Ash and Amelia were saying their goodbyes as the duo would set out for Amelia's next Showcase. Amelia's parents going into their daughters' unusual request were still having a few doubts. The heir was going to spread her wings without any supervision from one in employment in the Valuer family. Luckily for them Amelia had gotten someone more than trustworthy enough to be granted this freedom.

"Good luck. We'll be watching you from home. Do your best as always." Louise giving her usual encouragement was eager to see her girl perform. A certain air hung around Amelia recently and it was infectious to her and staff. She genuinely smiled more than she did.

"Of course mother." The Performer already dressed up in a variety of yellow clothing and having done up her hair in a ponytail for her disguise. Not a sight of purple or light pink it felt strange to see her like that for everyone with her. The mother aimed a look towards her guest that slowly became a more permanent feature of their lives.

"Ash. Can I ask you once more to keep her safe and satisfied up till her Showcase?"

"Of course Mrs. Valuer. I'll do my best!"

"Pikachu!" With the same motivation Pikachu mirrored Ash's behavior. The mother was glad Amelia met someone compassionate like him towards other people and his Pokémon mirroring it. They were a good bunch.

"Boy." The father stared down Ash. Out of everyone in the group he knew the boy least and did not like how chummy and rebellious Amelia started to get with him.

"You take good care of my daughter. If not I'll make sure you'll never show your face in Fluerrh City again. It's not a warning, but a threat."

"I'll treat her better than you did." Ash muttered under his breath. Peeking over to Amelia the girl stiffened her pose a bit under her strict father. Ash wanted to like him but Charles Valuer made it really hard for it to do so. If only he was so friendly as another wealthy man he met.

"Shame you have to go already. The gates are always open if you give me a call." The vineyard owner they called a friend was much more open. Ash made sure to properly thank the host for using his property for training and amusing Amelia.

"Thank you for the hospitality Mr. Vincent."

Normally saying 'staying over' Ash was unaware that Amelia's polite and formal speech began to rub off on him. The owner smiled as he gave Ash a pat on the shoulder.

"My pleasure. I'm looking forward to seeing your battles in the PWC again next year. Keep up that ranking. There's a hungry batch of challengers waiting for you."

"I know. And we're ready for all of them."

Pikachu perked up too flexing his tiny arm. This vacation was nice but he was itching for proper training and some hard fought battles again.

"Bye children. Stay safe."

The two youngsters saying their goodbye's they agreed to walk and take their time together towards the train station that would bring them further to Snowbelle City. Seeing them go the Valuer parents nodded to their friend.

"I believe we should go too. Thank you as always Vincent. I wished we could prolong our visit but I'm sure you understand our plight." The duo wanting to get back to the exploration of their mines and find the culprit to it.

"Of course. My gates are open for you whenever you want. Same time again next year?"

"We'd love that." With a handshake the rich people said their goodbye as Charles and Louise got into their limo. Sitting down Charles took out his phone and dialed a number. The phone ringing the one on the other side picked up.

"It's me. Any progress on the investigation?"

"Sir. We found more traces of the particles inside one of our Johto mines. Due to the affecting of Steel types, the Hoenn Cjampion Steven Stone has offered his help and expertise on the subject. Shall I bring him and give full access?"

The person on the other side of the line spoke up. Charles nodded his head as he took mental notes. The Stone family was another well known associate of them primarily to the father of the current Hoenn Champion being a business partner. And the Valuer's supplying their special training devices Power Bands to Steven.

"Thank you. Yes, fulfill the Champion's needs. We're on our way now."

"Of course sir."

Charles hung up the phone and was relieved he got another expert on stones and quite some powerful help. Dialing a second number on his phone he waited for it to ring. It going over Louise listened in closely too.

"Granbull Detective Agency. If we can't find it, it doesn't exist. Who can we sniff or bite out?"

"Put it down Charles." The wife immediately knew why he called the agency. It wasn't for extra help solving their case. Louise glared at her husband looking at the phone in his hand. She shook her head and took the phone from his hand.

"No. Amelia asked for some privacy so no."

Louise brought it to her ear and ended the call.

"Excuse me. I just realized it's a wrong number. Have a nice day."

Hanging up she handed the phone back to him. He had a minor scowl on his face. He wasn't used to the feeling of his daughter going unsupervised or at least being looked out for by one of the house staff. He sighed and commented on his wife's judgement.

