Part XCVII: Girls Day Out

Misty, May, and Serena walked on the promenade that bordered the water as they looked around the heart of Cyllage City enjoying the warm weather and refreshing sea breeze that was blowing at the moment. Misty had to admit, it was an interesting city and certainly different from Santalune and Lumiose further showing what Serena had said in Santalune about the different areas of Kalos having their own styles.

Cyllage was in Coastal Kalos and that was clear from the sea that it was built next to. It gave rise to a different architectural style with shorter but longer building for the most part and made of a light brown stone that likely came from the mountains in the surrounding area. Very different from the styles Misty had seen in Santalune but that wasn't the biggest difference. No, that was reserved for the city's layout.

While Santalune had been more typical of a city with a grid like system and wide streets for traffic and all stemming from a central square, Cyllage had been built within its geographical limitations producing its unusual layout. That was because it was located in a cove of sorts where the water was calm and had a small mountain range to the east of it that prevented it from expanding too far in that direction.

Thanks to the shape of the cove, the city had been built in a crescent style with the main street the promenade that hugged the coast and the city extending east to the base of the nearby mountains. Interspersed were trees in the main area, something that appeared to be common in the Kalos cities that Misty had visited so far.

Overall Misty liked it. It had a peaceful, slower feel to it than Lumiose or Santalune did, though it was no less alive. It was almost rustic in its style and mentality. It really fit with the area in a way that Misty couldn't quite place.

They'd arrived in the city the day before but had learned that the gym was closed for the moment as the leader, Grant, was still in the mountains nearby and wouldn't be back for a few days. They had expected this as they'd met Grant during a side adventure a few days ago, and he told them that he wouldn't be back until after they arrived but that worked fine for them. It gave them time to enjoy the city while Ash prepared for his 3rd Kalos gym battle.

Right now, Ash was at the Pokémon center training for said upcoming battle. May, who had met Grant during the incident at the end of her first year in Kalos, knew that he was a rock type specialist so that was what Ash was preparing to face. He wasn't sure of the rules of the gym, but he had an idea who he'd use though all 4 of his Pokémon would be training just in case.

Later May would spar with her Tyrantrum as she knew Grant's main Pokémon was a Tyrunt, Tyrantrum's pre-evolved form so that was good practice for Ash. This was especially useful as Tyrunt and Tyrantrum had a unique type combination, they were dual rock and dragon types. It was a dual type Ash had never faced before and posed some challenges as the dragon type negated one of rock's biggest weaknesses, water, so Ash had to get creative to beat one.

It was why Ash needed this time to train with his Pokémon for the battle. As it was a rock type gym, Ash was definitely using Riolu and Froakie as they had natural advantages over at least one of Grant's Pokémon. Both Pikachu and Fletchling knew steel type moves as well so either could be his third choice in the battle, but as always it would come down to the rules and the Pokémon that Grant used.

In the meantime, the girls were taking the day for themselves in Cyllage. Sometimes it was good to go out and do classically girly things together, mainly because Misty and Serena enjoyed them, and this was the best time while Ash trained. Plus, there were certain feminine things the girls needed, and it was best to get them while Ash wasn't there as it might make him uncomfortable if he realized what they were getting.

Those things were quick to sort out though and after that it was just a general shopping day followed by finding a salon for a little pampering after Misty and Serena outvoted May on that front. The main focus for shopping though was getting Serena a few things she'd need for her next Contest in Geosenge Town that they'd be hitting next week as it was perfectly timed being on the way to Shalour and while they were in the area. Plus, Korrina might be around so it was a good chance to see her before Ash's gym battle with her.

Despite her first Contest ending in a loss Serena was excited for her second. Both Misty and May won their second Contests, a fact that gave her confidence, so she was going to work hard and win it as well. Nothing would stop her this time.

Add in that the day before reaching Cyllage City her Spewpa had evolved into a Vivillon with the same pattern as Viola's so Serena now had a 5th Pokémon to use if she needed it. For the moment, though, she was keeping the same 4 for the Geosenge Contest only this time she was using Sylveon in the appeal and not Pancham unless Vivillon showed that it was ready to perform an appeal.

As they walked they chatted about the upcoming Contest and preparing for it as it was something the 3 girls all shared. They would focus on the upcoming gym battle when they got back to the Pokémon Center but today was for them, so they were focused on what they liked to do. Well, at least May and Serena were focused. Misty was quietly thinking as they walked and only occasionally talking when her input was needed.

