Day five brings us to episodes 012 ("Party Dancapedes") of the Pokemon XYZ Anime. It reflects days three and eight of my "12 Days til Christmas" fanfic, where our titular pair danced in the ballroom at the Contest Hall with their friends watching. And the part where their friends were talking of their chemistry during battles.

I do not own Pokemon. That right belongs to Satoshi Tajiri. Each chapter will contain songs that are owned by the mentioned artists.

Day 5

N for Nostalgia

Path to Snowbelle City

Pokemon Center

Serena's POV

Another morning graces our group as we continued our way to Ash's eighth gym badge. After his win against Olympia the Anistar Gym Leader and once again stopping Team Rocket from stealing Pikachu and our other Pokemon we went our way. Now here we sat eating breakfast. Nurse Joy approached our table and came to me.

"Serena, there's a message for you." She tells me.

I nod smiling at the helpful nurse, "Thank you Nurse Joy."

We approach the video phone and I saw the message. I opened it to see a video.

Monsieur Pierre's voice spoke, "Good day to our Princesses! As we have yet to find a venue for our final Showcase this announcement is for a special occasion, every year I like to throw little soirees to help all the ladies relax and unwind from the pressures of performing. Please join me for my Dancapede this year! You may bring a partner and your friends with you for this event."

The video ended and I looked towards Ash who chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. His eyes connected with mine, a smile came onto his face as he took my hand in his lifting it to his lips grazing them onto my fingers softly.

"Would you allow me to escort you to this ball ma'belle?" He asked smiling widening and eyes shining with glee.

I blushed and couldn't help but giggle, "I would love for you to be my escort good sir."

Bonnie cooed at our actions, while Clemont grinned. The ball was tomorrow in a Mansion not too far from the Pokemon Center, but I had to get a dress. I noticed Ash smile at me, as if he knew what I was thinking.

"I think I might have a solution to our clothing problem. I'll need to make a call to my distant uncle." Ash tells us, walking to the video phone.

I walked with him with the siblings behind me, "Can we meet him?"

"I'm sure you know him Serena, you've met him once when we were kids. He visited right before you left Kanto." He replies smiling.

A memory flashed in my mind, a man with electric blue eyes and messy black hair, he was dressed in a suite and cape had a on him. My eyes widened as I remembered that Ash's uncle was Aura Guardian Riley Ketchum.

A man's voice boomed from the other side of the screen, "ASH! How are you my boy?! I heard you're in Kalos, you should drop by Rota."

"Good day Uncle Riley! I might make a visit after I finish the league here. I want to introduce you to my friends, Clemont and Bonnie who are both from Lumios City." Ash says as the siblings stepped forward to greet Riley

The elder man smiled, "Hello there! It is always nice to meet Ash's friends, he seems to have luck when it comes to meeting people with good hearts and minds."

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Sir." Said Clemont in reply.

Ash grinned and pulled over to the screen, "Uncle you remember Serena, right?"

"Well, I'll be! Hello there again young lady, it seems as if it was only yesterday I met you at Palette when I saw you playing with Ash. You've both grown up since then, I am glad you've reunited with one another." Riley says grinning madly.

I smiled at the fact he recognized me, "I started my journey to find Ash after I saw his stunt on the TV. We've been traveling since."

"I see that your bond had grown stronger, that is good. What it is that you wanted Ash?" The elderly man inquired.

Ash shifted on his feet, "You see, we have been invited to a Soiree by Monsieur Pierre, the master of ceremonies for the Pokemon Showcase. I was wondering if you could send some formal attire..."

The man chuckled, "I'd have to make a formal request to the queen, but I don't think she'd mind. Of course I'll send those formal clothes over. You'll finally put those lessons into good use young knight."

"I am sure Madam Solier would be happy to hear that all her hours teaching me the fine art of dancing weren't a waste. Thank you Uncle!" Ash tells him chuckling at the first part.

The call ended. I smiled at Ash, it seems like he had gotten to go to Rota over his travels. He was so near Kalos, as Rota is by the border between Kalos and Hoenn.

He faced us smiling, "The clothes will arrive by nightfall."

