Hi all! Thanks for all the messages, favorites, and alerts! Hoping to pump out the first three chapters by the end of the weekend in order to get this thing moving. From there, I'll begin weekly updates on Saturday morning (ET).
Some questions I got from reviews:
Are we going to face the Explorers here? Yes—kind of. I envision, however, this run in with the Explorers to be before their run in with Liko. While the anime hasn't quite clarified the villainous organization's intent or overall mission, I plan to sort of give them an organized mission. They will not be the only villain, though.
Is this Blitz game something original you came up with? Yes. While battling is great and all, I find it repetitive. Also, since Ash is the Champion of the World and all, I figured it would be fun introducing something else for him to be a "rookie" in.
Are the Paldeans speaking Spanish or an original language? So I actually meant it to be an original language resembling Spanish/Portuguese/Italian haha. But I might go back and edit the 1st chapter to just make it Spanish and have the Paldeans speak Spanish from now on since indeed the region is based on Spanish and Portuguese culture.
Okay, on to Chapter 2.
Chapter 2: Scarlet Scales
The bus to Mesagoza rumbled along the coastal pastures of Paldea's Southern Province, continuing its northward journey on Poco Path. Ash gazed out of the window, watching the sun descend over the waters beyond the cliffs. His thoughts began to wander, and his eyelids grew heavy when suddenly—
"What's going on?" Nemona's voice interrupted his reverie as the bus shuddered to a sudden stop.
"Pawmo?" her furry mouse pokémon echoed her confusion, its tiny nose twitching with curiosity.
Brock quickly rose from his seat, his own interest piqued, and joined Nemona at the front windows. As they peered outside, they were met by the sight of a large herd of pig-like pokémon, all wearing expressions of fear and anxiety. The pokémon had come to a standstill in front of the bus, blocking its path. Around the fringes of the herd, Brock and Ash recognized a pack of Houndour growling menacingly as they closed in.
"Those Houndour are acting strange," Brock noted, scrutinizing the canine-pokémon's defensive poise. "They look threatened."
Without a second thought, Ash jumped to his feet and began pushing his way out of the bus, much to the murmur of the other passengers."Where are you going?" Nemona asked, a conflicted excitement evident in her voice. She began her pursuit without waiting for a reply.
That left Brock to sigh inwardly and bring up the rear. He should have known that whenever he traveled with Ash Ketchum, something out of the ordinary was sure to occur.
As Ash rushed towards the bus door, Brock quickly moved a few pokéballs from his backpack into his pockets, ready for any unexpected developments. Nemona, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of adventure, followed closely behind Ash, her Pawmo perched attentively on her shoulder.
The bus driver, a portly man with a thick mustache, called out nervously, "Oyé, be careful out there! Those Houndour don't look friendly!"
Ignoring the driver's warning, Ash, Nemona, and Brock disembarked the bus, stepping cautiously onto the dirt road. The herd of pig-like pokémon, startled by their arrival, began to shuffle uneasily, their squeals and grunts adding to the growing tension.
"What are those?" Ash wondered allowed, raising his Rotom phone towards the hog pokémon, their bodies almost entirely grayish black, except for the brown colorations on its face and ears, and the yellow growths under its eyes that resemble teardrops. Its droopy ears, with yellow insides, partially covered its eyes.
Lechonk, the hog-pokémon. It searches for food all day. It possesses a keen sense of smell but doesn't use it for anything other than foraging, the Rotom phone intoned.
Ash scanned the scene, his experience with wild pokémon encounters kicking in. "You're right, Brock, those Houndours look on edge," he surmised, noticing how they positioned themselves between the herd and a nearby cliff. Pikachu's tail twitched by his ear, his partner engaged and ready.
Nemona nodded, gripping a pokéball. "Looks like they don't want us getting close to that cliff for some reason."
Brock, ever the voice of reason, added, "Let's try not to hurt them. A confrontation is the last thing we need."
"Alright, Pikachu, let's get these Houndour out of here," with an excited flourish Ash spun his cap around so that the bill faced backwards. Pointing towards the canine-pokémon, he directed Pikachu outwards with a determined look, the adrenaline of battle coursing through his veins. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt, but aim it away from the Houndour. We need to scatter them off."
