Chapter 40

Tag Team Inspiration

It has been a long journey so far with many ups and downs. While it was still far from over, we had finally arrived in Anistar City. This would be the location of our next Gym Challenge, where Ash and I would earn our seventh Kalos Gym Badges… and hopefully a new Pure Heart.

But first, Serena would be entering into the local Pokémon Showcase. After recovering at the Pokémon Center, we all went out back to watch Serena's dress rehearsal. Serena's Eevee watched from beside Ash's Pikachu. As they finished, the rest of us applauded. "That was awesome, Serena!" Ash commented.

"Yeah! You're so cool!" Bonnie added.

"Looks like you're all set for tomorrow," James commented.

Serena wiped the sweat from her brow. "I wish, but not yet. That is, if I want to perform as well as Aria." Eevee then came over and brushed against her ankles. "Thank you, Eevee. Make sure you watch tomorrow's Showcase. We're gonna win for you, then we'll perform together next time."

Suddenly, Clemont's Quilladin emerged from his PokéBall on his own. It seemed he wanted to show his support to Eevee, but all he wound up doing was making her uncomfortable. His trainer came over to reign him in. "Come on, Quilladin. You don't want to scare her."

"I'm sure Eevee will get used to things soon," Serena commented. She then looked to her boyfriend's partner. "I'm glad you're here, Pikachu. Eevee's much more relaxed with you around."

"Pikachu!" The yellow one chirped in thanks.

"There you are!" A familiar voice called out. Across the battlefield, we saw Tierno waving at us. His Pokémon partner retracted into his shell and spun on his back. Tierno then jumped up and hand walked atop his belly as they breezed over to us. "How's it going, guys? Long time no see!"

"Great to see you again, Tierno," I replied and looked at his partner. "I see your Wartortle evolved." At that moment, Dexter analyzed the big one.

Blastoise
The Shellfish Pokémon
A Water-type
Squirtle's final evolved form
Blastiose's heavy body weight can leave opponents unable to battle. It retreats into its shell only when necessary.

"You bet!" said Tierno with pride. "We've been practicing our rhythmic battle routines ever since."

Tierno then looked around. "Huh… they're not here yet?"

"'They' who?" Cocoa asked.

"Looks like Tierno wins," another voice called out. We looked to our right to see Shauna and her partner coming over. She ran over and greeted her Showcase rival. "Serena! How've you been?"

"I'm great!" she replied. "Are you going to be in the Showcase?"

"Sure am! Looks like we're in for some heated performances tomorrow!"

"Yay! Can't wait!" Magearna commented.

Dexter hovered over. "Shauna's Bulbasaur evolved, too!" He displayed the data on his screen.

Ivysaur
The Seed Pokémon
A Grass and Poison-type
As Ivysaur takes in nutrients, a large flower blooms from the bulb on its back.

"I saw your performance in the Dendemille Showcase," Shauna commented. "So you're Fennekin evolved into a Braixen?"

"Yes, but that's not all that's happened since then." Serena then carefully picked up her most recent catch. "I also caught an Eevee. She's kinda shy, so try not to discomfort her."

"She's so cute!" She commented. "I'm so jealous. You have so many performance possibilities, depending on how you raise her!"

"Possibilities?"

"Yeah! Eevee can evolve into one of many evolved forms, and you can use that potential in so many ways. For example, she evolved into Flareon, a Fire-type, you can do awesome fiery performances with Braixen. Or if she became Umbreon, a Dark-type, it can make quite the combination with Solsol. That's just for starters."

Serena smiled. "I never thought of it that way. That's amazing!" Her Eevee smiled with her.

*Serena's POV*

We all went inside the Pokémon Center for a bite to eat. As we enjoyed our lunch, we exchanged current events between each other. "So how's Trevor doing?" asked James. "We haven't seen him since Mount Molteau."

"He's doing okay," Tierno explained. "The plan was for us to meet here together, but he found another Pokémon for his photo album, so he's chasing after it."

"That's Trevor all right…" Ash commented. "I'd like to know what kind of Pokémon he's looking for."

"So, Ash, I take it you're challenging the Anistar Gym next?" Tierno asked and the Kantonian confirmed. "I gotta warn you, the Gym Leader is pretty tough. I lost against her."

"Really…" Ash replied. "What kind of battle is it like?"

"Well, her specialty is Psychic-type Pokémon, but… um, it's kind of hard to explain."

Ash could see Tierno looked troubled about explaining. "On second thought, I'll find out for myself. I'll just let it be a surprise."

"Good idea. Much better."