Clemont asked, "How do you know about Rota, Ash? Isn't that the Hidden City on the border of Kalos and Hoenn, the home of the Aura Guardians?"

Ash and I shared a look, we both knew that we had to keep his powers and the hidden legacy of his family line hidden, but neither of us wanted to keep secrets from our friends. He breathed a sigh of resignation, letting out smile as he nodded towards me.

I spoke for him, "Well. I've known this since we were kids. Ash's family, the Ketchum Clan are one of the ancient bloodlines that were blessed with Aura powers. They were regarded to be the Knights of Arceus in ancient times, until now. Ash's Uncle Riley went for a visit that same summer we met and told him about his powers."

"Wow! So Ash is some sort of knight then?" Asked Bonnie smiling.

Ash chuckled, "Not officially, I need to train first before I can be a full fledged Guardian. I was able to visit Rota during my travels in Hoenn and began my training. Of course we began with etiquette lessons, so dancing was part. Uncle Riley taught me how to control my aura powers, how to use it for sensing my surroundings and to locate things or people."

"And I thought you couldn't be any more special Ash. You never cease to amaze me." Says Clemont shaking his head with a smile.

I asked him, "Did they teach you sword fighting as well?"

He nods grinning, "Yeah, it began with fencing lessons then went to full on sword practice."

He told us about his time in the Kingdom and about his role in the Festival that happened there. How he was made a squire as he was training under the guidance of his Uncle Riley and another knight. He also mentioned one of our childhood friends, Leaf Green being an Aura Guardian as well! Mm, I'd wondered where she got off to I've never really heard from her since she left for her own Pokemon Journey.

"She placed top ten in the Silver Conference and Top twelve in the Evergrand one. She's always been great at Pokemon battles, even better then Gary and I." Ash says after a beat of silence.

I smiled rubbing his back, "She had undeniable talent for battles alright. But you can match her in that, she was more of a tactical battler while you are unpredictable on the field. Just like your match with Valerie, your strength is thinking on your feet."

"She's right! The quick thinking you do on the field is one trait I admire about you Ash. While smart strategies work well, it is the out of the box ones that we Gym leaders must watch out for the most. " Clemont tells us smiling.

Ash rubbed the back of his head, a light dust of pink on his cheeks. I smiled at how cute he looks, getting all uncomfortable with the compliments we were giving him. I giggled at this, after all this time he still can't take any positive comments about himself, his is humble to a fault.

"Let's get something to eat." Bonnie suggested pointing to the cafe inside the center.

We nodded, as it was nearing lunch anyways. We ordered our meals and sat around a booth, Clemont were talking about his battle with Olympia and the how she used future sight. While Bonnie and I discussed the Master Class Showcase. It was a happy meal as always, never a dull moment.

I look towards Ash, smiling as I saw his relaxed face.

A thought entered my mind, I wonder how well he dances? I am over the moon that he asked to escort me to the ball, like I was hoping for.

The next day

Pierre's Mansion

The Ball

The line was significantly long as we waited for our our turn to go inside, the dresses and tuxes were amazing. Ash looked absolutely dashing in his red and gray suit! I had to hide a blush and giggle at his reaction to my dress, it was a pink chiffon dress with light gray accents and gray shoes. Even our Pokemon wore some accessories, while Pikachu was in small gray tux that had a pink tie, and was walking with Eevee who was wearing a pink clip on her fur.

Ash composed himself and smiled at me, "You look gorgeous, Princess."

"You do look the part Serena and Ash looks every bit the Prince to match." Says Bonnie teasingly making us both blush.

Clemont grinned also getting into the teasing, "Every prince needs a princess after all, looks like this was meant to be."

"You look dashing Ash." I say to him with a sweet smile.

He offered his arm to me, I took it without hesitation, liking the close contact between us. He didn't seem to mind since he smiled goofily at my reaction to his gesture. Ever since our promise to each other back in Coumarine City under the Pledging Tree we have been very affectionate, nothing really intimate just hand holding and the occasional hugs and kisses on the cheek. We weren't quiet ready to be official yet, our dreams had to be addressed before that.

"Well, well.. Don't you look the pair." Said a snooty voice getting our attention.

