 3 in the morning. We should all get back to sleep." He added.
"Serena. You should get back to sleep. Just relax and go to sleep. Tell us in the morning okay?" Shauna said to her best friend. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell us ok?" she later added.
"Um, Okay. Goodnight everyone" Serena replied.
Everyone went back to their rooms and returned to their sleep. Serena, still terrified from her nightmare, waited a few minutes before going back to sleep.