The other two probably thought that she was just a little off without Ash but that wasn't the case. Misty loved Ash and she hated being away from him, even for a little bit, but she knew that sometimes things like this were good for them as they couldn't be together all the time. No, Misty had something else on her mind, something that had been nagging at the back of her mind since getting to Kalos but was now more prevalent. She was directionless.

For the last 3 years Misty always had a single main goal in her life and that goal was to win a Grand Festival and become a Top Coordinator. Even back when she was a stylist briefly, she knew that it was only temporary, and she'd be returning to a circuit after her time in Unova ended.

While she'd failed at the last hurdle on her first two attempts, Misty had succeeded the third time and was now a Top Coordinator. That meant that for the first time she wasn't competing, or going to compete, in Contests at all.

Sure, she was helping out and judging when she could but that wasn't the same as actually being in a Contest itself. She missed the thrill of competition, the challenges her rival brought to her, and the drive to win with a goal at the end of the tunnel to work for.

Her journey just didn't feel the same without it and ever since getting to Kalos she'd felt a little empty because of it. Ash had his goal and she supported him fully in it, May seemed content with her job but she was more invested having spent the year before setting up the circuit, so it was a part of her, and Serena was going after the Grand Festival, so she had a goal as well. Misty, however, did not have a goal this year.

Thinking on her latest rival brought something Serena had said to her when they'd had their civil chat back in Santalune back to the forefront of Misty's mind. Serena had offered to teach her some performer tricks and even subtly suggested that Misty try her hand at them. Misty had brushed it off as she'd been focused on her battle with Serena and Serena's upcoming Contest debut but now Misty was thinking on it a lot more now. She needed some advice first but perhaps this was what she needed.

"Serena, can I ask you a question?" Misty asked interrupting the others as she decided now was the best time to voice her thoughts. "It's a bit off topic but it's been on my mind for a while, so I figured best to ask now."

"Sure Misty." Serena said with a smile at her friend and rival. "What?"

"When we chatted in Santalune, you offered to teach me about being a performer." Misty said looking at the honey blonde girl. "I was a little hesitant but the more I think on it, the more I realize that it might be fun to try out and give me something to do this year that is competitive. So, I have to ask, do you think I could be a good performer?"

"Where'd that come from Misty?" May asked surprised at Misty's question though she could tell that something was bothering her friend by the way Misty had spoken. "You alright?"

"I'm good, I've been feeling a little rudderless so to speak." Misty admitted. "Ever since I got to Kalos and it fully hit me, I'm a Top Coordinator now so my dreams have been achieved. I'm still supporting Ash of course and that helps because I am with him but what about me? Right now, I feel like I'm just traveling with no purpose. Sure, helping Serena and Emily is great and the judging keeps me tied to Contests, but I don't really have anything for me to try and achieve. Spending so much time with Ash has kinda brought out my competitive side but without Contests I don't have anything."

"I get that." May said surprising Misty with how empathetic she sounded. "It was a little tough for me to adapt as well at the start of last year. In fact, I even had a gym battle with Korrina last year, mainly to test her Mega Lucario against my Mega Blaziken as it was my first time Mega Evolving him, but I also wanted that thrill of battle and competition again. Setting up the circuit gave me a lot to do, and I found joy in it as my hard work is now paying off, but I know what it's like to miss that drive to win. I did a Showcase, but it wasn't for me."

"I didn't know." Misty said. "Gym battles aren't my thing and would take too long with Ash focused on them as well, so I won't do those, but I am surprised you had one."

"It wasn't something I spoke of even with the others as they didn't need to know." May said with a shrug. "Except Serena but that was more to help her find a path herself. The gym battle was fun even if I lost but it was a one-off thing, I won't be having one again."

"And it was thanks to May and Shauna that I got found my path as a performer." Serena said with a smile. "And Contests are helping with that for when I once again try to become Kalos Queen."

"And now mentoring Serena is giving me a new goal as I want her to win it all." May said. "But I know it's not the same for you Misty, with either Serena or Emily despite being a mentor to both. You also didn't help set the circuit up, so you don't have the deep tie to it that I have. This could be good for you."

"And for what it's worth, think you'd make a great performer." Serena said with a warm smile. "If I can be a coordinator then you can be a performer no problem."

"You really think so?" Misty asked.

