"Trapinch. The Ant Pit Pokémon," Serena's Pokédex said in its robotic voice. "It lives in arid deserts. It makes a sloping pit trap in sand where it patiently awaits prey."

She looked at the Pokéball in her hand and smiled. The trio were walking down the road, the large iron gates of Saffron City already in front of them. "I won't let you down, Trapinch. Too bad you don't evolve. You don't look anything like Vibrava, the Pokémon in the Pokédex after you."

"It could be like a Metapod evolution," Clemont said, adjusting his glasses. "Or a Shellgon, or a Kakuna. They evolve with a cocoon."

"Then shouldn't Vibrava evolve into a Trapinch then?" Serena said. She let out a pondering hmm. "In any case, Trapinch looks nothing like the Flygon. I guess the Vibrava does a little, but it's weird that these Pokémon are next to each other in the Pokédex."

Serena could feel the Pokéball shake. "Don't worry, Trapinch," she said. "You don't need to evolve to be strong. And I don't care if you can't fly."

"We're here! We're here!" Bonnie said, and she ran inside the large gatehouse. It toward over there, and Serena saw large steel fences extend farther than what her eye can see.

"Oh, you can go through," the heavily dressed guard said. "But boy, I'm thirsty. Do you kids have any drinks on you?"

"Er, I have some soup," Clemont said, digging into his backpack.

"Thank you!" the guard said. "I'll make sure to heat this up on my break. By the way, check out the Pokémon Contest! I heard the Princess of Hoenn will be there."

"Pokémon Contest?" Serena said. "I thought Dawn said the next one will be in Vermillion City."

"I don't know. Maybe she got confused?" Clemont said.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Bonnie said, tugging Serena's arm. "I want to see the show!"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu said, arguing otherwise.

"I have to challenge this gym first," Serena said. Pikachu nodded happily at this. "Sabrina might be Tuck."

"Oh no, there's no way you're weaseling out of this one," said another voice. The group turned around to see May smiling and waving at them. Serena was quick to put on her sunglasses.

"May! It's good to see you," Bonnie said. "And…Max. Hi."

"It's a good day to meet you too," Max said, shaking and killing Bonnie's hand. "May, we better hurry up. The registration will end soon."

"Eh? Max, I see some badges on your shirt," Clemont said. "One, two, three…four? That's impressive."

"I know, right?" Max said, rubbing his nose. He thrust out his chest, clearly showing the shining badges. "One from Forrest in Pewter, another from Misty in Cerulean, the third from Sabrina here, and the last from Gary in Viridian."

Serena could feel the world crashing down around her. "Gary? You got one from GARY OAK?"

"Oh yeah, I just got it. He was easy," Max said. Serena could just see Max's nose grow ten times bigger. "His Sandshrew, Diglett, and Dugtrio gave quite a battle, but it was no match for yours truly, the genius."

Pikachu had to stop Serena from pulling her hair out.

"Are we done talking?" May said. She clasped both of her hands onto Serena. "You're following me to the stage. As a Top Coordinator, I can't let talent like yours be wasted. You have all the time in the world to challenge the next gym, but there won't be another Pokémon Contest in Saffron City for a while."

"B-but," Serena tried to say, but she was pushed away by May into Saffron City.

The Kalos girl was slightly more impressed by Saffron City than Pewter "City," Viridian "City," and Cerulean "City." She was less than impressed when her navigator told her Saffron City was the largest city in Kanto. It was dirtier, too. There was a lot of gum marks on the dirty cement floor, and muddy water lined the streets. Some of the outlets looked nice—Serena lingered in front of some before May and even Pikachu pulled her away—but the city as a whole was nowhere close to comparable as Lumiose City.

"We're here, we're here," May said, her hands still on Serena's shoulders. They had arrived at a large marble building with a dome at the top. Already there were bystanders walking in, children and Pokémon gazing at the sights. "Now let's get you registered."

"I don't have a dress," Serena said.

"Oh, don't worry, I got it covered. We're about the same height, right?" May said. "You can't imagine how much Top Coordinators get paid. Let's go, let's go."