Pikachu nodded, understanding the plan, and unleashed a brilliant arc of electricity into the sky. The flash of light and the crackling sound caused the Houndours to recoil, but they remained defensive, growling with unease.
Nemona, eager to assist, looked at Pawmo, nodding to it as the small creature backflipped off her shoulder and landed on the offensive. "Pawmo, let's help out! Use Quick Attack to herd the Houndour away from the cliff!"
Her furry mouse pokémon darted forward, moving swiftly around the Houndours, trying to disorient the pack and disperse them. The Houndours, now feeling cornered, began to bark louder, their eyes darting between Ash, Pikachu, and Pawmo.
In an instant, the atmosphere changed. One Houndour, no doubt the leader of the pack, took a deep breath, gathering the fiery energy within its body. Its stance lowered, and its eyes locked onto Pikachu and Pawmo with unwavering focus. Then, with a menacing growl, it unleashed a torrent of flames from its mouth.
A blazing stream of orange and red flames, tinged with yellow at the core, shot towards the two mouse pokémon with incredible speed and intensity, the heat distorting the air around them.
Ash, his amber eyes mirroring the blaze, yelled, "Dodge it, Pikachu!"
Pikachu, caught in the path of the fiery onslaught, reacted with incredible speed. The yellow-mouse pokemon leaped to the side, barely evading the bulk of the flames. Its cheeks sparked even more brightly, a sign of its resilient spirit and readiness to strike back.
Brock, assessing the situation, released his Croagunk. "Croagunk, use Poison Sting, but aim it at the ground near the Houndours. We need to create a barrier around the Lechonk!"
Croagunk complied, firing off Poison Sting shots that landed near the Houndours, creating a temporary barrier of poison spikes that discouraged them from moving closer to the frightened hog-pokémon.
The Houndour, now feeling threatened from all sides, began to retreat, fleeing into a nearby grotto up the road.
Ash, seeing the Houndour scatter, called back to Pikachu and the others, "Great job, everyone! Let's give them some space."
Nemona recalled Pawmo, her face beaming with excitement. "That was amazing! I can't believe we were fighting alongside the champion."
Brock, always cautious, kept Croagunk at the ready. "Let's not celebrate just yet. I think something is going on on the other side of that cliff." Brock examined the cavern into which the canines fled, "Where does that grotto lead?"
"To the inlet actually," Nemona blinked, turning towards the cliff that overlooked the inlet beach. "Why were the Houndour defending that ledge?" She asked, her mouth twisting in bemusement.
Ash cautiously approached the edge of the cliff, his eyes scanning for any sign of what could be causing the Houndours' strange behavior. Pikachu, ever vigilant, stayed close to his side. As Ash peered over the ledge, a sudden, thunderous roar echoed from the sand below. The sound was unlike anything Ash had ever heard, and he and the others were forced to cup their palms over their ears and drop to his knees. Pikachu clung to Ash's hair.
The young champion's eyes immediately found the source of the noise. A large red, reptilian pokémon lay almost listless in the sand. It looked injured. Before the looming creature, another pack of Houndour and a Houndoom were closing in upon it menacingly. The beast issued out another fearsome roar that reverberated again through the air. The canines reared back in fright, disappearing into the entrance to the grotto that fed into the beach.
Ash stood fascinated. His mouth began to work over a response until he felt something give way beneath his feet. A section of the cliff edge, weakened by the roar, began to crumble. Before Ash could react, the ground completely melted away, and he, along with Pikachu, tumbled down towards the beach below.
"Ash!" Nemona and Brock shouted in unison, rushing to the edge.
Miraculously, Ash managed to find himself sliding down the cliff as opposed to freefalling. With Pikachu in his lap, the young trainer chose to ride the landslide rather than fight it and managed to make it to the bottom relatively unscathed, but full of sand and dirt. Ash let out a small groan, rubbing his backside a bit sheepishly before looking up to see Brock and Nemona peering down at him, concern etched on their faces.
"Pikachu, are you okay?" Ash asked his partner, who clung to his shoulder.
"Pika!" Pikachu responded affirmatively, albeit startled. The small rodent bounced off his trainer, shaking the dirt from its fur.
With some effort, Ash stood up, adjusting his red and white vest over his black T-shirt before giving it a good dusting with his hands. He moved the bill of his cap back over his eyes and squinted through the late afternoon sunlight shimmering on the sea water just beyond the shore.