We all turned to see Miette, her eyes trained on Ash and I, scowling at our closeness. I tightened my hands on his arm, his yes met mine and he nodded with a soft smile.

He greeted her, "Hey Miette! How are you?"

"Alright. Been better." She responds looking put out.

I smiled at her, "Been joining any showcases lately?"

"Yes actually. But having no luck in winning so far. I didn't expect to see you here though." She said adding the last part a bit insultingly.

I stiffly replied, "Well here I am. I wasn't going to miss this opportunity after all."

She smirked walking to Ash's other side, "I was hoping to get Ash to be my date."

She placed - draped, rather - her arm on his other shoulder. I felt him cringe at the action, indicating that he was clearly uncomfortable with her sudden physical display. Clemont and Bonnie looked to me worryingly, while the latter was glaring at Miette with discontent. The young man from Palette Town moved away from the other girl, signing in relief.

He raised his other hand to run it on his hair,."Sorry Miette, I'm already escorting Serena to this event and don't really feel like going with anyone else. You're a great girl, I'm sure a guy will be willing to escort you to this ball."

Arceus, bless this man! Even when we're just best friends he's trying his best to put other girls down gently. I am glad that he isn't entirely oblivious to these things. Miette had a shocked look on her face, I struggled not to giggle at that, Ash look towards me and smiled winking. Clemont too this queue to walk towards us.

"If I may, Miette. I'd be honored to be your escort to this soiree." He says bowing slightly while offering his hand.

Ash grinned at the blond haired inventor who winked at us, I giggled knowing that they had both planed this from the beginning. Bonnie had a triumphant look on her face, she had a hand in the too I guess. Pikachu and Eevee smiled, the yellow mouse had been put out when Miette had placed her hand on his other shoulder as he had to hop off of it.

"Thank you Clemont." Miette said smiling a little it seemed forced though.

We all went inside and walked to a table claiming it as ours. Since the party hasn't started yet we just sat and conversed. The lights dimmed an hour later, atop the grand staircase was Monsieur Pierre and Queen Aria! She looked so pretty, Ash squeezed my hand giving me a gentle smile.

The event master smiled to the crowd, "Welcome one and all! I am so glad that you could all come to this soiree. Later on there will be a surprise in store for everyone. It is now time for the first dance!"

He faced Aria bowing while offering his hand out to her, she smiled and thanked him for the offer. They began to dance.

I saw Ash stand and move in front of me, he offered his hand smiling doing a little bow, "May I have this dance milady?"

"Of course good Sir!" I replied giggling as I took his had doing a curtsey.

We got onto the dance floor and began to sway, he lead me into a slow waltz showing me how well he can dance. I'd have to thank the lady who taught him these dances, I learned how to dance since I was ten and have always loved dancing. Dancing with him was like a dream come true, even better! I couldn't keep the smile off of my face, we traded off with different pairs later on but always ended together before we finished our dances with the others. The music stopped signaling is for a break.

He smiled at me as we walked to the table, "I'll go get us some drinks."

"That would be nice." I say to him smiling.

He went off to get us some refreshments, I was looking around seeing our Pokemon playing with each other. Clemont was looking a bit troubled as Miette led him around, while Bonnie was by the drink table talking to some girl. I saw some of my friendly rivals among the crowd, Nini and Shauna were here the latter got Tierno to come with her, while Nini was able to find a boy to dance with. Ash came back with two glasses of ice tea, he gave me one while taking a sip of his and sat beside me.

"I'm glad you asked to escort me to this event Ash. I don't like the idea of going with another boy." I say to him bringing my eyes to his.

He just smiled, "I'm glad you accepted. I didn't like the idea of going with another girl either."

I beamed at his response, hugging his arm. Miette was giving us a nasty glare from across the room, which Ash noticed too for he looked rather unimpressed by her expression. Clemont was back with Bonnie was took the time to walk towards the table we got, both siblings were grinning at us causing me to blush a little. I saw that Pikachu and Eevee were in front us laying beside each other with content looks on their faces. It seemed as if Eevee regarded the electric mouse as a older brother figure.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and the master of ceremonies himself was in the middle of the dance floor a smile on his face.