While Serena was registering, using her Pokédex as an ID (she didn't let May see her real name), Max coughed. "I better get going. As May's manager there's a lot of stuff I have to do. Make sure you two grab good seats."

"Please call me Leaf in the contest," Serena whispered to the clerk at the registration desk.

"Oh, alright," the clerk said, frowning. "Anything for a friend of the Princess of Hoenn's."

"Did someone say the Princess of Hoenn was here!?" said a stranger. It was alarming how quickly a crowd appeared around the registration desk.

"Please! Give me your autograph!"

"Me! Me! Can you sign my Iggypuff?"

"I've watched you so much. Can you marry my brother?"

"Bonnie!" Clemont yelped.

"I wish we can get out of here!" May said, squirming at the notebooks being jammed onto her face. Her back was on the registration desk as she tried to move away.

There was a flash somewhere in the middle of the crowd. "I've anticipated this situation happening!" Clemont said, only an arm visible in the sea of people. "The future is now thank to science! Citronic gear, on!"

It was becoming hard to hear him due to the cacophony. "I…invented…device…that…distraction! Name…Distraction-Device! Mark Two!"

"Yet another terrible name," Bonnie said, sighing. About five seconds later there was an explosion.

"Science is amazing!" May said, dragging Serena off to the waiting room by the scruff of her shirt.

"Take care of Pikachu!" Serena yelled, the mouse hopping off her shoulder and running towards Bonnie and Clemont, almost getting stampeded upon by the crowd.

After buying tickets, Clemont and Bonnie found easy seats in the auditorium—a lot of people were still running around trying to find the Hoenn native. The place wasn't fancy, but it was very modern—Clemont spotted lights and screens everywhere. Pikachu and Dedenne crawled into a red velvet chair right next to a purple-haired man in a trench coat.

"Go Jessicalica!" the man said, standing on his seat with his hands cupped around his mouth. The show hadn't even started yet. "You can do it! Win so you don't have to work Meowth and me to the death in the future!"

"Wow, he's so weird," Bonnie said, giggling. "Alright Pikachu and Dedenne. We'll have to cheer our hardest for Serena! I meant Leaf, right?"

"Pika pika!" he agreed.

"De denne!"

"I wonder which Pokémon she will use," Clemont said. "Maybe Trapinch? She wouldn't want people to recognize her, right?"

In the waiting room, Serena was wondering the same question. She was wearing a simple black gown. "So what Pokémon are you using, May?" she asked.

"Hmm, maybe my Glaceon and Munchlax for the Appeals Round," May said. "And maybe for the Battle Round, I'll use…hey! I'm not telling that to you, my rival!"

"Rival?" Serena said, gaping her mouth. "I haven't been in a Pokémon Contest against you yet. Isn't this a bit too soon?"

"I have a good eye for this," May said, winking. "And really, you should consider becoming a Pokémon Coordinator instead of a battler. Now, what Pokémon will you use? Do you only have Braixen?"

Serena put a finger on her chin, thinking. "Well, I did catch a Trapinch recently."

Trapinch's Pokéball wobbled, and the Pokémon burst out. He shook his giant head from side to side. "Pinch! Pinch! Pinch!"

"Oh? Do you not like Pokémon Contests?" Serena asked, bending down. "They're really fun! See, we get to do beautiful moves and dance at the same time in front of a big audience."

"Wow, you're so into it. You talk like you've been in one before," May said, giggling. "And I'm not sure about Trapinch. Can you decorate him in such a short amount of time to appeal to the judges?"

"Pinch! Pinch! Pinch!" Trapinch said.

"Eh? You want to train more?" Serena said. "You aren't tired from last night?"

"You've been training last night?" May asked. "Wow. I can only imagine how good you'd be if you practiced for Pokémon Contests instead of Pokémon battles."

"Okay, Trapinch, I won't use you," Serena said. "But can you at least watch? Maybe I'd be able to change your mind."

"Tra," Trapinch considered, but then he nodded his head.

"I wish I can change your mind," May said. "You'll be using Braixen then? She must be really popular in Kalos. I've heard that two Kalos Queens there use her."

Serena shifted her feet. She hoped that people wouldn't recognize Braixen or the ribbon on her wand. Then, the television screen in the waiting room turned on.