Laying motionless at the lip of the beach where the waves crashed onto the strand, the creature—dressed in scarlet scales laden with white accents on its cheeks, abdomen, legs, and tail—turned its massive plumed head towards Ash, its yellow eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution.
Ash observed carefully the pokémon's webbed feet and the blue features on its elbows and shoulders, as well as the frills running down its neck. He was trying to figure out at least what type of pokémon it could be. Dragon? Water? On the pokémon's chest was a large circular protrusion which resembled a rubber tire. Its texture and black coloration was similar to the base of its tail. Ash had definitely not seen anything like it before—even Rotom could not identify the creature.
Ash decided to draw closer, his footsteps stirring the sand. Pikachu issued forth a cautious chirp. The young champion, with an exhilarated breath, slowly made his way to the mysterious pokémon, each step deliberate and gentle so as not to startle it. As he drew nearer, he noticed the creature's labored breathing and the way it flinched with every wave that brushed against its scarlet scales. It was clear that the pokémon was injured.
"Hey there," Ash whispered, his eyes entreating the creature to trust him. He wore his winning, welcoming smile on his tanned face, "I'm not trying to hurt you. I want to help."
Remembering the sandwich he had bought earlier at port,Ash slowly reached into his backpack, careful not to make any sudden movements that might frighten the creature. He unwrapped the sandwich—a bit squashed from his fall—and extended it towards the pokémon. The creature's eyes, weary and filled with caution, lit up slightly at the sight of the food. With a tentative sniff and a gentle nudge, it accepted Ash's offering and swallowed the meal in one powerful gulp between its massive jaws.
"Whoa," Ash chuckled, exchanging glances with Pikachu.
As the pokémon ate, the young champion noticed a renewed vigor in its movements. Gradually, it pushed itself up with a powerful huff, its webbed feet digging into the sand. The pokémon seemed to regain some of its strength, enough to stand on its own. Ash and Pikachu watched in awe as the creature, with renewed determination, huffed and began to shake the sand off its scales.
"Alright! Looks like you're already feeling better!" Ash exclaimed towards the large reptile. "Think you can—,"
Suddenly, from above the cliff, a familiar and rather theatrical voice interrupted Ash's sentence.
"Prepare for trouble on these legendary cliffs!" the voice rang out, followed by another, "And make it double cause we're taking you're new friend with us in just a bit!"
Ash looked up, his eyes widening in recognition. Team Rocket, the infamous trio known for their relentless attempts to capture rare and powerful pokémon, stood at the cliff's edge. Jessie, with her fiery red hair, and James, with his calm blue locks, struck dramatic poses, while their loyal yet somewhat befuddled Meowth perched between them.
"Wow, I really can't catch a break with these guys…" Ash sighed, crossing his arms before his chest as he and Pikachu lowered their heads with mild irritation.
"To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie began.
"To unite all peoples within our nation!" James continued.
And they continued in this way until their feline companion chimed in: "Meowth! Dass right!"
Wobbuffet popped out of its pokéball, ready to join the fray, as Jessie and James descended from the cliff, landing with a puff of sand a few meters away from Ash and the mysterious pokémon.
"Who are those people?" Nemona exclaimed, looking onto the scene from the ledge with Brock, "and why are they rhyming?"
"Team Rocket," Brock groaned, his fists clenching, "you won't find a more annoying pair of thugs than those guys."
"Hey! Watch it, Doctor Twerp!" Meowth—having heard the Brock with its feline ears—called back up at the pokémon doctor with a raised fist.
"Yea! And our rhyming is only one way we like to flaunt our superior intelligence over our foes," Jessie grinned sadistically. "Consider it an intimidation tactic."
Nemona exchanged an unimpressed glance with Pawmo.
"Pikachu, get ready!" Ash warned, standing before the reptilian pokémon in a protective manner as Pikachu braced itself, sparks crackling at its cheeks.
Jessie and James, however, were not focused on Pikachu this time. Their eyes fixated on the large, scarlet-scaled pokémon, which had been the catalyst for the trio to expedite their confrontation with "the twerp."
"Look at that pokémon, James!" Jessie exclaimed with a glint in her eye. "It's positively peculiar! The boss will love it!"
