Notes:
Hello~
Sorry for the week's delay. I always write on my phone, so it's not always very optimal at the moment.
I hope everything will be restored on my side next week!
While waiting to catch up, I will deliver a new chapter next week! I thank everyone again for your comments and suggestions despite the wait!
It spoke a lot about Serena, good coincidence with this new chapter!
On that note, have a good day!
Call unavailable.
Serena stood backstage at the stadium, checking her phone for the umpteenth time, waiting for a message or call that hadn't arrived. She'd been waiting for half an hour, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person she'd been most looking forward to seeing—Ash. He had promised to be there for the opening ceremony, but now Serena was starting to wonder if something had happened. Deep down, she knew how unpredictable his life could be—always off on some adventure. It was part of what made him so charming, yet moments like this were tough. Unpredictable, spontaneous… yet reliable when it mattered, but today, that charm left her feeling deflated.
"Ash..."
The hum of the crowd buzzed in her ears, and the lights flickered above, reminding her of the contest ahead. She had worked hard to reach this point—a respected Coordinator in her own right. But right now, it all felt distant.
Her fingers gripped the silky fabric of her dress as she took a deep breath. Normally, the thrill of competition excited her, but today, something felt different. Maybe it was the world competition—or the fact that she hadn't seen Ash in years. Ever since that kiss, the memory lingered, a reminder of feelings she had tried to bury, only to feel them resurface as soon as she knew he would be here.
It was the last time they had seen each other—at the airport, before he left for Alola. She had mustered all her courage to give him that kiss, hoping it might change everything. But life went on. Ash continued his journey, and Serena focused on her own dreams. Yet, the feelings she harbored for him never faded, just like the promise they'd made to each other...
She had dreamed of this moment—him watching her perform, his eyes on her, as she poured her heart into every movement. But still…
The Kalos performer sighed, checking the time: 8 AM. She had hoped to meet him before her performance, share a moment together, maybe even hint at just how much he meant to her. She had imagined her show revealing her feelings, sending a message clear enough that even someone as dense as Ash wouldn't miss it. But now, without him there, the confession would have to wait.
Serena swallowed her disappointment, knowing she had to focus on something else. The show was about to begin, and there was no room for distractions. This was her moment to shine in front of the world, not just Ash. She'd have other chances to see him later during the contest in the coming days.
With a deep breath, she turned away, letting go of the hope Ash would appear on time, and headed back toward her dressing room. She tried to shift her mind back to her performance, mentally going over her routine. A little while later, as she brushed her Delphox's fiery fur, she found herself calming. Her partner, however, was already eager, twirling his flaming staff in anticipation, tiny embers lighting up the room.
"Just like always, we've got this," she murmured, hugging Delphox gently. "Just like our first Showcase, okay? There's a bigger crowd, but you'll warm them up with your magic. And Sylveon, you too—let's show them what a real Kalos performance looks like!"
Sylveon, dressed in an elegant outfit that looked like she had wings, bounced around excitedly. Serena laughed and tucked her back into her Pokéball. "Not yet, sweetie! Save your energy."
Delphox stood tall, flipping his staff with renewed confidence. Serena was about to follow suit when her phone suddenly buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat. Ash?!
"Now?!" she whispered, paralyzed with indecision. "What do I do?!"
The seconds ticked by, each feeling like an eternity as she hesitated, torn between answering the call and heading out on stage. Her heart screamed to pick up, but the performance had to come first. With a shaky breath, she set the phone down.
"Sorry, A-Ash… I'll call you later."
But she couldn't help herself. Despite her resolve, she faltered at the doorway, turning back once more, heart at odds with reason. She sprinted back and grabbed her phone quickly… only to see the call had ended. Serena's shoulders slumped. Overcome with curiosity, she considered sending a message to ask where he was. Maybe if he was inside, she could catch a glimpse of him from the stage. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. 'Where are you? Are you in the stadium? I want to see you...'