"Welcome to Saffron City's first Pokémon Contest of the year!" the announcer said. Serena was surprised—the announcer was an Officer Jenny dressed in a fancy blue suit. She was holding a microphone, and the only light in the pitch-black stood was focused on her. "Who will win this Pokémon Contest in Saffron City? Will it be the Princess of Hoenn, May, who has surprised and shocked judges all over the world with her beautiful style. Or will it be Jessicalica, who performance in Pewter City shocked viewers all over Kanto? Or will it be a new upcoming rookie, eager to prove?"

"You're up first, Miss May," an aide said, approaching May and Serena. "They want you up front."

"Good luck!" Serena said, to which May smiled and replied with a "You too."

The audience cheered when Officer Jenny ended her words. Pikachu and Dedenne covered their ears—the purple-haired man was still screeching a primal "Go Jessicalica! Do it! Do it! Win!"

"Our judges today are well-established Masters of Ceremonies! Introducing Lilian Meridean! And Vivian Meridean! And Nurse Joy hailing from here, Saffron City!"

There was even louder cheering when the lights flashed to reveal the three smiling and waving women. The Meridean sisters looked similar with their orange, wavy hair while Nurse Joy looked like, well, a Nurse Joy. Pikachu had half a mind to give the purple-haired man a jolt of electricity. He was whooping and wailing and flinging his shirt around.

"We'll be starting with the famous May from Littleroot Town!" Officer Jenny said. "May we have a round of applause?"

Thunderous cheers rang and applause shook the air in the room. The light focused on May who was being slowly raised on a circular platform in the center of the stage. She grinned when the music started. It sounded like mariachi.

"Glaceon and Munchlax, time to perform!" she said, tossing the Pokéballs high into the air. "Now let's remember our training and Leaf's lesson!"

The Munchlax and Glaceon were dressed in all sorts of ribbons and cute baubles, and as soon as they landed on the floor, they did a simultaneous backflip.

And then they danced.

Serena was impressed. From their time in Pewter City, May had certainly improved. She could definitely say that even in that short amount of time, the girl was better than Jessicalica. Well, she couldn't expect no less from the Princess of Hoenn.

Her heart ached. Looking at the smile on her face, Serena could tell May was having fun. Her dance moves even copied Serena's—she was surprised the Hoenn girl was able to extrapolate so much from their short time together. And while battling was alright, it would never replace Pokémon Performances. Never.

Somersaulting into the air, Glaceon shot a Shadow Ball downwards. Munchlax shot a Solar Beam into the air which met it, and then there was a beautiful explosion. The audience ooed and aahed as glitter and sparks showered everywhere. The two Pokémon landed on May's outstretched arms, and she smiled and did a mini-curtsy to the roar of the audience.

"And that's May's performance for you!" Officer Jenny said. "And how do our judges rate it?"

"I must say, I'm always impressed by her," Lilian said. "This has to be her best performance yet."

"I agree. I thought that Pewter City might have demotivated her," Vivian said. "But instead, it seemed to have done the opposite! I'm looking forward to May's future performances."

"It seems like she's been fired up lately," Nurse Joy said. "Perhaps it's because she now found competitive rivals? Perhaps since this is the first time she's competing in the same region with Dawn? Or maybe she finds Jessicalica to be a worthy opponent?"

Serena congratulated the beaming May when she returned. Her Glaceon had an arrogant smirk and a flaunty tail, but Munchlax was jumping with joy, occasionally eating treats May tossed him.

"Thanks!" May said. "I've looked at the roster, and apparently you'll be the last one. Gotta save the best for last, right?"

There was a few unimpressive performances. Someone's Magmar even lit his trainer's head on fire. Occasionally Nurse Joy sunk her head into her arms to not let anyone see her giggles, but the Meridean sisters didn't bother hiding their exasperated mouths. Every once in a while someone performed well, but it paled in comparison to May's.

And then it was Jessicalica's turn.

"Go Jessicalica!" the purple-haired man shrieked. Pikachu gave him a glare, and with a "Pi ka…chuu!" and a flash of lighting, the man collapsed to the floor, twitching every so often.

