The Next Pokémon Showcase was in Striaton City and that's where N and Kitty were heading next. As the two walked along on Route 2, their journey resumed!
N stopped and smiled at his friend, Kitty. "Kitty?" He asked, and she stopped walking. "Yeah?"
"Let's have a battle!" He said, Purrloin jumping at word. She always enjoyed a good battle. Kitty grinned.
"I thought you'd never ask." She said happily, grabbing a Love Ball from her trendy belt. Kitty held it in front of her. "Petilil, take center stage!" Kitty cried as white light illuminated the pink pokeball. It released from itself Petilil who emitted an excited noise.
"Purrloin, this battle is yours." N began, pointing to what was now their battle field. "Now, use Scratch!" Purrloin gave a little nod, then pounced.
"Clever." Kitty noted. "Counter it with Absorb!" Kitty cried. Petilil took her orders and skated off to the side when Purrloin came close. She sent little green orbs Purrloin's way that began to suck the energy from N's Pokémon.
"Purrloin, quick! Pursuit!" He shouted.
Purrloin gave a sly grin. The cunning Pokémon scampered away from the Absorb's direction and scraped its hind legs against the ground.
With a quick growl, it charged, knocking against Petilil.
"Petilil!" Kitty whined. She raced onto the battleground and scooped up her Pokémon. "Don't worry. There's always next time. You did great." Kitty praised the weak Pokémon with a tender smile.
N bent down next to the two. "Good battle." He extended his hand to her and she shook it. "I promise we'll both get stronger but first…"
With determination in her eyes, Kitty stood. She pointed in the direction of Striaton City. "Let's get to the Pokémon center so that I can practice for the Showcase!"
N nodded and they continued on towards their next destination.
Once there, the Pokémon Center was full of contest contestants. Kitty recognized a blonde one with noticeable envy.
N chuckled nervously. "Who's that? And what Pokémon has she got there?" He asked.
Kitty stuck out her tongue. "That's Lucille. She's from the Kalos region as well. We've butt heads a couple of times." She explained, crossing her arms.
Lucille turned on her red tennis shoes and waved to Kitty. "Oh, hi!" She cried, rushing over.
She stopped to size up N who gave her a small smile. "Hi, my name's N. I heard you're Lucille." He extended his hand to the girl who instead gave him a hug.
"Yes, that's my name." Lucille flirted, twirling in her yellow skirt.
Kitty's cheeks burned with jealousy.
"So…the Pokémon?" N asked, holding up his Pokedex.
A Dedenne and a Pachirisu sat at the girl's feet. Both the electric type Pokémon shared a Nuzzle. "They're my partners for the Showcase. You'll be performing right, Kitty?" Lucille gave a sly smile similar to Purrloin's.
"Yes, I will be." Kitty grumbled through clenched teeth.
"Well good luck. That Petilil's no match for my two babies." Lucille cackled before sauntering away.
Kitty sighed as Nurse Joy returned with a potion. "Here. This will make her feel better." She explained. N helped Kitty apply the potion to Petilil who instantly felt better.
Once Nurse Joy finished up and left, Kitty sat sulking in the waiting area while all the other contestants practiced. N frowned. "What was Lucille talking about?" he questioned, raising a brow.
Kitty mumbled something then sighed. "Everyone knows that a Pokémon duo is what really catches the judge's attention. Since I've began, Petilil and I have been the best team ever but we usually never make it past the second round."
"I thought you said…all those paparazzi…"
"My sister, Aurora, is the famous one. They think that since I'm her sister I should be showing the same skills as she does. I love contests but…I can't seem to find a partner as good as Petilil." She admitted sadly.
N stood, holding out his hand to Kitty. "Don't worry. You'll a find a…huh! Kitty, look out!"
N swiftly grabbed Kitty and they escaped the massive Shadow Ball.
"Gengar, Shadow Ball again!" A girl cried.
A wild Minccino skittered across the Pokémon Center floor.
"Oh no, it needs help!" Kitty exclaimed. She looked down at Petilil. "Do you think you can battle?" She inquired. Petilil hopped on the ground, standing at the ready with Purrloin by her side.
"Hmm. Okay!" She cried. Kitty turned to N. "Ready?" She asked.
N nodded. "Ready." He repeated.
"Purrloin, use Scratch on Gengar!"
"Petilil, spotlight on Minccino and use Protect!"
The Pokémon followed their demands. Petilil made a barrier around Minccino to protect the two of them while Purrloin made its attack on Gengar.
Gengar fired another Shadow Ball at Purrloin, causing it to fly backwards. Purrloin hit the wall with a thud.
"Oh no!" Kitty cried as N rushed to his Pokémon's aid.
Seeing this, Minccino broke free from the Protect and used Swift.
"Someone get that Pokémon!" the girl shouted as her Gengar stumbled back into her arms. Kitty saw the scars on the weak Minccino.