"Too forward?" she muttered, then erased the last line.
"Ms. Gabena! We can't wait any longer!"
Serena jumped at the voice behind her, accidentally dropping her phone. Catching it mid-fall, she turned around, meeting the anxious eyes of the stage crew. Her heart raced, realizing they'd been waiting on her. "I-I'm so sorry! I just needed—"
"No time! The presenter's stalling because of you!"
Head down, Serena nodded apologetically. Delphox glared at the crew, his fiery gaze adding to the tension. "Phox…"
He twirled his staff, flames licking dangerously close, but Serena calmed him with a gentle pat, giving the crew a sheepish smile.
"I'm coming now."
Leaving her phone behind, Serena sprinted down the hallway, feeling like she'd fumbled more in the last few minutes than she had in years. Thoughts of Ash and her performance swirled in her mind. She realized too late that she hadn't even sent the message. With a heavy sigh, she pushed on, knowing there was no turning back. Today wasn't going as planned, but there was still a show to perform. She looked over at Delphox, who was watching her with fierce determination. Serena smiled, forcing thoughts of Ash out of her mind for the moment.
Grabbing Delphox's paw, she started running toward the field. As they reached the grand entrance, the presenter, Marian, gave her a subtle wink from the stage. That was her cue. The stadium lights dimmed...
The air was thick with excitement. The silence, almost palpable, had settled in the stadium, punctuated only by the rustling of banners and the distant murmur of eager whispers. Each spectator seemed to hold their breath, their eyes glued to the stage where a light veil of mist still floated, announcing Serena's entrance.
With a deep breath, Serena whispered to Delphox, "Alright… it's showtime."
The audience gasped in awe as a spotlight shone in the center of the stage, revealing Serena and Delphox standing proudly. The music swelled, and with a graceful flick of his wrist, Delphox ignited his staff, sending a cascade of golden flames spiraling into the air. The fire spun and danced as Serena moved in perfect sync with her Pokémon, her flowing costume catching the light of the flames.
The crowd leaned forward, mesmerized.
Delphox twirled his staff, sending the flames higher, creating the illusion of a fiery tornado that enveloped them both. The audience gasped in awe as the flames flickered and wove together, creating dazzling patterns in the air. Serena spun, her movements elegant and fluid, as Delphox's fire followed her every step, never once losing control. It was as if the fire was an extension of her, alive and vibrant.
With a swift signal from Serena, Delphox unleashed a powerful Flamethrower, the flames arching like a ribbon, lighting up the entire stadium. The flames burst into tiny embers, softly raining down like golden fireworks. The crowd gasped as the fire swirled into intricate patterns, painting the air with waves of orange, pink, red, and a hint of gold.
Serena stepped forward gracefully, each movement perfectly synchronized with her partner's flames.
The show unfolded like a masterful dance. Delphox sent spirals of fire spinning around Serena as she twirled in her shimmering outfit, the light catching on her every turn, making her appear as if she were made of stardust.
The flames soared higher, spreading out into giant arcs that filled the entire stadium with an aura of warmth and intense light, weaving a breathtaking tapestry of fire.
The music built to a crescendo as Delphox and Serena moved in unison, their final act—a flaming heart burning bright in the center of the field.
As the fireworks crackled, they dissolved into embers before reaching the ground.
Serena and Delphox danced through them, her steps elegant and precise, each movement drawing the audience deeper into the performance.
At the apex of the show, Delphox shot a massive column of fire into the sky, which Serena used as a backdrop for her final leap.
The flames exploded outward in a grand finale, creating the image of a phoenix rising from the ashes, soaring across the sky in radiant splendor.
As the music faded and the heart dissolved into a thousand glowing embers, the crowd erupted into cheers as Serena landed with Delphox by her side, the two standing tall amidst the fading embers. The performance had been nothing short of spectacular.
