Part CLXXI: Usurping the Crown?

"…Jessilee!"

As Pierre announced the winner the spotlight appeared above Jessilee's head, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Misty just smiled and clapped as she looked at the older woman who stood there mouth agape and eyes wide in shock at her win, but Misty had a feeling that if she'd won it, especially in such a close final, then she'd have a similar reaction. As such she gave Jessilee a minute, as did Kayleigh who was also clapping though clearly a little more upset than Misty at the loss, while Jessilee congratulated her equally shocked Pokémon.

For her part Jessie was legitimately stunned that she'd won. She knew she was gorgeous and the one who should win but still, as a member of Team Rocket she'd been conditioned to always fail thanks to her, well, constant failures at her actual job.

Hell, when she was a coordinator it took her more than two years and two identities to win her first Contest though when she did she started to go on a run that ended in the semifinals of the Sinnoh Grand Festival and propelled Jessilina to household name status. That had allowed Jessie to revive her for Kalos with an endearing backstory to explain away her absence and establish herself as a favorite for the first ever Kalos Ribbon Cup.

Still, it was a genuine shock to her to win the Master Class and get her shot at Kalos Queen, a crown she more than deserved. Jessie had been bracing internally for the loss, which she would have been frustrated at but accepted in the end given how well she'd done to reach this point. Now, though, she had the chance to actually become Kalos Queen and she wasn't going to waste it as she hugged an equally shocked Meowth and Gourgeist to her and tried not to cry tears of joy at the win.

It did cause one thing to creep into her mind, but she decided to push it away until after the Master Class and probably the Grand Festival as well seeing as she'd soon have to focus on that once the Master Class was done. She'd won the performer bracket and now she had to focus on her battle with Aria where she fully intended to usurp the crown of Kalos Queen.

"You don't seem too upset Misty." Kayleigh noted coming over to her as they gave Jessilee her moment. "Despite how close it was in the end between all of us."

"I lost my first two Grand Festival finals by a point or less so I've got some experience with the pain of close losses." Misty said with a smile as she looked at Kayleigh and saw the tears in her eyes and for the first time really realized how important this was to the other woman and it reminded her of her first Grand Festival final loss to Zoey. "First to my best friend and then to one of my negative rivals, actually I've always faced fellow Sinnoh natives in my Grand Festival finals as my win was over another negative rival, so I get it and it's ok to let it out."

"Huh." Kayleigh said before Misty just smiled and pulled her into a tight hug to help her with her loss not realizing that it was the exact same thing Serena had done to both Shauna and Miette the year before. "Oh."

"It's ok to be upset, you gave it your all and had an amazing Freestyle just now, we all did, but in the end Jessilee was the one who had what it took to edge us out and win the Master Class." Misty said as Kayleigh embraced her back and let the tears fall at last which was actually a little awkward given that Kayleigh was taller than Misty was. "You mentioned you'd been through a bit after the scare you had last year, but you made it this far, that's something. Your talent is there, keep it up, broaden it like Serena and the others are doing, and come back to try again so that next time it's you, not Jessilee, who's in the spotlight ready to challenge the Kalos Queen."

"You're surprisingly wise for your age." Kayleigh said through her tears as she held Misty. "And pretty good at this."

"I've had a lot of experience over the years and good friends to help me overcome the tough losses that I've had." Misty said patting Kayleigh's back as her Pokémon came over to help their trainer and just as upset as she was at the loss. "I've been there before and so have they so I can understand it. This was a lot of fun, performing was new to me and I really enjoyed it, and I'm happy I made it this far in the Master Class. I'm going to use this experience going forward should I come back for another crack at this or should I get to compete in Contests again."

"Good advice." Kayleigh said breaking away from Misty at last and wiping her eyes with a handkerchief she pulled from her vest though her mascara had clearly run from her tears. "I can see how your experience has helped you. Perhaps trying more Contests next year will be a good idea and a bit of a break before I try the Master Class again. It seems to be working for Serena, Shauna, and Miette so there has to be something there."

"I think your style will translate really well." Misty said with a smile. "You're a natural showman, that will make appeals really easy, and you've said you can do those. Learning to battle with your Pokémon will help you deepen your connection with them and improve your Freestyle skills."

"It will?" Kayleigh asked.

"I think so." Misty said. "I saw it first hand in the Wallace Cup recently when Serena employed Freestyle elements into her battles and that was what carried her past 4 tough opponents and to the most surprising victory on the circuit this year. She grew in that Contest because she learned how to combine her performance skills with how a Contest battle works and I think she's going to be even better when she returns to the Master Class someday. Apparently even Aria endorses battling as a way to help connect with your Pokémon so there's something there."

