These last couple of weeks have been hectic. It all began the moment Ash's Hawlucha discovered a pokemon Egg. All of our pokemon companions, formed a tight-knit circle around the precious Egg, determined to keep it warm and safe. Among the pokemon lending their assistance, Fletchinder, with his fiery wings, stood out as a particularly helpful companion. The blazing feathers emitted a comforting warmth, ensuring the Egg's temperature remained stable. It was as if Fletchinder had taken it upon himself to protect the Egg as if it were his own.
Moments later, the Egg began to crack, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. Bonnie's eyes sparkled with joy as a cute little Noibat emerged from the shell. Eager to explore his newfound freedom, the tiny Dragon/Flying-type attempted to fly immediately but struggled to stay afloat. His wings flapped clumsily, unable to harness the wind's power effectively. In that moment, Hawlucha, always the gallant warrior, took it upon himself to mentor the young Noibat. With his experience and grace in the skies, Hawlucha sought to teach Noibat the art of flight. The duo embarked on aerial training sessions, with Ash adding his two-cents, showcasing his expertise, while Noibat eagerly followed suit, determined to grasp the secrets of flight.
Our group, including Bonnie, Serena, Riley, Max, Gary, and I, watched with bated breath, silently rooting for Noibat's success. Each training session brought incremental improvements, as Noibat began to understand the mechanics of gliding and riding the currents. It was a heartwarming sight to witness the growing bond between Ash, Noibat, Fletchinder, and Hawlucha, as the latter patiently guided the former on his path to mastery.
Meanwhile, our group's attention was caught by three remarkable pokemon streaking across the sky. Their speed was awe-inspiring, and we soon learned that they were heading towards the Pokemon Sky Relay, an exhilarating aerial race. The race consisted of three-member teams of flying pokemon competing against each other, and our team was suddenly presented with an opportunity. Enter Ornithol, a wise elderly gentleman, who offered his expertise in the Sky Relay. It was a stroke of luck that Ash happened to have three flying pokemon at his disposal- though, the real number still had me speechless. What generalist has that many pokemon of a same type?!
Excitement filled the air as we agreed to collaborate with Ornithol, determined to make the most of this unexpected chance. As the Sky Relay commenced, Noibat's initial performance was a bit lackluster, struggling to keep up with the speed and agility of his opponents. However, he managed a clean flight and to hand in the ring to Hawlucha. We were so proud of him!
Hawlucha's unwavering dedication and skill became evident during the second leg, as it soared through the skies, narrowing the distance between our team and the frontrunners. The climax of the race arrived when Fletchinder, who had been pushing his limits throughout the relay, surprised us all by evolving into a majestic Talonflame. His fiery wings grew even more magnificent, symbolizing his growth and determination. With a burst of newfound power, Talonflame surged forward, seizing victory for our team in a breathtaking display of speed and perseverance.
In that moment, the entire group erupted in joyous cheers, applauding the efforts of our flying pokemon and celebrating our triumph together. It was a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the incredible bonds we shared with our pokemon companions. As I reflect on those exhilarating moments, I can't help but feel a swell of pride for our team and the indomitable spirit that led us to victory. Together, we had witnessed the birth of a fledgling flyer, overcome challenges, and embraced the thrill of competition in the skies. It was a memory I would forever cherish, a tale of determination and growth that reinforced the bonds that tied us all together as a team.
But that was not even the beginning of our exciting days. After the relay we stumbled upon an astonishing sight: the largest gathering of Pikachu we had ever encountered. To our surprise, these Pikachu resided within the vast expanse of Frank's estate. Frank, a passionate film director with an unwavering love for Pikachu, had nurtured this remarkable community of electric rodents. It was during this unexpected encounter that Frank unveiled his lifelong dream: to create a blockbuster movie showcasing a group of Pikachu residing in the enchanting Pikachuland. The storyline revolved around their valiant efforts to defend their town against the malevolent Pikachu Libre, with the heroic Super Pikachu emerging as their savior. To our astonishment, Frank believed that Ash's Pikachu was the perfect fit to portray this iconic superhero.
Of course, we wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to be part of the film's production. With enthusiasm, we delved into every aspect of making the movie, from crafting an engaging script to lending our voices for the characters through voice acting. We even found ourselves deeply involved in creating costumes and makeup, ensuring that each Pikachu stood out in their unique roles. Blackie made sure to keep all the female Pikachu in line and Ash did not stop teasing Pikachu for his sudden role in a movie, Ash's Lucario soon joined Ash in the teasing. Pikachu had after all, made sure to tease the two of them for their roles in Champion Diantha's new action movie.
This was pure payback from the aura duo!
Serena, our talented companion, took it upon herself to capture the behind-the-scenes moments with her camera, diligently chronicling every step of the production. Through her lens, she revealed the camaraderie, the laughter, and the occasional bloopers that made the experience all the more memorable. It was a joyous collaboration, with each member of our group bringing their unique talents and perspectives to the table. Finally, the day arrived when the completed movie was unveiled to the world. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life. The audience was treated to a thrilling adventure, complete with dazzling action sequences, heartfelt moments, and a brilliant portrayal of Super Pikachu by Ash's Pikachu. The film showcased the bravery, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the Pikachu community, captivating the hearts of viewers young and old.