"You trust that boy too much. Association. He is seen often with her so it will light a fuse in people's minds. They will know it's her."

"I have all reason to trust Ash. He has nothing to do with our problem. And Amelia has had enough acting lessons to pose as 'Amy'. Nobody will know it's her. And if they do recognize him as friend of the family I'm certain he will disguise himself too. Our daughter is smart and I'm certain she too has a disguise for him just in case."

Remembering the planned excursion of Fluerrh City on foot failing after the bomb strike on their home. 'Amy' was free to move around but Ash did not have the same luck as people and press demanded answers.

Charles grumbled looking at the window. The mines status and damage being a mystery seemed minuscule compared to his most prized possession venturing alone. A lot of sleepless nights were on the horizon for him and it had nothing to do with business.

Ash and the now 'Amy' arrived in Snowbelle City after their trip. Even wearing a winter jacket the chilling breeze still affected Ash. Pikachu also cold snuggled into his coat and hid on his chest. Amelia chilly too she had excitement to somewhat keep her warm and an idea to heat up.

"Let's inspect the venue for the Showcase. Preparations must be ongoing for it."

Ash agreed as he followed her. Traversing through the winter town they had to go outwards from the City a bit. A large frozen lake was being frozen by Ice type Pokémon as a precaution and to make sure it was thick enough. Multiple strong and muscular Pokémon build up the stands for the audience to sit on and watch as lights and stereo towers were also being installed for the show.

"So that's the stage." Ash admitted that the Showcase committee really knew presentation. Amelia looked at he venue that she oh so wished that it warranted her third key of the season. As much aa she wanted to glide on natural ice she had to do a thing.

"I have to register. I'll be back in a short bit." Ash tilted his head to her.

"I thought you already did or else it didn't go through."

"It was a pre entry with intent to come here. I have to set my signature that I'm actually here to compete. Some people get cold feet this close to a Showcase."

"Ok. See you."

She went away leaving Ash and Pikachu by themselves. Ash decided to get some hot cocoa at a nearby stand to heat up. Paying for three cups for himself, Pikachu and Amelia he hid it in a blanket so it at least stayed warm until she came back. Pikachu stuck his head out ears peeking up. Seeing the hot cocoa he squeaked a soft chu. Climbing out off his jacket the mouse took the cup and slowly started to drink it on Ash's lap burning his tongue.

Ash smiled at his buddy petting his head. Taking a sip himself it was hotter than he expected too. Blowing his tongue the air cooled it as well. He and Pikachu sat together as 'Amy' came back. Smiling at the duo her registry had gone off without a hitch. Ash unwrapped the cloth from her drink. The cup still warm she smiled st his generosity.

"Thank you." Taking it from him Ash wiped off some off the snow from her spot on the bench. Nodding with a smile the Performer took her own drink. They had their next move planned already to look for a natural sheet of ice for to practice on but he gave her a moment to drink her cocoa.

They didn't had much too talk about now after spilling words on the way here. The snowflakes falling still Amelia looked up. Sitting next to Ash in this winter wonderland was...peaceful. Glancing sideways to him she saw him and Pikachu snuggling up trying to stay warm with the mouse hiding in his jacket again after finishing his cocoa.

Ash did so in return looking at Amelia. Her black hair the complete opposite of the white background snow she easily stood out with the now yellow outfit. Snow landed gently on her now ponytail which emphasized the difference in colors. Even when freezing now she was a great distraction from the cold. Her color scheme have him something to focus on the chill wind being less harsh.

Again like their excursion to Galar for her to learn ice skating she was glad to be with him. Her face turning red not from the heat of the cocoa but her crush on him she was happy it was just him and her together with Pikachu. In two minds about scooching over for closer contact she really just wanted to say the past couple of weeks with him were perfect.

"Hey Ash! Is that you!?"

Ash recognized tye voice and paled up. Shivering not from the cold but nerves he feared the Showcase drew in the one girl he was not ready to confront. Pikachu's head poked out from his jacket to see who it was too. A Performer like Amelia was approaching them. She had tanned skin, green eyes and brunette hair that curved into four bangs and star shape on her forehead. Wearing a pink winter outfit with ribbons Ash sighed with relief so heavily his breath could form a mist bank over the city.