"Clearly, I'll keep that in mind." Kayleigh said as she set herself. "But we should congratulate Jessilee. She deserves it after this win."

"We should." Misty said as they broke apart and moved over to Jessilee. "Congratulations, Jessilee."

"And good luck." Kayleigh said removing her right glove and holding her hand out to Jessilee, the woman was one of the few who competed without gloves but with nails like hers she should show them off, so that they could properly shake after the final that they'd had. "You earned it so give Aria your all."

"I will, thank you." Jessie said composing herself and taking Kayleigh's hand, it was the right thing to do and with everyone watching it would help but more than that she actually wanted to thank the other two for the competition they'd given her. "I won't let you down."

"Nor me, I won't promise a vote, but you bested me, so you'd better show you're worth this right." Misty said with a grin as she too removed her right glove to shake Jessilee's hand once she was done with Kayleigh not realizing how similar this was to a few years back in Sinnoh only in reverse as she was the winner back then mainly because she didn't know that Jessilee and Jessilina were one and the same. "Make the Freestyle bout for the title of Kalos Queen one to remember."

"I will twep…Misty." Jessie said catching herself as she took Misty's hand and shook it. "Unlike you, I won't fail to carry one the dreams of those I've beaten."

Misty just blinked at that but figured that Jessilee would have known about her Grand Festival losses given how well-known Misty's Top Coordinator status and history was on the Showcase scene this year and nodded. She recalled how Jessilina had been after that win and retired partly because of Misty's loss to Zoey so she'd been happy to see her countrywoman return in Kalos and figured Jessilee was showing her convictions to win.

"I've certainly done that in the past so good motivation to win." Misty said as they broke apart. "Now go and do your best to win it."

It was Jessie's turn to nod and then she left to exit via the landing as there was a special waiting room for her to recover in before the big final with Aria in an hour or so while Misty and Kayleigh left via the wings to change and return to their friends. It was time to watch the final and let Ash, Serena, and May know that she was ok after her loss.


"That was amazing Misty." Serena said as a now changed Misty returned to them to take her seat that they'd reserved for her, where Pikachu had sat during the earlier rounds, and sat with her boyfriend and friends, Piplup on her lap and smiling at them. "We all felt you should have won, not come second by 2% points."

"You are biased but thank you." Misty said grateful for their support. "But it is what it is."

Misty had quickly gotten changed back into her normal clothes, after thanking Malamar and Machamp of course and then recalling them and hurried to the others to no doubt have this debrief before the final Freestyle. It would be needed and really prepare Misty for enjoying the final to come.

She'd also parted ways with Kayleigh after they'd both gotten changed as Kayleigh had her own friends to go and see but they hugged once more and agreed to keep in contact as Kayleigh was likely going to do more Contests next year and try for the Grand Festival so Misty could give her some pointers for that. Now it was time for Misty's debrief and see what the others thought of that last Freestyle.

"You're surprisingly chill about the loss." Serena said. "And even on stage, you really helped Kayleigh deal with it despite not advancing yourself. I did that last year for Shauna and Miette in the final and my other friend Nini who lost to me in the first round, but you didn't even win.

"I've had experience with close losses, something you've had after last year as well, so I can handle it but that was clearly Kayleigh's first, so she needed a moment." Misty said. "And besides, I had the right mentality for that final, I knew that whatever happened I'd be fine with how it played out. Win or lose I'd be happy."

"You did?" Ash asked confused. "How?"

"Yeah, I would have been a wreck if I'd lost last year and even losing to Aria was tough though it was mitigated by just how much better than me she was." Serena said. "How'd you manage?"

"Part of it was experience, I have lost two Grand Festival finals by some of the closest margins in history." Misty pointed out. "But the other part was that I was just having fun out there, whatever happened happened in my book."

"A good mentality to have." May said getting what Misty was saying. "And because you're a coordinator not a performer…"

"The title of Kalos Queen doesn't have the same meaning to me as it does to the others." Misty confirmed. "Sure, it would be great to get a shot at it and to face someone like Aria is an experience I would have loved to have had, just her presence shows her skills so I can't wait to see how she is in an actual Freestyle, but at the same time I'm already a Top Coordinator. That was the title I wanted to earn, and I've done so, I'm not a performer, at least not full time."

"I would say that that could come off the wrong way but as I'm the reverse I understand." Serena said realizing what Misty was saying. "Of course, I want to be in the Grand Festival, and I'd love to win it, but I know that I'm coordinating to perfect my performing for my next shot at Kalos Queen, so the title of Top Coordinator doesn't mean to me what it means to you and May who are professional coordinators that earned it. It's why I am sure I'll be able to handle a loss be it the wildcard or at some point in the Grand Festival itself depending on how things go."