"Nice alliteration, Jessie," James praised pompously. "Indeed! A rare and powerful pokémon like this will surely get us a promotion!"
Meowth, never one to miss out on the fun, interjected, "Yeah, so back off twerp, if ya know what's good for ya! And maybe we'll even let Pikachu off da hook."
"Didn't you guys retire?" Ash murmured, scratching the back of his head.
"Yea, but the pension was absolutely dreadful," James sulked and brought a distraught hand to his forehead.
"And I felt I was wasting my talent for drama and intrigue after the first day," Jessie moaned melodramatically.
"Alright well, you guys asked for it," Ash excitedly positioned himself into his signature battle stance. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" he commanded, and Pikachu unleashed a powerful stream of electricity towards the trio.
However, Team Rocket was one step ahead. Just as the attack was about to hit, Jessie and James quickly unveiled their latest contraption: a large, metallic umbrella-like device with a reflective surface, which they opened just in time to deflect Pikachu's Thunderbolt. The attack bounced off the reflective surface, harmlessly dissipating into the air.
"Ha! You think we'd come unprepared?" Jessie taunted, holding the device steady.
"Behold the Reflecto-Umbrella 3000, our latest and greatest invention!" James declared proudly.
Meowth added with a smirk, "And we've got another surprise up our sleeves!"
The Reflecto-Umbrella 3000 not only shielded Team Rocket from the attacks but also seemed to have a secondary function. With a press of a button by James, the device began to emit a strange, hypnotic light, aimed directly at the reptile pokémon.
"Watch and learn, twerp!" Jessie said with a wicked grin. "Our Reflecto-Umbrella 3000 is also a pokémon Hypno-Beam!"
The reptile pokémon, caught in the beam's glow, started to sway slightly, its eyes glazing over as if it was becoming entranced.
Ash, realizing the danger, shouted, "Don't look at it! Cover your eyes!"
But it was too late. The pokémon was already under the beam's spell, its movements becoming sluggish.
"Brock!" Ash called out to his friend up on the cliff. "I need your Marshtomp!"
Brock nodded. In one smooth motion, he retrieved Marshtomp's pokéball and hurled it high in the air towards Ash, who jumped up and caught it with a flourish and a grin.
"Marshtomp, come on out!" Ash yelled, throwing the pokéball. With a burst of light, Marshtomp appeared, landing with a determined stance beside Pikachu.
"Time for a real battle!" Ash declared with a wide grin, his eyes fixed on Team Rocket. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. This was what it was all about. Creating new challenges, meeting new friends, traversing new grounds, protecting pokémon. Man, he'd missed this. He'd even missed Team Rocket following him around everywhere…kind of.
Jessie smiled viciously and with a spin, sent out her own pokemon. "Gourgeist, show them your power!"
James, following suit, finessed a pokeball out of his pocket. "Inkay, it's your time to shine!"
"Alright, then. Pikachu, use Quick Attack on Inkay!" Ash commanded. Pikachu darted forward with incredible speed, aiming straight for Inkay.
"Marshtomp, Mud Shot on Gourgeist and try to hit the machine!" Ash added quickly. The amphibious pokémon gathered clumps of mud in its webbed fingers and launched it with force at Gourgeist.
Gourgeist, with its spectral grace, floated elegantly across the battlefield, deftly evading the Mud Shot attack launched by Marshtomp. The ghostly pokémon, its body a swirling mix of orange and black, mimicking the pattern of a carved pumpkin, moved with a dancer's grace that only added to its ghostly allure. It glided through the air, skillfully avoiding the muddy projectile, and then let out a haunting laugh, a sound that seemed to echo from another world.
"Shadow Ball, Gourgeist!" Jessie commanded with an intense glare. The ghostly pokémon's already haunting visage took on a more focused, ominous expression as it began to harness the dark energy needed for its attack. The air around Gourgeist seemed to grow colder, denser, as if the light itself was being drawn into its form. Suddenly, the ghost-pokemon extended its vine-like arms forward, its slender fingers splayed out as a sphere of pulsating dark energy began to materialize in front of it. The Shadow Ball, swirling with shades of deep purple and black, grew in size, its surface crackling with spectral energy.
"Keep using Mud Shot, Marshtomp, you got this!" Ash shouted over the roar of the attacks, already having predicted the outcome of the battle. It wouldn't go on for much longer.