As we were talking, Pikachu brought Eevee a PokéPuff. He took a step back as she tried it out with a smile. All the while, Quilladin was holding one himself. One could tell he wanted to eat it, but for once, he held the urge back. He came over to Eevee and presented it to her, but his approach scared her into my lap.

Quilladin wanted to try again, but Bonnie stopped him. "Quilladin you stay right here." Feeling defeated the Grass-type swallowed his treat whole.

"Eevee sure is shy," Shauna commented. "Is she gonna be in the Showcase?"

I shook her head. "My hope is that she'll be in the next one."

"I see… but lots of people always show up, so she might get too nervous."

"She does have a point," Jessie commented. "She's not all that comfortable around us."

"But Eevee knows how to dance beautifully," I told them. "I wish you could see it."

Ash placed a soothing hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure Eevee's gonna keep working really hard. And before you know it, she'll be performing her dance with everyone."

Meowth raised his paw. "I approached her earlier this week, slowly, mind you, and she seemed just fine."

This gave us an idea.

Several of our Pokémon were lined up against the wall. Eevee looked at them all nervously. I placed a comforting hand on her head. "It's okay… just try reaching out to them little by little. I know you can do it."

"You should get used to others at your own pace," Ash added. "Then, it won't be too long before you're comfortable with everyone."

Then Ash's Pikachu placed a comforting hand on her back. "Pika Pikachu…" he said with a smile. With his and Serena's support, Eevee pushed herself toward the others.

This made Tierno curious. "Why is Eevee so comfortable with Pikachu?" he asked.

"No one knows but them," Clemont answered.

First, Eevee approached Clemont's Dedenne. The little one chirped happily, which startled her. "Eevee! Shh!" Bonnie told him. She gave him orders to stay still. Anyway, Eevee stopped inches away. She tried to reach out with her paw, but then she brushed her tail against his cheek instead. That still made him happy though.

One by one, Eevee did the exact same thing to the Pokémon who lined up for her. She proceeded with Frogadier, then Meowth, and Cocoa. There were only two Pokémon left in line - Dexter, and Clemont's Quilladin. The little brown one approached the Rotom. She was just about to ready her tail when suddenly…

"WACHOO!"

This sudden sternutation frightened Eevee, and she ran behind Serena's boots, quivering. All of us were disappointed for Eevee's sake. Especially poor Quilladin - he was not even given the chance.

Brianna looked at Dexter with surprise. "I didn't know you could sneeze…"

"Do I have a virus?" he asked himself.

"I think this is gonna take a little time…" Shauna commented. I could not help but agree as I looked at my Eevee with worry.

"Can you guys excuse us for a minute?" I asked with a smile. I then picked Eevee up and walked across the room. All of my Pokémon joined me. "Eevee? Was it too much for you? Does performing in front of so many people make you scared? Because you don't have to do it if you don't want to."

She shook her head violently. "Eevee! Eevee vee vee vee! Eeevee vee! Eevee!"

Even though there were no translators around, I believe I knew what she was trying to say. "Really? Does that mean you want to dance?" She smiled and rubbed her head against my palm. "Thank you so much!"

As we were speaking, the PokéVision Channel came up on a monitor nearby. They had just gotten to their number one pick for the week - and this time, it was Aria and her Delphox.

I showed Eevee the footage. "Do you know who she is?" I asked. "That's Aria, the Top Idol of Kalos. I want to be just like her. I even got to meet her once before, and she taught me something really important which I'll always remember."

"Eevee?"

"A Pokémon Performer always has to wear a wonderfully radiant smile. That's how you make your audience happy. And because of her friendship and guidance, Braixen was able to evolve from a Fennekin."

I then had another idea. I brought the idea up to the rest of my friends, who were a little surprised.

"A battle?" Shauna asked.

I nodded. "To help with Eevee's confidence. I figured if she could do well in a battle against other Pokémon, he might be brave enough to dance around on stage."

"That sounds like fun," Ash commented. "Count me in, too!"

"How about a Tag Team Battle?" Shauna suggested. "Serena and I, against… how does Ash and Tierno sound?"

"I'm game!" Tierno agreed.

"Sounds awesome!" Ash added.

"Works for me." I then looked at my newest partner. "Would you like to be my battling partner, Eevee? We might get some good performances out of this."

"Vee Vee!" she purred.

*Brianna's POV*

In no time at all, we had all returned outside for the Tag Battle. The two boys and girls made their way to opposite ends of the battlefield, Clemont walked across to the side opposite the Pokémon Center. He would be acting as referee, per the norm. The rest of us sat at the tables to watch and cheer.