"I know how some might not like my mentality and I don't want it to come off like that hence why I'm only telling you guys about it." Misty said as she pulled out her keyring with her three Princess Keys on it and smiled at it as she held it out in front of her. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished this year as a performer even if it's likely my only year as one and I'll treasure these keys as much as my 15 ribbons because I earned them with my own hard work and dedication."

"I get that, my ribbons mean as much to me as my Princess Keys only for different reasons." Serena said with a smile. "Hopefully I'll get two more but regardless the three I have are hard earned ribbons I will treasure forever."

"I knew you'd understand." Misty said. "In the end though this was just a fun competition for me, a way to continue my competitive edge and do something this year that was unique to Kalos. Plus, I am sure my coordinating will get a boost from it."

"That will be fun to test if we get that chance." May said with a grin. "I'm still 0 and 3 against you Misty so I want another proper official match against you."

"I'm still a little lost but so long as you're happy Misty then I am as well." Ash said with a smile.

"I am." Misty said with a nod. "But out of curiosity Serena, how would you rate that final? You are the expert here."

"It was different to my own one mainly because while we all went with a fair bit of acrobatics and aerial stuff yours was a lot more intense, but Malamar's Psychic is a great safety net for that." Serena said thinking on the final she'd just watched. "And I do think yours was the best Misty, but I do have some ideas why Jessilee was the one to get the edge in the end but really that one could have gone to any of you which was reflected in how there was only 3 percentage points between all of you in the final vote."

"Huh so what's your theory?" Misty asked.

"In the end I think it came down to stylistic strengths." Serena said after a moment's thought. "That final played to Jessilee's style the most. She's known to primarily use Gourgeist, Meowth, and Wobbuffet with her Frillish occasionally showing up and I think she's used an Inkay before though I'd have to confirm that. She doesn't use just one Pokémon and she often uses the same Pokémon in her Showcases, so their Freestyle is down to a fine edge allowing her to produce such a quality one like the one she just did without the need for the showmanship Kayleigh used or your flair Misty. Add in her age and mystique that she's cultivated, well a mature style like that was perfect for her."

"I get it." May said understanding what Serena was saying. "Misty's style this year has relied on her being unpredictable and using a vast range of Pokémon including many that weren't expected from her or to appear in a Showcase. Excluding Piplup and Helioptile who were used twice though the latter was in part due to Misty's explosive exit from the Couriway Contest she never used a Pokémon multiple times until the Master Class and even then she produced an unexpected and new one in her shiny Espeon."

"True that is what I liked to do, I wanted all my Pokémon that I caught in Kalos to get a chance at competing, or in the case of Dendemille shock Kalos to a victory with that Freestyle." Misty admitted. "And I grew to like it as it was like how appeals are always different for me, so I wanted my Freestyles to be the same what with the dance of death, a Kalos waltz, and the hero's journey that I used to win. None of those were really traditional other than the waltz and even that was different in a way, so I had to go back to what is more normal and work around that given the Pokémon constrains of the Master Class. I never really thought about that though."

"Exactly, Jessilee's style is much more suited to this than yours but as you have your own style and reputation it was best to leave it to you." Serena said. "Plus, you were having fun so no point messing it up because fun is the key to a successful Freestyle. The more fun the performer and her Pokémon have the more fun the audience has as a result."

"Exactly." Misty said. "And Kayleigh? What did it for her that led to her coming last."

"Her last place I think just came down to how you're more well known in Kalos than she is at this point as I think popularity was the deciding factor and we know how well marketed Jessilee has been." Serena said. "And after her, well you're a Top Coordinator Misty, that gets attention and that was after you used a damned Spiritomb in a Freestyle. That alone got people talking about you. Kayleigh is good, her talent is there, but outside of being a favorite she doesn't hold the larger branding you, Jessilee, or even Amelia does. She relied more on her skills and honestly she's probably the best of the three of you technically, but her style undid her in the end. If she'd been more versatile she'd have won I think."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked now confused. "I get the popularity aspect, that makes sense, but how does style come into it when she's the best technically."

"Yeah I know how Amelia has the best technical skill out there but lacks the ability to move people because of how terrible her personality is." Misty said. "But Kayleigh can do that a bit, her whole routine was fun, and she clearly had a great time with her Pokémon in it. Not to mention the talent needed to pull off those moves of hers with that cane."