Crouching slightly, Marshtomp gathered moisture and soil from its surroundings, rapidly churning them together in a display of its natural prowess. The mud at its feet began to swirl and converge, forming a dense, cohesive mass. Marshtomp's powerful legs, well-adapted for both aquatic and terrestrial environments, anchored it stably as it readied its counterattack.
With a forceful thrust of its arms, Marshtomp launched the Mud Shot. The projectile, a compact sphere of mud, shot through the air with surprising velocity. Its trajectory was a direct response to Gourgeist's attack, calculated with precision to intercept the Shadow Ball. As the Mud Shot collided with the Shadow Ball, there was a momentary struggle of opposing forces – the ethereal darkness of the Shadow Ball against the raw, earthen energy of the Mud Shot.
The impact resulted in a spectacular burst, the Shadow Ball's dark energy dispersing into wisps of shadow, while fragments of mud scattered in all directions. Team Rocket's Reflecto-Umbrella 3000 was not spared, and the mud now caked onto the invention blocked the hypnobeam's power on the reptilian pokémon behind Ash.
Meanwhile, Gourgeist, caught off guard by the effectiveness of Marshtomp's Mud Shot, recoiled slightly in the air, its ghostly form flickering as it regained its composure.
Jessie, frustrated but undeterred, shouted angrily to Gourgeist. "Don't let that muddy frog get the best of you, Gourgeist!"
Ash, seeing an opportunity, turned his attention to Pikachu and Inkay
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail on Inkay!" Ash instructed with determination. Pikachu, responding instantly, leapt into the air, its tail glowing with a metallic sheen. With a swift and powerful movement, Pikachu struck Inkay with its Iron Tail, sending the dark and psychic-type pokémon spinning towards the ground.
Inkay, dazed by the powerful hit, struggled to get back up. James, looking worried, called out, "Inkay, try to use Psybeam!" But before Inkay could gather its strength, Pikachu was already poised for another attack.
"Now, Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Ash yelled. Pikachu's cheeks sparked with electricity as it unleashed a fierce bolt of lightning. The Thunderbolt struck Inkay directly, causing it to faint and fall to the ground, unable to continue the battle.
Seeing Inkay defeated, James called it back into its pokéball with a sigh of disappointment, but Ash was not finished.
"Great job! Now, Marshtomp!" Ash swiftly looked towards the remaining pokémon on the field, "Let's finish this! Water Gun!"
Marshtomp, responding instantly to Ash's command, took a deep breath and then unleashed a powerful stream of water from its mouth. The jet of water, clear and forceful, sped towards Gourgeist, who was still recovering from the Mud Shot's impact and hovering before the Reflecto-Umbrella 3000.
Meowth, realizing the peril, frantically tried to reboot the settings on their invention to conjure up another defensive maneuver. But before any of them could fully activate their device, the Water Gun hit its mark. Gourgeist and the machine were engulfed in the deluge, the force of the water pushing it back through the air. The Reflecto-Umbrella 3000 sputtered and sparked, overwhelmed by the intensity of the battle.
Jessie gritted her teeth, watching as Gourgeist struggled against the torrent. "Gourgeist, punch through that ugly toad's stream!"
Gourgeist, demonstrating its resilience, managed to partly push through the water, though it was clear that the ghost-type was in peril.
On the sidelines, Meowth, his eyes wide with concern, muttered, "Dis ain't looking good, guys..."
"Now's our chance!" Ash exclaimed, raising a fist and grinning at Pikachu, "Pikachu, combine a Thunderbolt with that Water Gun and take them out!"
The air crackled with electric energy as Pikachu released a thunderous bolt straight towards the stream of water from Marshtomp. The combination of electricity and water created a powerful conduit, amplifying Pikachu's Thunderbolt exponentially. The electric current surged through the stream, heading straight for Gourgeist and the Reflecto-Umbrella 3000.
Jessie and James watched in horror as the electrified water engulfed Gourgeist, causing it to cry out before being overwhelmed by the force of the attack. The pokémon was flushed back towards the group and Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbufet found themselves pinned against their machine. The Reflecto-Umbrella 3000, already weakened from previous assaults, stood no chance against this combined onslaught. The device fizzled, sparked, and finally exploded in a spectacular display of lights and smoke.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Jessie, James, and Meowth cried in unison with Wobbufet and Gourgist following as the force of the explosion and the shockwave from the combined attack sent them all soaring through the air, disappearing into the horizon with their signature twinkle.