"Uh, I didn't expect you to resort to such extreme measures," Clemont said. "But I feel like I shouldn't scold you."

"Pika pika," Pikachu said embarrassingly, scratching the back of his head.

Jessicalica's performance reminded Serena of another competitor she had back in Kalos. Her style and dancing was a strange mixture of mystery, beauty, and…humor. It was weird. Occasionally Serena would burst out laughing at the strange antics of the Meowth and Wobbuffet—the latter who was wearing a multi-colored afro, and other times she would raise an eyebrow at some of Jessicalica's laughs. But there was no mistaking it—Jessicalica was good, and she deserved that win at Pewter City.

"Gaze upon my beauty!" Jessicalica said, doing a weird high-pitched sort of laugh when her performance ended. "I am the most beautiful of them all! Nobody else can match up to my beauty!"

"That was an interesting performance," Nurse Joy said. "I'm not afraid to say I've never seen anything like that before."

"I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry or clap," Lilian said. "But whatever my reaction, it's still at least as impressive as the one in Pewter City."

"There's so many good coordinators in Kanto this year," Vivian said. "May, Dawn, and now Jessicalica. I feel sorry for any newcomers who have to face these giants."

"Wow, it looks she got she better somehow," May said, frowning. "I was confidant I could beat her this time, but I'm not too sure now."

"Relax," Serena said. "Judging by the rest of the competition, you'll make it to the next round anyways. You just have to focus on knocking her out during the battle."

"Hey, you better make it too," May said. "I want to face you in the finals. The finals, all right?"

"Leaf? You're up next," an attendant said, approaching the two of them. "Can you make your way up this hallway?"

"Don't be nervous," May said as she followed Serena. She spoke extremely quickly as if she was the one who was nervous. Trapinch followed the two girl's heels. "I know, I know, that probably doesn't help, but everybody gets nervous the first time they do one of these things. I know I was. And it's okay if you mess up. It's not the end of the world."

"It's fine, it's fine," Serena said. She smiled at her. "You're even more nervous than I am. I'm fine, I'll just try my best. Here, come on out, Braixen."

"Braixen!" Braixen said. She already pulled out her stick from her bushy tail.

"Oh, neat, starting with your Pokémon out before you start," May said. "Well, good luck!"

"Thank you. Oh, and can you watch Trapinch?" Serena said.

"Yup, sure. Again, good luck! Have fun! Try your best! Break your leg!"

Serena chuckled at the anxious May. Okay, fine, maybe she was feeling a little nervous. But that was normal. She always felt tense, all of those Butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. But that was what gave her the strength to succeed. It was what pushed her to win all of those Pokémon Performances, to win on that fated night against Aria. It might have crippled her on her very first Pokémon Performance, but now? It was a stimulant.

"Braixen, are you ready?" she said. Her first Pokémon cried out her name in assent and laid a paw in her hand. Her Pokémon was not wearing any costume or dressed with any ribbons. There wasn't enough time.

And she didn't need it.

"Fire Blast," Serena said, pointing upwards. They weren't even out of the underground hallway yet; the audience couldn't see them.

When the platform raised on the stage, Serena saw the audience was already captivated by the softly burning meteorites. She could feel Braixen's anticipation. That was quick. Braixen already remembered how to cast her old Fire Blast. It was going to take a while to relearn the original, powerful one again. Oh well. She was already hooked to Pokémon Contests.

And she was just getting started.

It was in her nature for Serena to give it her all. Perhaps she snagged it from Ash—how many times has it been that she seen him trying, failing, persevering and succeeding through his many battles? Or maybe it was from her very own mother who forced her to continue riding Rhyhorn day after day after day even though she hated it. Whatever it was, even in a low-level competition like this, there was no way Serena wasn't going to try her hardest.

The audience dimmed out to a quiet hum when Serena started moving. She still had her sunglasses. It was hard to change her clothes without letting May see her face. She didn't have any particular performance planned. She didn't have the time, but she didn't need it. Improvising would be enough.