"She did and I felt that from all of you." Serena said with a nod. "But for Kayleigh, her style has often relied on solo Pokémon rather than multiple ones. She's exceptional with just one Pokémon. I know you didn't see the second round Misty but Kayleigh's score as high in that as in the first round, she breezed her way to the final with ease because she's an expert at one Pokémon Freestyles which is actually rare as most specialize in using two or three Pokémon. Add in her showman skills and I'd say she had the most upside today, certainly I hope that on my next attempt she's in it so that I get to face her myself, but at the same time her style hurt her."

"Because it was a two Pokémon final." Misty said understanding and thinking back on Kayleigh's final Freestyle. "And while hers was good she didn't really get the Pokémon together; it was more how they worked on their own and with her own talents rather than as a full unit. She's got it down with Furfrou and showed it with Delcatty back in the first round but not all together."

"Exactly, you had Machamp and Malamar working well together though part of that is how they have a strong rapport with each other thanks to how they have their own ways of protecting you." Serena said. "As did Jessilee with Gourgeist and Meowth but Kayleigh just didn't. Her overall skill and that intrinsic ability that I'm sure she has the spark for caried her so if she can get that to work with two Pokémon, well she'll be a great challenge to me one day that I'm looking forward to facing."

"I hope to see that." Misty said. "But for now, I can't wait to actually see Aria perform, this final is going to be good."

"It will be and watching Aria perform is a real treat." Serena said. "So long as she hasn't lost anything since last year, which I doubt she has, I expect her to win this with ease."

"You don't think Jessilee can usurp her?" Misty asked.

"Jessilee is talented and only those with the potential to best Aria someday can really make it to the final round before her." Serena said. "But Aria, she's a generational talent and I know that I am still a ways off from matching her. One day she will fall, hopefully to me, but in my opinion she won't today. Jessilee will do well, and I am sure that she'll be back, and I will of course keep an open mind and vote for who is best, but I just can't see the Aria I lost to losing to Jessilee."

"Well, we will find out soon." May said as the lights began to dim, and a hush began to come over the theater at what that signaled. "Because it's time for the final Freestyle of the Master Class and the crowning of the Kalos Queen."

"Et now we 'ave come to ze moment zat you 'ave all been eagerly waiting for." Pierre said as the lights fell but for certain ones on stage, a set of spotlights at the front, and of course Pierre's outfit showing him in the center of the half landing. "Ze moment where ze 'allowed title of Kalos Queen is once again up for grabs et on ze line. Ze performers may use as many Pokémon as zey want so to let us wish zem both well."

This got the crowd really going and cheering as they where hyped for the final and most important Freestyle of the Master Class. This was the moment that they had all been waiting for, the moment that only one performer reached to face the incumbent Kalos Queen, and it was time for that to begin.

"Ze title round is between Jessilee, ze challenger." Pierre said as he gestured to the top of the stairs from the half landing to his left to reveal Jessilee standing there tall, proud and smiling with her eyes closed with Gourgeist, Wobbuffet and Meowth around her and ready for the final. "Er our reigning Kalos Queen, Aria!"

With that Pierre gestured to the other side of the upper balcony and the stairs on his right to reveal Aria there with her Delphox, her Aromatisse in a top hat, pink bowtie and lighter pink and white ensemble, and revealed her third Pokémon for the first time to Ash and Misty as a pink winged Vivillon that also had a bowtie on and streamers from its back. As Aria was introduce she bowed, and Misty noticed that she wasn't wearing her tiara. That could only mean that as this was the Freestyle for it, it couldn't be worn during the performance.

Meanwhile, on stage, Aria rose from her bow and looked across at Jessilee who was now setting herself and smiled. The older woman had earned this right and was clearly determined to prove she was worthy of the title of Kalos Queen just as much as Aria was determined to retain her crown for another year and extend her reign to 5 years, one of the longest of any Kalos Queen in recent memory. No need to hold back in that case, just like against Serena the year prior Aria was going to go all out to hold onto her tiara.

For her part Jessie was set and ready. She wasn't nervous, she'd long ago been able to negate them with her own arrogance and narcissism not that she'd actually know that was why she wasn't nervous, she was prepared for this and the crown that would come with her victory.

Alas James had been unable to come to see her as she waited but with Meowth, Gourgeist, and Wobbuffet were there to support her and regardless she had this. It was time to earn her rightful tiara and against Aria, who even Jessie could tell was something special, she had to unleash all she had to win the crown she deserved.

"When all is said et done, who will be ze Kalos Queen?" Pierre asked as the crowd died down. "Let us begin with ze challenger Jessilee's performance."

With that Jessie grabbed the hem of her dress and walked down the curved side staircase, head held high, as Meowth and Wobbuffet walked by her side and Gourgeist floated directly above her so that they all moved in unison. As the challenger she had to go first, and she was going to really blow away all of Kalos with her best performance ever.