"Of course." Serena said with a nod. "You meet the criteria because you're female and that's all it takes to compete in one, but you are more than just that. You have a rare quality Misty, one that makes you a good candidate to be a performer. You have what it takes to get the crowd on your side. I've seen your appeals and battles in the Grand Festival, I know how you can direct and show off your Pokémon. Sure, you'd have to learn how to do a freestyle round as it is different from an appeal because you are also part of it, but you can do it. I'll help you."

"Thanks." Misty said with a smile. "I can work with my Pokémon but I'm not sure if I can do it at your level yet."

"That's what practice is for." Serena reminded her. "It's what you and May keep reminding me about with my appeals. Also seeing a Showcase will help you decide if you want to do one. We'll try to make sure you see one soon, but I think you should aim for the Coumarine Showcase as your debut regardless."

"Why that one?" Misty asked confused. "Coumarine is a fair bit away. Right? We still have to hit Geosenge and Shalour first if I recall the map correctly."

"We do but there should be a Showcase on the way to attend and you're going to need the time to get ready for your debut." Serena said. "A freestyle performance requires you to be one with your Pokémon's movements rather than just connected to them. You need to be able to make the crowd love you as they are the judge, which you can do but you will need to learn how a performer and not a coordinator does it just as I am learning the other way around."

"Plus, there is a Contest in Coumarine around the same as the Showcase time so it has all 3 if we get there in time, which we should." May added. "It's all part of some special promotion there, that's why there's a Contest and Showcase the same week."

"I see, that makes sense." Misty said thinking on it. "I did rush into Contests as I knew them thanks to my mom but I should take my time with Showcases and I only need 3 keys so there is less pressure right off the bat."

"That's the spirit." Serena said. "Plus, you have a significant advantage over other performers I know."

"I do?" Misty asked confused. "What advantage do I have?"

"The range and versatility of the Pokémon you have." Serena said and May understood what her friend was getting on about. "It's incredible."

"It's not that impressive." Misty said with a slight blush. "At least I never gave it much thought before, it's not something I dwell on."

"Misty, how many Pokémon do you have?" May asked. "Not just on you but all over be it here with Professor Sycamore or back in Kanto with Professor Oak or in training elsewhere."

"18 but that's including Buizel who I traded to Ash for his Aipom so 17 in total." Misty said after doing a little counting. "Huh, that is more than I realized I had."

"I have 12 and I have a year on you." May pointed out. "Serena has 5. Only Ash has more as he has, I don't know how many."

"He has 49 at last count but that's including releases and Aipom." Misty said causing the other two to gape at that and how quick Misty was with the number. "Well, that and counting his heard of Tauros as one. What? He rotated them in and out last year, so I got the full number and just added the ones he got in Kanto last year and what he's caught so far in Kalos."

"Yeah, see Ash has a lot of Pokémon and so do you." May said. "And I bet you have most types represented. I know Ash has all but steel since he caught his Gengar and that will change when Riolu evolves because Lucario is also a steel type but what about you? What types don't you have."

"Steel, rock, dragon and fighting." Misty said after a moment's thought. "I should have the others I think. Piplup is a water type. Buneary, Furfrou, and Ambipom are normal types, so is Helioptile but it's also an electric type like Pachirisu. Vulpix and Typhlosion are my fire types. Togekiss my only fairy or flying type, same with Mamoswine for ground and ice and Vileplume for grass and poison. Pinsir is my only bug type. Lastly Espeon and Malamar are psychic types though Malamar shares a dark type with Spiritomb who shares a ghost type with Banette."

"See, you have more variety than us." May said. "I have fire, fighting, grass, poison, water, steel, ghost, normal, fairy, ice, rock, bug, flying and dragon types but that is it."

"Um May, that's 14 types, the same number as Misty." Serena pointed out. "And you sure you don't have an electric, ground, dark, or psychic type."

"Oh, wow I didn't realize it was that many." May said. "And no, I don't have…oh I think one of my Sinnoh Pokémon is a dark type. Never mind forget what I said about my Pokémon's types."

"Well, I only have fire, fighting, fairy, bug, flying, rock and ground." Serena said. "And only the first 3 when I was performing last year and even then, I didn't have Sylveon until near the end of the year. You have that range to begin with. You could go in any direction Misty and always do a different kind of performance."

"True I could." Misty said before she grinned. "And I have a few rare Pokémon that will certainly attract attention."

"Few?" May asked her eyebrows raised. "You have a shiny Espeon, do you have any idea how great she'd look in a Showcase?"

"I have some idea yes." Misty said with a nod. "I've seen how she does when she appears in Contests so I know the impact she can have."