It was a bit different having just Braixen perform, though. She couldn't do any neat combos with Pancham and Sylveon. It was too big of a risk if someone noticed Leaf has the same Pokémon as Serena. But it was oddly fitting in a way. Her first Pokémon Performance was with only Fennekin, and now her first Pokémon Contest in Kanto was with only Braixen. Only difference was, while she lost her the former, there was no way she would lose the latter.

"And finish!" Serena said, an arm in the air, the other on her hip, and Braixen copying her pose. She opened her eyes to see the silent audience. That was different. Maybe she messed up somewhere? Or perhaps she was still drowning them out? Then again, maybe the people in Kanto had different tastes. She was probably still rusty. After all, it's been a while since—

"That was amazing!" Viviane said, getting up from her chair and slamming the desk. "Unbelievable! I'm speechless!"

"The bar just keeps getting higher," Nurse Joy said. "I thought I was impressed by Jessicalica's performance in Pewter City, but these newcomers just keep on getting better and better."

"But will she hold up in the battling portion?" Lilian said. "I have to admit—my heart is still racing—but appeals and battles are two completely different portions."

"Serena still has it," Clemont said, collapsing back into his chair. He didn't notice he was clenching his fists and legs, his rear at the edge of his seat. "Did you see the look on her face? She doesn't have to think about her next move. She enjoys whatever she's doing and everybody else loves it too."

"I like to see Serena have fun," Bonnie said. "Don't you think she's been sad lately? She's always been training, training, and training. Isn't it good that she has a break, Pikachu?"

"Pi Ka chu~," Pikachu said, agreeing.

"That was so awesome!" May said, clasping Serena's hand when she arrived back into the waiting hall. "You made it look so effortless! Wow! You're sweating so much! I knew it! I knew you would be good!"

Some of the fellow contestants clapped politely while others shot envious looks. Whatever. Serena was used to it. If they were jealous, then so be it. Let it fuel their next performances. Right now, she was just happy someone she could count as a friend was ecstatic.

"They're doing the brackets right now," May said. "Looks like I have to pull out my ace against you! You'll be seeing my Blaziken and—"

"His Mega form?" Serena said. She pointed towards the Mega Stone on May's wrist.

"Ah! Right, I should expect Kalosian girl to know that," May said. "Oh, there's the bracket! Wow, there's only four of us this time. And it looks like we're both advancing to the finals if we win, so you better. Ooh, that's unlucky though, you're against Jessicalica first."

Serena, on the contrary, was feeling lucky as she looked at the screen. It looked like the two semifinal matches would be done simultaneously. "Is this what Ash feels when he's against a strong opponent?" she thought. "It was the same when I faced Aria."

There was no intermission this time. Serena walked down the same hallway, up the same platform, and looked at the mysterious red-haired beauty.

"I'll win this one, brat!" Jessicalica said, her Arbok coiling up behind her. "My beautiful Arbok and I will show you who deserves the title of Kanto Queen!"

"Kanto Queen?" Serena said. She didn't think that was the title but she didn't know enough to correct her. "Okay. Good luck! Are you ready, Braixen?"

"Braix!"

"So Nurse Joy," Viviane said. "Who do you think will win between Leaf and Jessicalica?"

"That is a tough call," Nurse Joy said. "While Leaf performed better in the appeals round, Jessicalica might be better at battling. But there's no need to wait. The battle is starting now!"

"Arbok, use Acid!" Jessie said, pointing out her index finger.

"Let's begin! Use Psybeam!" Serena said. She swayed with her legs as Braixen shot a swirling Psybeam that wrapped around the Acid.

"That Psybeam is a new move," Bonnie said. "Braixen didn't know that before."

"And Psybeam doesn't curve like that," Clemont said, adjusting his glasses. "Did Serena teach Braixen to curve it like that from the start? Or did Braixen improvise, adjusting Psybeam for the Pokémon Contest? Either way, it's pretty and Super Effective!"

Braixen managed to dodge the Acid, but the same couldn't be said for the Arbok. He reeled as he was hit by the Psybeam. In fact, his head was spinning around and his eyes were swirls.

"Arbok is confused," Nurse Joy said. "How unfortunate! That's a major appeal loss for Jessicalica."

"Arbok! Snap out of it!" Jessicalica said. There was a vein throbbing in her forehead.