As soon as she was in position, Jessie tapped her heel on the ground as the music began, one hand raised above her head with her hand open and another on her dress. Then as the lights exploded around her to illuminate the stage she smiled and with a laugh she began to dance around the stage. First she swung Gourgeist around the way they often did before spinning away and tossing her Pokémon high into the air while Meowth and Wobbuffet danced around and to their assigned spots.

"Gourgeist, Seed Bomb." Jessie ordered.

"Gourgeist." Gourgeist said as she launched her Seed Bomb in an arc over the stage again however this time the way Jessie was going to use it would be different to before and really show off her skills.

Rather than dance around as the pillars of vines formed and then be rose up on a seat, the move was designed to be staggered so that Jessie was able to stand on the first vine pillar as it was formed and then dance over a vine bridge that was formed and onto to the next one that was higher and rising faster and so on constantly moving higher as she went from pillar to pillar. As she did, she moved in a graceful semicircle around the stage dancing with Gourgeist as she did while Meowth and Wobbuffet danced around the base and prepared for their own parts.

To add to it all, once Jessie was off a vine pillar it would fall and move to the middle and slowly form the large one there that grew in time with her movements. As such, when she reached the final pillar she spun and moved with her mature grace to the center one that was finally the tallest and stood on it as it grew to its maximum height, spinning on the top and laughing as she tossed Gourgeist up and to the side as she got ready for the next part of the performance.

Overall, it was a damned impressive display of balance and footwork to move so fluidly and smoothly in the kind of dress she wore to such a spot and the crowd was really getting into it. Jessie was right where she wanted to be and as she finished her last dance move she smoothly moved transitioned the Freestyle forward.

"Meowth, use Fury Swipes on Wobbuffet, Wobbuffet use Counter to launch Meowth into the air." Jessie called from the top of the vine now moving her arms as if conducting an orchestra from her vantage point. "Gourgeist, send down Shadow Balls at them so that Wobbuffet can reflect them with Mirror Coat, Meowth, you know what to do."

"On it." Meowth said as he extended his claws and leapt at Wobbuffet who was now glowing red.

This was their culmination move and one only they could pull off thanks to their moves and the types involved. Meowth launched himself at Wobbuffet who used Counter to reflect the move and propel Meowth into the air and towards the pillar of vines that Wobbuffet was now facing. As this was happening Gourgeist was moving in a semicircle behind the pillar and sending out Shadow Balls at different heights around the pillar and down to converge on Wobbuffet as Meowth flew up towards them.

The key to this move was the fact that Meowth was a normal type and as such the ghost type attack would just pass through him and down to Wobbuffet, as well as passing through his claws as he playfully swiped at and batted the balls ineffectively on the way up. It was to both show off his type and feline nature much to the fun of it but there was more to it all as the Shadow Balls reached a now white outlined Wobbuffet who was still on the ground.

That was because the balls reflected off him and into the air again and back at Jessie twice as strong for the finale of her Freestyle. Most of the balls missed the vine pillar of course and exploded in a series of faux fireworks at different points in the air behind her as Jessie held out her arms but one struck the pillar center mass blowing it up in a sparkling mix of green, purple and black as Jessie laughed and fell gracefully through the explosion to the ground.

As this was happening Meowth had reached Gourgeist behind Jessie who'd grabbed his paws with her appendages and spun him around before tossing him high at the moment of explosion to allow Meowth to flip in the air where he was shown off by the other exploding Shadow Balls and then come down right above Jessie who was already falling to the ground. At the same time Gourgeist was gracefully flying down while Wobbuffet spun to get into position at for the finale.

That came as Jessie landed, her right hand raised and Gourgeist unleashed a final Seed Bomb into the air to explode in even more fireworks around them as Meowth landed in Jessie's palm and posed there. This was it and by the time the last of the explosions had subsided the Freestyle was over.

Jessie had finished her performance in the center of the stage, one arm raise with Meowth standing in her palm posing for all to see, Wobbuffet by her side, and Gourgeist on her other side with both in mirror poses to hers. She'd gone all out, done everything she could, and now all she had left to do was watch Aria's response to that before Kalos voted on their next Queen. She'd really shown Kalos who she was and that was the biggest thing, they knew she was gorgeous and soon they would hopefully crown her their Queen.

The only obstacle to that was Aria herself and Jessie retreated back to her starting point atop the stairs to watch the reigning Kalos Queen in action. She'd seen the footage of Aria's wins, including her one over the Kalos twerpette the year before, so she knew what the woman was capable of but seeing her perform in person would be different. It was time to properly see what a reigning Kalos Queen could do.