As the credits rolled and the cheers erupted from the audience, we knew that we had achieved something extraordinary. The film, accompanied by a delightful blooper reel and Serena's masterfully crafted behind-the-scenes documentary, was a resounding success. It was a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and the boundless imagination that permeated every frame.
With smiles of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, our group continued towards our next adventure. Which compared to the previous two was quite tamer. We decided to take an exciting detour from our way to Dendemille Town, for a visit to the one-and-only Poke Ball Factory! I had so much fun listening to the tour guide, Gary too! Of course, we got an official tour, we were with Ash Ketchum, The Saint!
Still, with all the detours and turns, we finally made it to Dendemille Town! And it was Serena's moment. Because it was Dendemille Town's Rookie Showcase! My heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and nervousness, for my friend. She will win this time!
The air was thick with excitement as Pierre announced that the Showcase would commence with a Poke Puff bake-off, where only one out of three participants in each group would advance to the next round. My mind raced with thoughts of strategy and the intense competition that lay ahead. Gena, the Pokemon Connoisseur, Santo, and Showcase Expert Delilah would be the judges, scrutinizing every detail of the participants' creations. It was Miette who took the stage first, wasting no time in utilizing Slurpuff's keen senses to select the perfect ingredients. With the help of Meowstic's psychic abilities, she skillfully mixed the ingredients, showcasing her expertise in a mesmerizing display of culinary artistry. As the round came to a close, the judges eagerly sampled the Poke Puffs created by Miette, Santo's Mime Jr., Gena's Jigglypuff, and Delilah's Furfrou. It was a moment filled with anticipation as the judges deliberated. My heart swelled with admiration as Miette was declared the winner, her skill and creativity shining through in her delectable creation.
With a determined expression, Serena came out to the stage, dressed in the stunning attire she had received from Valerie, was poised and ready to showcase her skills. She assigned Pancham to mixing, Braixen to baking, and Vivillon to delicately add the delicious Pollen Puff to the mixture. I watched intently as she recalled all the hours of practice we had dedicated to baking Pokee Puffs for our pokemon companions. Each step was executed with precision and confidence, showcasing Serena's growth and commitment to her craft. As the round drew to a close, the judges' comments filled the air, acknowledging the excellent performances of all three participants. The decision would undoubtedly be a challenging one. Yet, the judges' words about Serena's ingenious use of Pollen Puff filled me with hope. A flicker of excitement ignited within me as the realization dawned that Serena was being propelled to the lead. The tension was palpable, and the room seemed to hold its breath. When Pierre announced Serena as the winner, a surge of joy rushed through me, through all of us. I even saw the composed Gary Oak shout in cheer!
But that was only the beginning. This was the round, Serena had failed in before. The performance round...
I waited with a baited breath as more performers came and went. As the Dendemille Showcase reached its climax, I watched with bated breath as Miette took the stage. Her performance was a spectacle to behold, as Meowstic gracefully lifted Slurpuff into the air with Psychic, enveloping them in a captivating swirl of Cotton Spore. The sparkly dust cascaded around her, creating an enchanting aura that mesmerized the audience. I couldn't help but comment on Miette's showmanship, appreciating the finesse and creativity she brought to her act.
However, Bonnie, ever the spirited supporter of our dear friend Serena, quickly pointed out Serena's remarkable talent. My gaze shifted towards the stage, where Serena's performance was about to commence. With a sense of anticipation, I watched as Serena began her routine, her graceful dance with Pancham. Purple sparkles scattered around them as Pancham unleashed Dark Pulse, casting an ethereal glow that danced in the air. Braixen, with a flourish of elegance, summoned pillars of fire, encircling them with a majestic blend of flames and sparkles.
The crowd held their breath, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before their eyes. The Stone Edge attack from Pancham shattered into an explosion of more dazzling sparkles, serving as a platform for Braixen to showcase her acrobatic prowess. The collision of Dark Pulse and Flamethrower served as the grand finale, a culmination of power and beauty. Vivillon, in a graceful display, added the final touch with Psychic, tying the performance together seamlessly.
As the Showcase drew to a close, Pierre, the host, requested the audience to vote for their favorite contestant. Excitement and anticipation filled the air, mingling with the collective cheers of our group as our votes joined those of the audience. The support for Serena was overwhelming, a testament to the impact she had made on everyone's hearts. She had grown so much from the little girl that had challenged her mother against becoming a racer but did not know what to do with her life. Yet, here she is, pursuing her dreams with unwavering determination. The weight of those memories hung in the air, underscoring the significance of this moment. Serena opened her eyes, greeted by a stream of votes pouring in her favor. Miette, too, appeared surprised by the overwhelming support she had received.
Pierre's voice boomed through the venue, declaring Serena as the winner of the Dendemille Showcase. The joy that radiated from Serena and her pokemon was infectious, spreading through the crowd and igniting a chorus of cheers and applause. The pride and happiness that swelled within me were indescribable. Our dear friend had emerged victorious, she won her first Princess Key! I beamed as Serena held her Princess Key close to her heart, with tears in her eyes, as her pokemon surrounded her. She had been amazing!
Ash had taken us all for dinner that night, to celebrate Serena's success. Celebrate we did, though our joy was short lived. As the next morning Ash was gone, with a message that he had a dire ranger mission to go to.
What in Xerneas name had happened?