"To our esteemed Princesses and Gentlemen it is time for the surprise for the evening. To cap off the night we will be holding double battles, each trainer and Performer got a card the will tell you who your match is for the battles. If you're lucky that match will be the person you are currently going with for the party! Let us look at the screen for the match ups!" He tells us indicating to the large screen at the back.

Ash and I checked our cards, we shared a grin, I knew he got me for his partner. He chuckled placing his arm around my shoulder while his hand stroked my hair.

"This will be great!"Ash says excitedly.

A voice spoke from behind us, "Looks like Clemont and I will be partners!"

We turned to see Shauna was looked rather giddily at the prospect at being paired with the young inventor. Mm, I wonder... I shook my head not letting myself get into that idea just yet. I saw Clemont smile at her, eyes shining.

Said blond boy chuckled, "I'm sure we'll make a good team Shauna!"

"Who's Tierno with?" Ash asked looking for the plump aspiring dancer.

Shauna sweat dropped, "Well... he's paired with Miette. That girl had attitude problem for sure, I saw her glaring at Serena from where I was standing."

"It might be because she has a thing for Ash." Says Bonnie shaking her head.

Shauna's eyes widened, "No wonder! I guess it can't be helped, Ash is a guy that some girls would surely go for because of his personality."

"Too bad I don't return her affections though. I already have someone who I care for." He tells her, his eyes shining as he looked at me.

Shauna smiled and then giggled, "Oh well, I'm sure she'll get the hint eventually."

I blushed, they knew we weren't officially together yet but he still manages to make me feel special. I placed my head on his shoulder smiling cutely at him as the battles began, Ash and I were doing amazingly in our first three rounds. All of our friends did great in their battles as well. Until it was a face off between Clemont and Shauna and Miette and Tierno for the Semi Finals. Ash and I already finished our battle with our opposing pair who were ironically a couple, they both complemented us our chemistry the way we made our Pokemon shine during the battle. After a short time getting to know them we discovered they were from Hoenn!

Ash grinned, "They must have been coordinators! Maybe they came here to see what Showcases are like. I figured they were either from the four main regions as those are the only places that specialize in Pokemon Contests."

I nodded as I knew he was right, "Well, we can probably ask them if they're in fact coordinators. If they are then they must be off season as they wouldn't be here otherwise."

"You're right about that Princess. The contest seasons are as busy as the league conferences, especially in Hoenn! That's where Pokemon Contests originated from, they spread like wildfire among Kanto, Jonto, and Sinnoh later on." He says.

The battles between our friends and rivals ended with Tierno and Miette bring the victors, we then replaced Clemont and Shauna who wished us the best of luck. We shared a glance, he grinned knowing what I was telling him as if sensing his excitement, his faithful Stater came running with Eevee at his tail. I giggled seeing how close they were almost like me and Ash.

Tierno chose his newly evolved Wartortle while Miette went with Slurpuff. Hmm, we know Tierno's style is going to pose a problem and Miette is a clear wildcard.

And the match began.

"Use Energy ball Slurpuff!" Miette says.

I respond with, "Counter that Eevee, shadow ball!"

"Wartortle get in the groove, use water gun." Says Tierno.

Ash smiles, "Dodge that Pikachu, use electro web on the ground!"

Both mine and Miette's attacks canceled the other out while Ash was able to get Wartortle. We traded attacks and defended ourselves, that was until Eevee got seriously hit by a rapid spin from Wartortle, while she was still conscious she was clearly weakened.

Ash looked at us both worryingly but the quickly changed into a knowing smile, "No need to worry Ser, Eevee will be fine. We'll cover for you. Pikachu Volt Tackle on Slurpuff, Iron Tail on Wartortle."

"Pika!" Pikachu nods also smiling while doing what Ash told him to.

While I couldn't fathom what he was thinking at that moment I oddly believed him, I faced Eevee again she was looking at me with sadness and regret in her eyes, I didn't want her to feel guilty as she had done quiet wonderfully this whole time. I kneeled down and took one of her front paws giving her a reassuring smile.

I spoke my words laced with care and encouragement, "You did great Eevee, I know we haven't battled together often but for our first official battle together you're amazing! If you don't want to go on I understand, but I know you can do it you are strong, talented, and caring."