"Et now, defending 'er title of Kalos Queen for ze 4th time, please welcome Aria!" Pierre said as Aria made her way down her stairs to the cheers of the crowd, arms wide and beaming as she waved at them along with her Pokémon.

"I have no intention of relinquishing my crown." Aria said to herself with a grin as she reached the center of the stage, and the music began. "Delphox start us out with Mystical Fire, Vivillon use Psybeam."

As Aria spoke she waved her right arm above her head in a circle that Delphox matched with perfect timing as the fire type attack shot out of her stick and into the air in a vortex of hot flames before stopping to unleash the final blast through the center of the fire. At the same time Aria had waved Vivillon over with her other arm and the bug and flying type blasted the Psybeam down and into the heart of the vortex without hesitation despite the flames near it.

"Reflect, Aromatisse." Aria said laughing. "Vivillon, on me. Delphox, Flamethrower around it all, I know you can time it just right my darling."

Aria hadn't moved at first but now she did as she ran forward with a spring in her step and leapt gracefully up onto the air. As she did her Aromatisse used Reflect to create platforms out of the move, something that was out of the box for the move, that Aria was able to leap onto.

However, to add to it all, the platforms ascended in a spiral staircase in the center of the stage with each one appearing at the exact right time for Aria, laughing and beaming the entire time, to place a foot on it and leap up to the next one for two full rotations. Not once did Aria hesitate, she just leapt from platform to platform showing complete trust in Aromatisse as the next platform was made after she leapt off the previous one which really added to it all.

As Aria was doing this, Delphox fired off a blast of intense fire from her stick and used her skill to bend it around the whole thing in the reverse direction Aria was running in. It was also just below the Reflect so always below Aria but timed such that Aria, the flames, and the Reflects, were all in synch. It was a level of training and coordination that had Misty gaping from the stands at because the time and skill to pull it off was on a whole other level to anything she'd seen in a Showcase this year.

To add to it all, Aria's Vivillon flew in from above and latched itself onto her back so that it looked like she now had it's pink wings and lifted Aria higher into the air and held her there as she leapt off the last Reflect and spun to face the crowd with her arms wide and now in the middle of the whole spiral of flames and Reflect platforms that had been created. Vivillon held her there for a moment before it lowered Aria gracefully to the ground as the flames and Reflect platforms slowly faded away and she began to dance with her Pokémon.

The dance was elegant and graceful, a fluid move between her, Delphox who's stick was on fire who pranced around her matching her wide smile, Vivillon who flew in to land on Aria's arm and then take off before landing on her other arm completely in time with Aria's movements, while Aromatisse spun around them all. It was impossible not to smile and feel warmed by Aria's performance as she brought the crowd to its feet and gave all strength who watched it.

"And now to end." Aria said smiling broadly as she gave the final commands of her Freestyle. "Delphox use Fire Blast, Aromatisse Charge Beam and Vivillon use Powder."

With that, and as Aria spun in the center of the stage, Vivillon flew around in a wide circle above their heads releasing a fine powder into the air a few seconds before Delphox fired off the 5-point star of Fire Blast into the air directly above Aria. The Powder was ignited by the fire type attack thanks to its nature and burned in an intricate pattern above Aria's head. As it burned, Aromatisse sent a blast of electricity into fire to burst in the sparkle of light and causing the final bits of Powder to burn brighter as the moves ended together.

Beneath it all was Aria, her right arm raised high above her head a smile on her face, Delphox to her right with her lit stick high, Vivillon on the other side at head height with Aria and Aromatisse posing beneath it. That was it for Aria performance, but it was something else for sure.

"And that is all!" Aria said as she finished her smile broader than it had been all performance, and the crowd gave her a full standing ovation.

"She's unreal." Misty said her eyes wide as she cheered and clapped. "Seeing her perform, Aria's truly on a different level to anything I've seen. There's no way I would have beaten her."

"She only has to perform to defend her title but when she does it reminds us all why she's our Queen and the closest thing to performer perfection out there, the gold standard that we all strive for." Serena said with a smile. "It struck me first hand last year when I faced her. I still have a long way to go but I know that I have the potential to one day usurp her, so I hope Aria doesn't lose because I want to be the one to take that crown from when the day of her reign ending comes."

"She won't, that was as good if not better than last year." May said. "She's going to be at the top for a long time to come."

"It was awesome." Ash said and that was all that he had for the Freestyle he'd just seen.

Back on the stage Aria had moved to the side as Jessie made her way down a small smile on her face. She'd been the closest to Aria for that being on the stairs watching and she couldn't deny the younger girl was as good as, if not better than, her billing. Aria hadn't held back, which Jessie was grateful for, she'd just truly dominated out there. One day Jessie would take that crown as Jessilee and become the Kalos Queen, but that day wasn't today and wouldn't be for a while as she had plenty more work to do.