"Then there's your Spiritomb." Serena said. "Few people have even heard of that Pokémon let alone seen one and you actually have one that you can stun a crowd with. Use it and it will be memorable for more than one reason."

"Not in the first Showcase." Misty said shaking her head. "Piplup gets that honor."

"Piplup." Piplup said happily from Misty's head. "Pip, Piplup."

"But I will keep all that in mind." Misty said right before she bumped into someone.


"Jessie, do we really need all of this?" James asked as he and Meowth were weighed down with Jessie's copious amounts of shopping that she herself wasn't carrying at all. "That money was supposed to be for our next machine not your personal wardrobe."

"Yeah, wes need one to get da boss that Lucario and its stones out in Shalour City." Meowth complained. "Not clothes and stones for yous."

"We have a machine ready." Jessie said dismissively as they trio walked down the road in Cyllage City. "These clothes and jewels are an investment in me. After the wins I had in Ambrette Town both Jessilina and Jessilee are officially on the map and I will make money off my beauty and charms that will be more than the boss gives us."

"That machine was built for Professor Sycamore's lab and his Garchomp, not the Shalour gym and a Lucario which is a different kinda fortress guarded by a different kinda Pokémon if I recall from our scouting of it last year." Meowth said still not understanding Jessie's reasoning for blowing the money on herself. "We can't use it for the gym, it will fail spectacularly if we do."

"The reconfigure it, you're good with that stuff Meowth." Jessie said dismissively. "Now come on, there are some local gems that would be perfect on me and go great with my next set of outfits."

Meowth just grumbled at the work he had to do while James just sighed in defeat as they continued. They knew that there was no point in arguing with Jessie when she was like this, so they just had to deal with it. Unfortunately for them, Jessie had justification for doing this.

After their last failure in Lumiose City when Jessie had gotten distracted by that Furfrou they'd decided to take a break from the mission to get everything from Professor Sycamore's lab and regroup to attack when the twerps were out of town. That regroup turned into Jessie dragging them all the way to Ambrette Town where a Contest and Showcase were being held on back-to-back days.

While there she showed off her history as Jessilina by comfortably winning the Contest to earn her first ribbon on her first attempt and thus began cementing her a spot as an early favorite for the year. She'd followed that up by switching to her Jessilee persona and winning the Showcase as well a day later, her first attempt at one.

It had been great for their money problems given how much prize money she got and the exposure she got would lead to more money so long as she kept winning. The problem was that it had also gone straight to her head and made her even more arrogant than usual. That arrogance had turned into a shopping spree to perfect her image for the next Contest and Showcase she was going to be in.

Right now, she was in her Jessilee outfit and hair style that covered her right eye, complete with the alluring mask she wore as part of her mystique as this look would garner her more opportunities. Performers were a Kalos thing after all, so they more well known then coordinators and Jessilee was on the path to become the next Kalos Queen.

Of course, she'd change it up when she wanted to or when needed for Contests but right now, she was Jessilee. That was why Jessie, as Jessilee, wasn't watching where she was going and walked into someone.


"Piplup!" Piplup squawked as he fell off Misty's head and landed hard on the ground following the collusion.

Misty herself stumbled back and almost fell over but May grabbed her arm just in time and managed to steady her. The woman who'd walked into her staggered slightly but the man behind her, likely a boyfriend or manager given the bags he was clearly carrying for her, stopped her with his body and fell over in the process and was buried underneath them.

"Watch where you're going." The woman said in a haughty tone. "I was walking there."

"Sorry, I was distracted." Misty said with a bow before looking at the woman shed bumped into.

The woman was oddly dressed up in an ankle length dark red dress that hugged her in all the right places and showed off the curves only a fully grown woman who took care of herself could have. Misty pegged her as in her early 30s and someone who knew that they were beautify and how to show it. Her makeup was on point, her nails a deep red matching her dress, and her hair perfectly styled with most of it held in the back in an elegant bun except for a wave over her right eye while a mask framed her left adding to the tantalizing look she was going for.

"It's ok." The woman said as she looked at Misty and instantly recognized her though Misty didn't notice this as she was studying the fashionable woman before her. "Thank you for apologizing."

Jessie just swore inwards at her luck to run into the Sinnoh twerpette here of all places as she tried to keep her cool. They were currently in Cyllage City to get supplies for her next Showcase in Lagoon Town in about a month's time and of course the twerpettes, as she now saw that the Hoenn and Kalos ones were present as well. The only saving grace was that the twerps were clueless when they put on their disguises so they wouldn't recognize Jessie and her team. Well, that and James and Meowth were currently buried under her shopping so they weren't visible.