"Jump up and Fire Blast!" Serena said. Braixen nodded an affirmative, and with a twist and a twirl, jumped off and launched a Fire Blast right on top of Arbok. This Fire Blast wasn't pretty at all—it was launched at full force, leaving burnt marks on the floor.

"Leaf doesn't intend to prolong this fight and win this on points," Viviane said. "She wants to finish it as soon as possible!"

"She must have some training as a battler," Lilian said. "But look! Arbok is now also burned! And it hit itself in confusion!"

"Arbok! Do something" Jessicalica shrieked.

"Finish Arbok off with Psybeam, one more time!" Serena said. Arbok stood no chance while confused and burned. A point blank Psybeam launched Arbok into her trainer and into a disheveled heap.

"And Leaf wins!" Nurse Joy said. The HP of Arbok on the screen had dropped to zero. "That was a close fight."

"It started off gracefully, but Leaf saw an opportunity to end it early," Viviane said. "I don't fault her, but I want to see her magnificent appeal again."

"You're so slow, Leaf," May said. She was already on the opposite side of the field, the fuming Jessicalica being pushed off by guards. May herself was on the tips of her toes, hopping around as she struggled to contain her excitement. "Let's battle! Blaziken, I'm counting on you!"

Serena was surprised at the sudden speed in events, but she accepted it with a smile. May really was eager to fight her. Even though the Kalos girl saw Blaziken a couple of times before, she still pulled out her Pokédex.

"Blaziken. The Blaze Pokémon," the Pokédex chimed. "When facing a tough foe, it loses flames from its wrists. Its powerful legs let it jump clear over buildings."

"I'll be using my full strength!" May said. She flourished her bracelet. "Blaziken, heed my call. Let our hearts grow as our bond strengthens! Mega Evolve!"

The crowd cheered as Blaziken's hair changed form and color. Serena was surprised. Most Mega Evolution transformations screamed power. Usually energy pulsed from the Pokémon after it was complete and wind whipped around the field. However, May's and Blaziken's transformation was more graceful. Rainbows of colors spread throughout the dark room, giving everything a multicolored light. Trainer and Pokémon both did a simultaneous mini-dance, their hearts and minds obviously in sync. Serena glanced at the screen. Braixen already lost some points even though she didn't take any damage.

"May is treating Leaf as a tough opponent," Lilian said. "She respects her by pulling out her Mega Evolution so quickly. It's actually my first time seeing it live!"

"Braixen, are you ready?" Serena said.

"Braix!"

"Great, then let's Psybeam!"

"Blaziken is at a disadvantage," Clemont said as Braixen waved her wand. "Psybeam is a Psychic-type move, while Blaziken is part Fighting-type."

"Dodge it!" May said. In the blink of an eye, Blaziken avoided the beam. Serena could've sworn it hit, but it turned out to be the afterimage.

"Again, Braixen!"

"Just keep dodging it!"

Again and again, Braixen launched Psybeam after Psybeam, but they kept missing. In fact, Serena could've sworn Blaziken was moving faster and faster.

"Leaf, show me the strength you had during Appeals!" May said. She did a little flourish every time Blaziken dodged an attack. "You're losing points, you know, for appearing so unsightly."

"Braixen, hold!" Serena said. Braixen stopped, glaring at the Blaziken.

"Now's your chance!" May said. "Sky Uppercut!"

Blaziken's feet glowed as she zipped towards Braixen. With a mighty kick, she sent Braixen's jaw hurling upwards. But that was it. Braixen forced a grimace and a smile as she looked at the Blaziken, her feet still on the floor.

But Braixen just stood there. Serena had closed her eyes, not looking at the scene. May had half a mind to do something, anything, but for some reason she couldn't move.

"What is Leaf waiting for?" Viviane said. "That was a wide opening. She could have attacked Blaziken while she was most vulnerable."

A few seconds passed, neither trainer making a move. Blaziken was confused. She looked back at her trainer, expecting an order, but it never came. Braixen, meanwhile, just looked at her opponent, trusting in her trainer.

Then, at last, Serena opened her eyes. "I have your rhythm now, May," she said. Her legs started moving, and while she didn't snap, she swayed her arms from left to right.