For now, though she just stood on the other side of the stage and waited. It was time for the vote and to see just how close she'd come to usurping the crown that Aria held so tightly.

"So, zere you 'ave it, two fantastique Freestyles from two lovely et talented ladies." Pierre said as he made his way down the stairs but stopped halfway down to stay behind and above the girls for the final vote. "Zat means zat it is time to grab zose glow casters or press zat button at home et cast your vote. Ready? Une, deux, trois, vote!"

At that the votes were cast and balls of green for Jessilee and pink for Aria were cast from the stands while all over Kalos those watching the culmination of the Master Class voted on their devises for who they wanted to be Kalos Queen. This was the moment of truth, would Jessilee usurp the crown and become the new Kalos Queen or would Aria once again retain her title for another year.

Above and before Aria and Jessilee the keyholes appeared but rose at the same time before vanishing as both hit the circular head part and the lights went out to hide the final vote and build suspense. This was a Kalos tradition to allow for the moment to be one of surprise be it for the new Kalos Queen's victory or the current one securing another year with the crown.

A second later a pair of spotlights from the balcony level burst on and showed Jessie and Aria they were on stage as the final votes came in, but no one could see the final vote count at the moment. They all waited with bated breath for the sudden announcement that Pierre was about to give as the results were radioed into him via the earpiece hidden in his ear.

"Ze moment is 'ere." Pierre said as he heard the results but kept his expression neutral as he relayed them. "Ze revered title of Kalos Queen belongs to…Performer Aria!" Ze reigning Queen has defended 'er crown once again!"

At this the crowd roared and the results were shown to reveal almost a full keyhole for Aria while Jessie's barely cracked the head part though it was there showing she'd actually gotten a little more than Serena had the year before likely due to how much marketing she'd done for herself over the course of the year. Still, it was clear that Aria had won, and she was beaming while Jessie clenched her fists for a second, her Pokémon a little nervous before she let out a breath of air and smile at the results she'd expected the moment she'd seen Aria perform.

She may have lost but now Kalos had seen just how beautiful Jessie was and they weren't soon going to forget it. She already had her comeback plan for Jessilee in mind and would put it into effect soon and then shift her focus to Jessilina as she had qualified for the Grand Festival a few days after the Wallace Cup, so she had to focus on that. After failing to become Kalos Queen but reaching the title round so coming closer than anyone else that year to the crown, Jessie was more determined than ever to become a Top Coordinator as Jessilina.

"That wasn't a surprise." Serena said. "Though Jessilee outperformed me last year which shows her talents as well, hopefully one day I'll face her in the Master Class to see how I stack up against a fellow winner who couldn't best Aria in the final Freestyle."

"She did well but Aria was just in a league of her own." Misty said. "She more than earned it."

"Congratulations to Aria for defending 'er title of Kalos Queen." Pierre said silencing the crowd. "Klefki, 'er tiara s'il vous plaît."

"Klefki." Pierre's Klefki called out and a spotlight fell on him, his band wide as he carefully held the silver and jewel adorned tiara of the Kalos Queen between the ends of it.

He gracefully flew down and gently placed the tiara once again upon Aria's head crowning her Kalos Queen for another year as the crowd cheered. All Aria did was stand there and smile as accepted the tiara and waved to the crowd. Even Jessie had to clap at that while Meowth and Wobbuffet consoled Gourgeist who was the most upset as she was Jessie's primary performing Pokémon and loved the spotlight as much as her trainer did.

As the crowd continued to cheer, Aria lowered her hand and turned to the older woman who she'd faced and who's impressive Freestyle final had pushed her just as much as Serena's had the year prior and the others before them as well. She had to congratulate her fellow performer after all.

"That was fun Jessilee, you really showed me the challenges I must continue to face down if I am to retain my crown for years to come." Aria said smiling at the other woman before holding out her hand to Jessilee. "We should perform together again; I can tell you're not going to give up these easily and can't wait to face you for the tiara again one day."

"You know it, I'll will be the one to end your reign and take that tiara from you." Jessie said smiling back, even to someone like Jessie, Aria's natural charisma and charm made her smile and she grasped Aria's hand in hers. "I will beat you; I don't quit."

"Bring it on, rival." Aria said as they shook, and she officially acknowledged Jessilee as a rival in front of all Kalos.

With that the Master Class was over and Aria turned, still holding Jessie's hand, and raised their connected hands together to the cheering crowd as special light confetti came down and Pierre closed out the Master Class for another year. It had ended and Aria had retained her title which left the important question of who would face her next time when the Master Class returned.