"I know you." Serena said causing Jessie to instinctively stiffen in anticipation of battle until Serena added. "You're Jessilee aren't you? The new performer who surprised everyone in Ambrette Town a few days ago by winning in her debut. I saw that this morning when I checked for the latest news on the new performers this, and it was all about you and how fabulous you were in your win."

"Yes, it is I Jessilee." Jessie said placing a hand on her chest as she gave a rich laugh in keeping with her Jessilee persona that played to her confident side. "Renowned beauty and the next Kalos Queen."

"Winning your debut is certainly a strong start to that goal." Serena said as Misty went to get a pissed off Piplup and feed him a poffin to calm him down while quietly apologizing to him for his latest indignation. "I didn't do that last year, but I did make it all the way in the end."

"Really?" Jessie asked as she looked at Serena.

For the first time Jessie really studied the latest twerpette to bug her and suddenly it clicked, she'd seen this girl before. She was the girl who had won the Master Class the year before. Jessie decided that it was best make small talk on that to be polite and avoid a fight for once so as to keep her true identity a secret. Well, that and Pikachu wasn't present, so they weren't worth the trouble at the moment.

"That is high praise coming from last year's Master Class winner." Jessie said with a slight bow of her head to Serena now that she knew who Serena was. "Thank you."

"You recognize me?" Serena asked surprised.

"I watched all the Showcases last year as I got ready for my debut." Jessie said. "If I am to be the next Kalos Queen I must know the standard I need to achieve to win the Master Class and face Aria. I also know what I need to do better than you to beat her."

"Well, if you do face her, she will be tough for sure." Serena said. "She possesses an innate quality I didn't when I faced off against her for the title of Kalos Queen. I am seeking that quality this year and hoping that trying my hand at being a coordinator helps me find it."

"I see well I will take that under advisement." Jessie said annoyed that another twerp would be on the Contest circuit with her but that was apparently unavoidable and at least this one had no experience compared to her. "Thank you for your advice on."

"Anything for a fellow performer." Serena said with a smile. "I'm always willing to help."

"I know how good I am, but I also know how great Aria is." Jessie admitted though deep down she knew she was leagues better than the current Kalos Queen. "I intend to use everything I have to beat her."

"Which Showcase are you entering next by the way?" Serena asked curiously seeing an opening to find out if there was one in the area soon. "We are hoping there is one before the Coumarine one to watch as my friend Misty hasn't seen one before."

"I am going to be in the Lagoon Town Showcase so do come, I will blow your minds in it." Jessie said with a charming smile. "I intend to go two for two at it and really show what I am made of there."

"That's between Shalour and Coumarine." May said recalling it from the year before as the first Showcase they'd gone to and the one that had convinced Serena that she wanted to be a performer. "We'll try to make it if there is time and see how good you are."

"Good but I must get going, it takes a while to perfect myself for a Showcase." Jessie said. "Beauty like this may be natural but takes expert maintenance to keep up."

"Probably a good idea because I think your, er, boyfriend and Meowth are dying under your bags." Misty said pointing to where the man and what she thought was a Meowth's tail were underneath the bags. "It looks like they're being crushed by them."

"Oh yes my silly little Meowth, she's such a klutz when she's not on stage." Jessie said changing Meowth's gender to ensure there were no suspicions on him before it hit her that the Sinnoh twerpette had called James her boyfriend and she blushed at the thought of her and James together like that. "And Jamison isn't my boyfriend, he's my manager and bag boy as you can probably tell. I should save him though; I don't want to carry my own bags. Thank you, it was a pleasure meeting you girls."

Misty just nodded as she, Serena and May walked off leaving Jessilee to deal with her companions in peace. It had been a strange meeting but a good one at the same time as it gave Misty a chance to see what some of the competition might be and she couldn't deny that Jessilee had style. She'd decide after the Lagoon Town Showcase if she wanted to compete, but she was pretty sure that she did as the thrill of competing and trying to get to the Master Class was just what she needed.

However, that would have to be put to the back of her mind as first she was going to enjoy the rest of the day with her girlfriends in a way she'd never really had as she'd never traveled with other girls for an extended time before. After that it was back to the Pokémon Center to help Ash train. That was their next big thing and Misty couldn't wait to watch her boyfriend win his 3rd Kalos gym badge in the Cyllage City Gym.