"Alright! Now's my chance." She announced.
"Pokeball, Go!" She tossed a Great Ball and it bounced atop the Minccino's head. It captured the Pokémon and shook a couple of times. Sparkles flittered around the Great Ball, indicating that she had caught it.
"Alright!" Kitty smiled as Petilil carried the blue Pokeball to her.
"Minccino, would you like to assist me in the Showcase?" Kitty asked softly. The Great Ball shook. The Minccino had excitedly agreed!
N returned with Purrloin at his side. She was okay and slowly licking her paw. "You caught it!" He pointed out.
Kitty beamed at the Pokeball and nodded. "Let's shine! C'mon out, Minccino!"
The chinchilla Pokémon appeared before the crowd who applauded for Kitty's "performance."
Lucille sashayed towards Kitty, clapping slowly. "Good work. Seems like you've finally gotten yourself a duo but that wild Minccino will never be ready by tonight."
With that, Lucille was gone again.
N placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let Lucille get to you. C'mon, you should practice."
As evening approached, Kitty began to dress herself in an elegant white gown decorated with pastel colored bows. She placed a matching white outfit on Petilil and gave Minccino a pastel blue bowtie.
She left the dressing room just to bump into N.
He smiled. "Wow, Kitty! You look amazing." He complimented as Kitty blushed. "Thanks, N."
"The Striaton City Pokémon Showcase will begin in only sixty seconds!"
N gave Kitty a thumbs-up. "Break a leg! Purrloin and I will be rooting for you!" He called, rushing towards the stadium's seats.
Kitty took a deep breath. She bent down next to Petilil and Minccino. "No matter what anyone says, we practiced really hard. This may be another loss for us but we're going to do a great job!" She promised and embraced her Pokémon. Kitty ran off towards the backstage area with the other contestants. They were practicing in there too!
"Welcome to the Striaton City Pokémon Showcase!" boomed the announcer. He tipped his blue top-hat before continuing.
"Tonight, we'll be showcasing the best of the best! In order to make it to the second and final round, you must achieve enough votes in your Princess Key! Contestants will be competing for their second key! Our first round will be…" He gestured towards the teleprompter while it sped through many options.
Kitty watched with anticipation as the screen rolled with large, sparkly letters. "Please be an easy one." She mumbled.
"Battle style!" He announced.
Lots of girls backstage groaned but Kitty shot her fists into the air. "Alright, we've got this!" She assured her Pokémon.
"First contestant up…Miette from Kalos! Following after her, Jeanie from Sinnoh so be prepared!" The announcer tossed his cane in the air.
"Let's...BEGIN!" He cried, and the crowd roared.
Kitty paced the ground as her turn quickly approached.
"Lucille from Kalos!" He shouted as Lucille rose from below the stage. She posed sweetly, extending her hands to the crowd.
"Alright, Dedenne, use Charm!" Lucille cried. She and her Dedenne danced for the crowd as they cheered her on.
"Now, Pachirisu, Volt Switch!"
Pachirisu and Dedenne soared into the air, switching their electric charges with each other.
N observed them carefully.
Once they landed, Lucille twirled in the electric static that floated around.
"Together now! Use Nuzzle!" She clapped her hands together as Dedenne and Pachirisu Nuzzle each other's cheek. The crowd burst into a round of "oh's" and "ah's"
Lucille ended with a wink.
"The crowd is ecstatic!" The announced jested with a posh chuckle. "Now for our final contestant, Kitty!"
The crowd instantly went wild but the cheers didn't fool her. They didn't like Kitty, they liked her second-place wins. She was going to prove them wrong!
As Kitty rose to the top of the stage, she sighed and opened her eyes. Kitty gave they crowd a cute pose then went straight into game mode.
"Alright, Petilil, Leech Seed!" She cried, watching her Pokémon spread seeds everywhere. They grew into large petals that danced in a lovely style.
Kitty twirled between every petal, causing an uproar from the crowd.
"Alright, Kitty!" N cheered.
"I'm not done yet! Minccino, Swift!"
Minccino hopped into Kitty's arms and she tossed him upwards. Minccino twirled in the air, using his Swift move to send large yellow stars swirling around. They shined and burst into little gold sparkles while Kitty continued to dance.
"Time for the finale! Ready?" Kitty asked, still twirling.
Minccino landed in the "arms" of a petal that sent him springing into the air again.
"C'mere Petilil." Kitty held out her arms to the flower like Pokémon.
"Now, Minccino! Swift again!" Kitty exclaimed. Minccino shot the stars again, this time, a star rocketed Kitty and Petilil into the air. They used them as steps towards the large petals and slid down them like a slide.
Now the crowd was on their feet.
"What an exhilarating performance!" The announcer praised. The crowd gave their applause as N shouted Kitty's name.
They bowed once they were on their feet again.
"Great work everyone!"