"So, James." Jessie said as Team Rocket walked away from the entrance to the chateau and down a street in Gloire City. "I was thinking…"

This got the others nervous and as it was after the Master Class Gourgeist and Wobbuffet were also out while they wore their Jessilee and Jameson outfits. After the end of the Master Class, Jessie had quietly changed and met up with her team before heading out once the crowds had cleared and even the twerpettes and twerp were on their way. She hadn't spoken a word since then, since her loss to Aria in the finals and now that they were alone it was time to speak her mind.

"Um, yes Jessie." James said nervously.

"Let's have a feast to celebrate!" Jessie said turning to them and pumping a fist into the air as she smiled at her team.

"Huh?" James and Meowth said stunned while Gourgeist and Wobbuffet looked shocked at that before James added. "You're not off the rails after that loss?"

"Of course not, I made it farther than any other performer, bested the Sinnoh twerpette by myself at last and gave Aria a challenge worthy enough of being declared a rival which I am definitely marketing going forward." Jessie said as her smile broadened. "And I couldn't have done it without you so I think we should celebrate. Plus, I have plans for the future now."

"Whaddaya know." Meowth said as they all cried at Jessie's idea. "It's incredible what a little success can do for us."

"What plans though?" James asked through his tears of joy.

"We must prepare for Jessilina's run to the Ribbon Cup and for Jessilee's next move." Jessie said still smiling. "I think it's time that Jessilee take a break, disappear from Kalos and travel for a while and only appear where there is a stage for her to perform on so that when I properly return for my next crack at Kalos Queen I'll have built up even more alure and mystique."

"Excellent idea." James said. "The Grand Festival is coming up and after that performance Jessilina's going to be pumped for it. You can't lose."

"Exactly and if I somehow do fail, well we can go to Alola or Galar and win there while giving Jessilee the year off to build that mysterious nature of hers." Jessie said as the ideas really came to her. "Before returning once more to go for Kalos Queen. It's perfect so let's eat!"

"Jessie!" James said as he, Meowth, Gourgeist, and Wobbuffet all leapt onto Jessie in the middle of the street and smothered her in an embrace that pinned her to the ground.

"What's wrong with you James." Jessie said though she certainly wasn't complaining about James being on top of her not that she'd ever admit that to him or even to herself.

"We'll follow you wherever." James said causing Jessie to blush, but she pushed past it.

"Then the feast is on your wallet James, I must preserve mine for Jessilina's Grand Festival dominance." Jessie said.

"With pleasure." James said.

"I'll even pay the tip." Meowth added as they all laughed and enjoyed a rare moment of happiness and somewhat success for Team Rocket even if it wasn't related to their actual jobs which they were significantly worse at than they were at Jessie's various side passions.

Jessie for her part just laughed at the bottom of the pile. She'd done better than she'd ever hoped for, and it was thanks to James, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Gourgeist and all the other Pokémon they had. Now it was time to celebrate in style before moving onto their next stop, the Grand Festival and this time Jessie was going to win it, she was sure of it.


"Well, that was fun." Misty said as they headed back to the Pokémon Center after the Master Class. "I really enjoyed competing in Showcases this year and the Master Class was an experience I'm thrilled to have had and to make it to the final round before Aria was amazing. Shame about not facing Aria but I'd have lost so hard to her if I'd faced her, she was just unreal."

"It was another good Master Class." Serena agreed. "And got me pumped for my next one but first I need more time as a coordinator and maybe some world travel as well to fully round myself out before I face Aria once again. Gotta focus now on the Grand Festival and then decide what to do. Which means that my next port of call is the Aquacorde Town Contest."

"Yes the last normal thing, or penultimate if you win which we all hope you do, for us before we return to Lumiose City for the Grand Festival and Lumiose Conference." May said. "But first we have to head to the Chamber of Emptiness which is on the way to Aquacorde. It is time to get Misty that Mega Stone and there shouldn't be anything between here and the Chamber so we shouldn't be distracted along the way but as this is a travel with Ash Ketchum who knows what might happen."

"Exactly, next stop the Chamber of Emptiness and the Banettite that it contains." Misty said as Ash's stomach roared. "Well after dinner and a night in the Pokémon Center that is. Tomorrow it is on the road again."

At that they all cheered as they headed back to the Pokémon Center for food and a much-needed rest. Misty's performer journey had come to an end, but their Kalos journey still had two more final competitions and a few more adventures to enjoy along the way. Starting tomorrow they would head to that next adventure as the Chamber of Emptiness and the trials that it contained for Misty awaited them.