Pikachu turned back smiling as he dodged two attacks, "Pi. Pika. Pi, pi pika!"

"He's right you know. We've seen your determination, strength and how you work with Serena. We've seen that you are an amazing partner, as Serena is a amazing trainer. You both give each other confidence and your bond will only get stronger." Ash says agreeing with his starter grinning.

I continue to smile at her, "Take your time Eevee."

"Evui! Ev." She says trying to stand but stumbling lightly.

I saw her eyes shine with wonder and determination, before she glowed white the sign of evolution! Everyone watched awed by the sudden glow. She grew slowly, her legs becoming longer, her fur turning white with long ribbons coming from her neck. The glow faded revealing a beautiful Sylveon!

"SYL!" She uttered her energy regained after a timely evolution.

I watched completely entranced by how grateful she had become, "I knew you could do it!"

Ash grinned watching from the corner of his eyes, "I knew this was coming. Welcome back Sylveon!"

She pranced towards Ash weaving against his legs, I smiled at this. I stood and took my place beside him once more, my confidence higher then before. I can do this!

"PIKA!" The yellow exclaimed cheering for Sylveon who nuzzled his cheek in appreciation for his support.

Said mouse staggered in surprise at the affection, was that a blush I saw? I went to Ash and kissed him on the cheek in thanks for his support, he grinned sporting a blush of his own.

"Alright Sylveon, let's enchant them with some Dazzling Gleam!" I say feeling my confidence rise.

Ash followed up with, "Give it a thunder bolt Pikachu!"

What happened next was incredible, the aurora like light stricken with thunder looked beautiful. As the bolts hit their targets the battle was over. Ash grinned at me, his face looked like he had came out of a memory. I hugged him joyously, he lifted me up and spun me around! I laughed at this finding it rather romantic.

"Congratulations to Princess Serena and her escort Sir. Ashton for winning the battles tonight! What a dazzling display of combinations never before seen on this stage. Time for the closing dance for this evening." Announced Monsieur Pierre who shook our hands.

Aria also came, her smile radiant as she shook our hands and gave us a wink causing me to blush and Ash to grin sheepishly. Said young Queen giggled at our reactions and walked off. We walked back to our table with our friends who looked at us in awe.

"You guys work together really well! That was an amazing combo move." Complements Shauna a wide smile on her face

Clemont nods his head, "She's right! And the way you encouraged Sylveon - still Eevee - to keep going was truly inspired."

"Ash how did you know that would happen?" Bonnie asked the young trainer from Kanto.

Ash smiled as he explained it, "It all goes back to the bond between trainer and Pokemon. If your Pokemon can feel your faith in them as well as your determination to keep going their inner Will will respond to it. The reason why Eevee evolved was because she could feel Serena's compassion towards others, the way she didn't force her to go on if she didn't want to. The affection Serena showed plus Eevee's will to go on and win the battle helped her gain that confidence to evolve."

Everyone at the table listened to the explanation in amazement. Even I looked at Ash in a new light, I reached up and kissed his cheek causing him to smile.

The final hours of the evening went without a problem, I got to have one last dance with Ash before we headed back to the Pokemon Center. I couldn't help but sway as we got to the staircase that lead to our rooms, he carried me into mine.

He smiled giving me a kiss on my forehead and said, "Good night Princess."

I blushed giving him a sleepy smile as kissed his cheek in return, "Good night Sir Ash."

Tonight was truly a night to remember.

Mm, this took forever but I do hope you will enjoy the sweet SatoSere moments. The next chapter will be up soon.

Alright so a lot of changes in the interpretation of the episode for staters Ash asked Serena to the ball before Miette could get her chance to do so. And the battle round instead of a disguised Jeans being Miette's partner it was Tierno. And yes Ash, Bonnie, and Clemont did set up a plan just in case Miette had any plans to ruin the evening for Serena.

Shout-out to LadyArcanine her story, "Time Traveling Princess" is truly a inspired piece as it had an alternate spin on the Pokemon universe. To the readers of this fanfic thank you so much for the support everyone! And to the new followers you are all amazing!

Signing off,

WL_17