Ash gave a crooked smile as he looked on, his hands on his hips. He really had oddly missed those three. The young champion then turned his attention as Pikachu and Marshtomp high-fived each other, celebrating their victory with joyful cheers.
Brock and Nemona, having witnessed the battle from the cliff, waved their arms in celebration. "Well, looks like you're blasting them off with more style," Brock said with a small smile, impressed.
Nemona, her eyes shining with excitement, added, "What a powerful combination attack! That was some teamwork!"
A crowd of trainers and locals had also gathered on the cliff and began to cheer and clap with enthusiasm.
Ash, a bit nonplussed by the applause, almost forgot about the huge creature behind him until it issued forth a powerful huff. The reptile pokémon, now having regained its full sense of consciousness, began moving stalwartly past Ash and towards the mouth of a large cavern on the beach.
"H-Hey!" Ash called out to him. He quickly returned Marstomp to its pokéball and extended an arm for Pikachu to climb before running after the powerful creature. "Wait up!"
The scarlet reptile half turned in subtle acknowledgement of the young champion but continued on at a hurried, yet limping, pace.
"Uh, don't follow it!" Nemona cried from the cliff, clearly unsettled by Ash's decision, "That pokémon could be dangerous!"
"I have to agree with Nemona on this one," Brock added in a raised voice. "Let it go!"
Ash hesitated. He had to admit that the creature did look dangerous. Very dangerous. But it was also hurt, and Ash couldn't stand aside without making sure the pokémon was going to be okay. That just wouldn't be him.
"Let's follow it, Pikachu!" Ash decided and his partner let out a confident, affirmative chirp. Darkness soon swelled around them as they pursued the powerful reptile into the inlet grotto.
One month prior...
Gloire City Castle, Kalos
A young lemon-haired girl, around nine-years-old, quickly glanced around the theater as the lights began to dim. She tapped the cushioned armrest of her seat with mild anxiety, her pale eyes shooting towards the various entrances to the enormous space. Darkness soon enveloped the audience and the sound of Monsieur Pierre's accented voice began to reverberate from the grand stage.
"Where is he?" The girl asked irritably. A small mouse-like pokémon perched atop her head appeared to shrug, indicating that it was just as bemused as herself. "It's starting! He's going to—,"
"Bonnie! I apologize, but I was delayed," a young man with an unmistakable aura of intellect and enthusiasm hurried towards her. He was a figure of both inventiveness and awkward charm with a vivid shade of blond hair similar to Bonnie's, which was neatly combed to the side, giving him a tidy and thoughtful appearance. He wore a pair of large, round glasses that magnified his expressive blue eyes, eyes that always seemed to sparkle with curiosity and a hint of perpetual surprise. Currently, he wore a blue and gray suit for the occasion at hand, which Bonnie thought was quite the juxtaposition compared to his typical yellow and blue jumpsuit lined with various pockets and attachments filled with all manner of gadgets and tools. He was slightly out of breath, his cheeks flushed with the rush of his hurried arrival. ""I was working on a new invention and lost track of time," the young man panted, taking his seat beside Bonnie.
"What could you have possibly been working on, Clemont?" Bonnie whispered a fierce huff, adjusting her dress so that her older brother did not sit on any of her pretty ruffles. Her companion, the small mouse-like pokémon Dedenne, hopped from her head to her lap, watching Clemont with a curious gaze.
"Funny you should ask!" Clemont exclaimed, which immediately caused him to be shushed by the crowd. He continued in a hushed, yet excited voice. Out of thin air, it seemed, the young inventor procured a pair of atrocious, mechanical binoculars. "I call it the Binoculars that Predict the Statistics for Performance Victory based on Appeal, Choreography, and—"
"Zip it, Clemont! It's starting!" Bonnie gushed, bringing her hands to her face and kicking her feet with exultation, "The Master Class is starting!"