"Begin with a Hidden Power!" she said.

May shook her head. "Snap out of it, Blaziken! Blaze Kick!"

Serena jumped into the air, and her Braixen copied her. Braixen didn't even have to look back as she landed on Blaziken's outstretched leg, shooting orbs of white light at the fire bird's face.

"It looks like a Critical Hit!" Viviane said. "Leaf is extraordinarily lucky today."

"Get out of there, Blaziken!" May said. "Confuse her with your speed! And then hit her with Blaze Kick when you find an opening!"

Blaziken jumped back, landing of her one foot. Then, in a quicker blur than before, Blaziken disappeared from view, leaving behind only the force of wind.

"I understand now," Clemont said. "Mega Blaziken has Speed Boost as an ability. That means she'll move faster and faster as the battle moves on!"

"Ah! What can Serena do then?" Bonnie asked.

"Chu Pika," Pikachu said reassuringly.

Serena was humming now as she moved back and forth. "Psybeam! You know the timing!"

The audience gasped as the Psybeam struck the incoming Blaziken. She howled as Braixen pranced around her, twirling around and launching attack after attack.

"Again, Blaziken!" May said. "That was just a fluke."

"She's really enjoying herself, is she?" Clemont said. The Blaziken ran around the battlefield again, trying but failing to not cringe at her injuries. "If Ash hadn't gone missing, do you think she could become Top Coordinator in all of the Pokémon regions?"

"Duh!" Bonnie said. "It's Serena!"

"Now Blaze Kick!" May said, an arm outstretched. Serena just smiled as she ducked. Braixen, still not looking back at her trainer, also ducked.

"Now Psybeam!" she said. Braixen, under the alarmed Blaziken, fired the last beam straight up. There was a beautiful outburst of light as the Psybeam detonated, leaving sparkles everywhere.

"And finish!" Serena said, ending with a pose. The audience roared.

Later that day, the four friends were eating dinner at the Pokémon Center. It was already dark out, and Serena was pooped. She had spent most of the afternoon trying to avoid the media and eager fans.

"I still can't believe you don't want to be a Pokémon Coordinator," May said, twirling a meatball around. "You beat me! A Top Coordinator! And it wasn't even close."

"You and Braixen really understand each other," Clemont said. "I was surprised when you two were doing the same movements. Hey, why don't you use that during your gym battle?"

"Oh, I don't think I can do that," Serena said, waving a hand in front of her face. "There's this rhythm in Pokémon contests that I don't get in Pokémon battles."

"Then pretend your Pokémon battles are Pokémon contests!" Bonnie said, her hands outstretched. "You can already do it with Sylveon, so why not the rest of your Pokémon?"

"I'll give it a shot," Serena said. "Although I don't think I can do it with Trapinch. He was sleeping during the entire competition."

"Pinch Tra!" Trapinch protested, pausing from devouring a bowl of food.

"Oh, and have you heard the news recently?" May said. "Professor Oak made a shocking discovery today."

She pulled out a rolled up newspaper. The headline read

"SOME POKÉMON ARE BORN BETTER THAN OTHERS."

Serena could only read the first couple of lines before slamming the table. "Trapinch, Pikachu? Come on. We're training. You too, Sylveon, Braixen, and Pancham."

Bonnie and Clemont, while shocked, didn't understand Serena's anger until she slammed the door to the Pokémon Center.

"While most experts agree that love and care greatly improve a Pokémon's power, this may not always be the case. Professor Oak of Pallet Town discovered that Individual Values, or I.V.s for short, are determined by birth on each and every Pokémon. These I.V.s help decide a Pokémon's health, attack, special attack, defense, special defense, and speed. It is currently impossible to change these I.V.s."

"'No matter how hard a Pokémon works,' Professor Oak says. 'They cannot change how strong they are. We know this already happens in type matchups, or even in cases like evolutionary matches. For instance, a Pichu would normally lose against a Raichu. But to find that two specimens of the exact same Pokémon species can have different power levels is chilling. One can only imagine mankind's panic if, for example, we have an I.V. for Pokémon battling and there's nothing we can do to change that.'"