"Trainers will have the use of one Pokémon each," Clemont called out, "and the battle will be decided when both Pokémon from either side are unable to continue!"

"Remember, Eevee," I heard Serena tell her partner, "you're battling with me, so you're not alone!" The little one made her way onto the field with Shauna's Ivysaur. Meanwhile, Pikachu and Blastoise entered for the boys team.

"All right, battle begin!" Clemont called out.

Serena & Shauna VS Ash & Clemont
Eevee & Ivysaur VS Pikachu & Blastoise
Battle BEGIN!

"Let's do it, Pikachu! Electro Ball!" I knew Ash would make the first move.

And apparently, so did Shauna. "Ivysaur, use Energy Ball!" A green sphere formed from its mouth, which he launched at Pikachu's Electro Ball. The two spheres collided and neutralized each other, and the two Trainers complimented each other on their strategy.

Tierno grinned. "Hey, hey, hey! Now, time for our rhythmic battle style! Rapid Spin!" Blastoise retracted into his shell and spun at a furious speed towards Eevee.

"Use Protect!" Her Trainer called out. A teal translucent force field appears around her body, repelling Blastoise.

"Hey, not bad!" Tierno complimented.

Shauna made the next move. "Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!" Multiple leaves emerged from the Grass-type's bulb, and launched at the Shellfish Pokémon. The big one bounced around the battlefield in evasion.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash's partner charged his attack and aimed at Eevee.

"Dodge it, quick!" Serena called out. Intimidated, she tripped over her own feet and was unable to move away in time.

Thankfully, Ivysaur was swift enough to counter with Razor Leaf.. "That was close. Are you okay, Eevee?"

"Looks like it," Serena sighed in relief. "Thanks a lot, Shauna."

"You can do it, Eevee!" Magearna shouted in support.

"All the way!" Bonnie added. All of our Pokémon cheered in addition, and that seemed to give her some extra confidence.

Then Serena got her Eevee's attention. "This is what battling is all about. Like it?" The little one squeaked in affirmation.

"There's no way we're done yet!" said Tierno as he and Blastoise started to dance simultaneously. "Blastoise, get in close and use Water Gun." The giant tortoise grooved in closely and aimed one of its shoulder cannons at Eevee.

"Now, Eevee!" As Serena called out to her, Eevee jumped over Blastoise and avoided the attack. She then began to move about the battlefield just as she did the day we found her. This almost made Blastoise lose his balance.

"It's true! She dances so gracefully!" Shauna complimented her human partner.

"Thanks, and we're just getting started!" Serena replied.

That little distraction bought Ash a little time. "Use Iron Tail!" he commanded, and Pikachu landed an attack on Ivysaur. "The battle's still going on! Eyes on the prize!"

"Duly noted. Vine Whip!" A pair of vines stretched out from Ivysaur's back and tried at Pikachu, but he jumped out of the way.

"Blastoise, keep up with the quick rhythm!" Tierno said to Blastoise, who was starting to catch up with Eevee's light feet.

"Eevee, quick! Use Swift!" The brown one performed a multitude of backflips and launched a series of star-shaped projectiles at Blastoise. They made contact, though it was not enough to knock the big one down completely.

"That Eevee's really something…" Tierno commented. "She totally countered all of our rhythm tactics!"

"Hard to believe this is Eevee's first battle," Ash added.

But before another move could be made… "I forfeit!" Serena exclaimed with a smile.

Everyone was confused. "Serena?" I asked.

"That move just now," she explained. "It gave me an idea for a new performance. I want to practice right away! I'm sorry, though. I'm the one who asked you all to battle after all."

Ash chuckled. "Well, if it's for something that important, go and give it all you got!"

"He's right," Shauna added. "If you think it'll help you out with the Showcase, you should do it."

"I'd be willing to step in for you," I commented.

"Thanks, guys. Eevee, everyone, let's go rehearse!" She left for somewhere else, and her Pokémon followed.

Then, quite to our surprise, Shauna had the exact same idea. "We should work on our performance as well. Serena won't get a jump on us." She and Ivysaur left in another direction.

Then Cocoa and I took their places. We could use a little training with our Mega Evolution anyway… "Keystone/Mega Stone, grant us the power we need! Beyond evolution… MEGA EVOLVE!"

Thanks to today's battle, Serena has thought of a new way to improve her Anistar City Showcase performance. Will she be able to win her second Princess Key with Eevee's help? Will it go to Shauna and Ivysaur? Or someone else? The exciting answer to come as the journey continues…