It began with a dazzling display of lights and music. The grand stage, already an impressive sight, transformed into a spectacular arena of color and sound. Bright, vibrant spotlights danced across the stage, intertwining with the rhythmic beats of the music, setting an electrifying atmosphere that captivated the entire audience. At the center of the stage stood Monsieur Pierre, the esteemed host, his presence commanding and charismatic. He was dressed in a flamboyant outfit that sparkled under the stage lights, his voice booming and full of excitement as he introduced the event: "Ladies and gentlemen, trainers and pokémon enthusiasts, welcome to ze pokémon Master Class! Prepare to be amazed by ze most talented trainers and zheir pokémon as zhey showcase zheir skills in a battle of beauty, grace, and strategy!"
As he spoke, the backdrop of the stage changed, displaying vivid images of pokémon and trainers who had previously excelled in the Master Class, their moments of triumph immortalized in dynamic, larger-than-life graphics. The crowd's anticipation built to a fever pitch, their cheers and applause filling the theater. Upon the sight of one image—the image of a familiar golden-haired trainer side-by-side with her Delphox—Bonnie and Dedenne shrieked with exuberance.
"Here, we weel crown ze Kalos Queen!" Monsieur Pierre announced and a roar erupted from the crowd. He twirled his golden baton with a flourish. "Weel it be a new up and coming performer ready to fulfill zheir dream?" And brilliant spotlights illuminated half of the stage, where a line of pokémon performers posed in dazzling gowns alongside their pokémon. "Or weel it be," Monsieur Pierre continued grandiosely, "Our. Reigning. Monarch! Serena!"
The crowd's reaction was instantaneous and thunderous, a wave of excitement and admiration sweeping through the theater as Monsieur Pierre teased the arrival of the performance monarch. People of all ages, from wide-eyed children clutching their pokémon plushies to seasoned pokémon trainers, leaned forward in their seats, their anticipation palpable in the air. Bonnie and Dedenne were no exception; they clung to each other, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
As the name "Serena" echoed through the grand hall, the spotlight shifted, revealing her standing regally at the other end of the stage. She embodied grace and beauty, her presence alone silencing the crowd momentarily before they erupted into even louder cheers and applause. An exquisite, flowing dress shimmering with every hue of the setting sun, clung flatteringly to her matured figure, and complimented the honey-gold hair cascading down to her shoulders. While the crowd roared, she allowed a confident, yet humble smile to sparkle on her lips.
Serena's pokémon, Delphox, stood beside her, equally majestic and poised. The pokémon's mystical aura and fiery, sleek fur added an dreamy charm to the duo's appearance. Together, they were a sight of perfect harmony and shared strength.
The stage lights danced around Serena, casting ethereal patterns that highlighted her natural beauty and the mesmerizing grace of her movements. As she took her place center stage, the audience was captivated, hanging on to her every gesture. Serena's eyes shone with a blend of gratitude and determination.
"Oh my Arceus, she is PERFECT," Bonnie bawled, hugging Dedenne so tightly the pokémon chirped in discomfort.
Clemont only chuckled and began focusing his binoculars onto the stage.
Throughout the preliminary rounds, Serena blew through the competition with a seamless blend of style and skill. With Delphox, she executed a fiery and intricate dance that mesmerized the audience, the flames from Delphox's wand-like tail weaving around them in a stunning display of control and beauty. Each movement was a testament to their synchrony and years of training, leaving the crowd utterly spellbound. When Sylveon, who seemed to appear from the embers of Delphox's blaze, pounced upon the stage, the environment softened and transformed into a dreamlike realm. Sylveon's ribbons glowed with a gentle light, moving in harmony with Serena's choreography. Their performance was a masterclass in elegance, each twirl and leap executed with a delicate grace that captivated the hearts of everyone watching. It was as if they were watching a story unfold, one that spoke of the deep bond between Serena and her pokémon.
Finally, Pancham jumped and bounded from ribbon to ribbon, lively and playful and charming. It was a performance that brought smiles and cheers from the audience, a perfect display of Serena's versatility as a trainer and performer.
As each round concluded, the crowd erupted in applause, their enthusiasm echoing through the grand hall. Bonnie, still holding Dedenne, looked on with wide eyes filled with admiration and inspiration, while Clemont, though busy with his binoculars, couldn't help but be impressed by the reigning Kalos Queen.
"Her statistics are through the roof! She's certainly—,"
And a spark.
And then a mild explosion.
Clemont's soot covered face and watery eyes looked through the remains of his gadget. He coughed and nearby members of the audience began to boo and throw crumbled popcorn bags at him.