"Oh thank goodness it's only Shauna."

The cheerful girl spotted Ash from the corner of her eye. It has been quite a bit since she saw him and wanted to catch up. Shauna inching closer Amelia cursed her luck again. So Ash knew this rival on a friendly basis too. After him travelling with Serena it seemed to the heir that everyone knew Ash by association with her.

"Hi! Long time no see. How are you doing?"

Ash and Shauna made small talk about what they did. Ash about his PWC exploits placing top 32 while Shauna stayed doing Showcases after he left Kalos. The brunette making it to another Master Class was eventually eaten by Amelia who then lost to a retaining Aria.

The heir was cautious though. Shauna and her traded results of wins and losses on multiple occasions. Seen as quite equal by the general public the heir did not look sideways to other Performers but up towards the throne the Kalos Queen is placed at. Amelia looked off to the side ignoring how comfy Ash sounded with another rival of hers.

"Not jealous. Don't be jealous. He's being nice…just nice…"

"So who's your friend Ash?" Shauna looked to the girl in yellow. They weren't sitting this close on a bench if they weren't friends.

"This is Am…y…"

He corrected himself quickly not to say her real name and ruin her disguise already. He figured being a Performer too Amelia and Shauna probably competed against each other a few times. Even if it wasn't a companion the little lie put a salty taste in his mouth wishing he didn't finish his cocoa already to wash out the taste.

"Nice to meet you Amy. I'm Shauna." The brunette friendly as always didn't notice it was a rival. Ash thinking to himself that they didn't know each other or that 'Amy' is on the same level of disguises as Team Rocket's which fooled most people.

"Those acting classes Amelia mentioned are paying off…"

"I heard about you. So you're entering the Showcase?" 'Amy' realizing that she asked a dumb question to Shauna with an obvious answer.

"That's right! You too?"

"Oh no! I'm just starting to do Performances and went along with Ash after meeting him. I'm just here as an audience member to scout others."

'Amy' covered herself for non competition. As good as she deemed herself Amelia can't juggle two characters and make two Performances on the fly. Not to mention the voting process where everyone was placed on stage and one of her alter ego going missing raised questions.

"If you want too, I can help you learn how to skate."

"You would?" Amelia not believing Shauna would give a helping hand to a potential future rival. Confused Shauna offered again.

"Yeah! I already have my entire Performance locked in as everybody due to the special circumstances of this one. I'd love to help you practice."

"No no no! I'm good just watching for now! I'll learn how to skate later!" 'Amy' waved her arms frantically not wanting to practice with a rival.

"You Ash? You know how to skate?"

"A little bit." He confessed. Shauna finished her performance but there were a few more things to do on her list.

"Well. If you change your mind about your skating lessons I'm staying in the Pokémon Center. I gotta go and do a few more things before the Showcase. Sorry I couldn't stay longer Ash."

"It's ok. We get it. Bye Shauna. Good luck in your Performance."

"Bye Ash. Bye Amy. Be sure to cheer for me!"

Shauna waving good bye and now out of view Ash slouched back over the bench grabbing his hair.

"Argh…"

"Are you ok?"

"If I knew lying to a friend would happen with you being 'Amy' I would've disguised myself too."

"You're just too honest for your own good." She hoped it didn't enter gullibility territory. He was kind which she liked but Amelia admitted she was scared for him to be taken advantage of by others. He seemed to have no filter to say no when it came to help.

"Come on. Let's head to our hotel that got booked for us. After it we can flesh out 'Amy' more so we don't trip over our…ruse with her."

Amelia realizing the word lie to Ash is a nasty word and the need to flesh out her character as Amy some more so they weren't going to trip over themselves with conflicting backstories. Retreating for the night in the hotel Ash wondered what kind of mess he got himself into and just wanted to see the Showcase already without worrying about running into Serena or her old rivals.

Right.

Another long awaited update but life, work and the holidays came first and after 2021 I needed a normal holiday for once. Let's see how writing time treats me now and how much I get done.

Sorry no Serena yet. Bit too early now but don't worry…it will happen eventually. Inevitable with this type of setup.

I know one of my largest issues is accounting for Pokémon in my stories. I'll try to improve on it as I agree with some reviews posted. You were right. I'll try.

Later.