Bonnie buried her face in her hands. "I can't take you anywhere."
As the Master Class entered its final round, the excitement in the grand hall reached its peak. The competition had narrowed down to three exceptional performers, each vying for the coveted chance to challenge the reigning Kalos Queen, Serena. The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation as the audience prepared to witness a display of ultimate pokémon performance artistry.
"Hey! Shauna made it to the finals!" Bonnie clapped, pointing to the brunette performer and her Ivysaur.
"Indeed! It seems she is Serena's biggest competition," Clemont noted, crossing his arms before his blackened suit. He smirked and pushed his glasses further onto the bridge of his nose. "But I fear that her statistical odds are still low."
It was Shauna who would compete against Serena in the finals.
The grand hall buzzed with a galvanizing energy as the two finalists took the stage, each determined to showcase the pinnacle of their talent.
Shauna, with a determined sparkle in her green eyes, was the first to perform. She called upon her Ivysaur, known for its robust vitality and strength. Ivysaur's Magic Leaf and Sweet Scent filled the air like a viridescent blizzard, setting the stage for Shauna's graceful dance. The pair swayed in flawless unison, a harmonious blend of strength and beauty, earning a wave of cheers and applause from the audience.
With a graceful gesture, Shauna then summoned her Flabébé, adding an air of delicate charm to the stage. Flabébé's Fairy Wind twirled around Shauna, creating a magical scene that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale. Ivysaur's leaves continue to twinkle like green stars along the Flabébé's dream-like breeze, leaving the audience captivated by the enchanting display.
The stage was set for a grand finale, and Serena, with her companions, floated onto center stage.
Bonnie could hardly breathe. "Go Serena!"
As the music started, Delphox took the center stage, its mystical flames glowing brightly. Delphox began with a series of elegant, fiery twirls, its wand-like tail igniting controlled flames that danced around the stage in mesmerizing patterns. The fire created a dramatic backdrop, setting the tone for a performance that promised to captivate and enchant.
Then, Pancham leaped into the scene, adding a playful yet powerful energy to the performance. Pancham's martial arts-inspired movements, characterized by powerful stances and swift, precise strikes, contrasted beautifully with Delphox's graceful flame control. The little panda pokémon moved around Delphox, dodging and weaving through the flames, creating a dynamic interplay of fire and agility.
At this moment, Sylveon glided onto the scene, its ribbon-like feelers flowing ethereally. The appearance of Sylveon added a layer of elegance and tranquility, its Fairy Wind twirling around the fiery spectacle and Pancham's dynamic movements. Sylveon's presence seemed to tame the flames and guide Pancham's energy, weaving a tapestry of serenity around the fiery dynamism and playful martial arts.
The climax of the performance saw all three pokémon combining their abilities in a stunning tableau. Delphox's flames rose and fell in rhythm with the music, while Pancham performed a series of acrobatic flips and kicks, each movement accentuated by the flickering fire. At the same time, Sylveon danced around them both, its ribbons intertwining with the flames and Pancham's movements, creating a beautiful harmony of fire, grace, and strength.
As the performance reached its crescendo, Delphox unleashed a magnificent burst of flame, followed by a Dazzling Gleam; Pancham executed a powerful spinning kick, and Sylveon enveloped them both in a swirl of glowing ribbons, culminating in a spectacular finale that left the audience breathless and spellbound.
"Now eez ze time we have all been waiting' for!" Monsieur Pierre announced, removing his glittering, white top hat and waving it towards Serena and Shauna in a show of respect and admiration. "Kalos! Who eez your queen?"
Finally, the time came for the audience to cast their votes with their Glowcasters. The tension was palpable as the votes were tallied. And then the pressure released.
Serena had won.
Again.
Alright, so hope you bore with me for this foundation chapter. The Team Rocket battle goes about the way you would have expected, but I think it's important to establish their rhythm in the story. I hope you noticed that they were really no match for Ash. Therefore, we'll see more exciting battles later on.
Also, Serena makes her entrance. We just sort of see her doing her thing, and clearly she has become Kalos Queen. Important to establish. Her career as a coordinator will be addressed soon, but I wanted to establish her as an accomplished entertainer—just as the anime had done.
We will return to Goh in the next chapter.
Have a great weekend!