Marian entered the stadium field, walking across like a model before stepping onto the podium, microphone in hand. She adjusted her curly hair as usual before addressing the audience and camera with a big smile.
"Wow, she's on fire! Bravo, bravo! Magnificent performance, Kalos Queen! What a way to start the contest! I think you've set the bar incredibly high for the rest of this event."
Serena chuckled softly. "That's the plan!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up once more for Serena and Delphox!" The crowd continued to cheer as Marian turned back to the audience. It continued for a few seconds until Marian clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention.
"Alright, alright, everyone! Save some applause for later—we'll have more chances to admire our Queen in action today! It's great to see you here, Serena. And amazing to think that you've only been a Coordinator for a few years! How did you find the transition from Kalos Showcases to Pokémon Contests?"
As Marian addressed her, Serena stepped forward, trying to set aside her lingering nerves as she gazed at the massive audience. She smiled warmly, her heart still racing with a mix of excitement and adrenaline.
"Thank you, Marian. It's an honor to be here." She paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before responding with steady confidence.
"It was definitely a big change," she began. "The transition from Kalos Showcases to Pokémon Contests was tough but exciting. Both require a lot of creativity and a deep bond with your Pokémon, but the format, judging criteria, and audience expectations are quite different. Starting out was a little challenging, but my experience with performances helped me adapt quickly. Like when I first entered the Showcases, it was a brand new environment—but that's the beauty of traveling and discovering ourselves, even if we don't have a clear goal at first. So, I worked hard to learn new techniques. There was definitely a learning curve! But I've been lucky to have a lot of support from my friends, and it's been amazing. I'd say to everyone: don't be afraid to try, even if it seems wild! Someone dear to me taught me that a long time ago, and... I think it paid off well, despite the rough start!"
Serena laughed lightly, recalling all the hours of practice she'd put in behind the scenes to reach this moment. Marian listened closely, nodding along with a warm smile.
"And we can all say the hard work definitely paid off, right? Right, everyone?!" Marian turned to the crowd, who erupted into more cheers. She then looked back at Serena, holding her microphone in a pose that conveyed admiration.
"Aaah, Serena! You never cease to amaze us with your eloquence... and your stunning costumes! Your journey has been truly inspiring, and you're right—transitioning isn't easy, even for a pro like you. I can't imagine how many hours you've put into mastering this new style, and still, you approach it with such passion after all the glory you've achieved in Showcases! When I think that you're still so young with such an impressive record, I can only imagine what comes next. And, I have to admit, I'm a little envious!"
The announcer laughed, clapping her hands once again to recapture the audience's attention.
"And for your enjoyment, this is only the beginning! We've got more of your favorite contest stars here today, and many more surprises for this global celebration! And now, let's introduce our next guest who will keep the energy alive behind the scenes and on social media!"
The massive screen above the stadium switched views, revealing the eccentric influencer and Gym Leader, Iono! Seated among the crowd, with a throng of fans behind her, she grinned widely, her multicolored hair catching the light.
"Nyahahaha! Welcome, welcome! Ladies and gents—this is the moment you've been waiting for—drumroll, please!" Iono's high-energy voice boomed through the speakers.
There was a brief pause as the crew fumbled, confused by the sudden request.
"Drumroll?" asked one of the crew members, puzzled.
Iono slapped her forehead dramatically. "It was a rhetorical drumroll!" Her playful tone earned a few chuckles from the audience.
Mumbling to herself, she took a deep breath. "Alright, let's take it from the top…"
She faced the camera, beaming brightly, her energy radiating through the screen. "Woo! How's everybody doing today?!" she shouted, throwing her hands in the air.
The response was immediate. Cheers erupted from around the stadium, with especially loud shouts from her Paldean fans.
"That's what I like to hear!" Iono grinned. "Welcome to the World Grand Contest, the BIGGEST entertainment competition in the world! And I am SO honored to be a part of it!"
As she continued her lively commentary, Iono's attention was suddenly caught by something unusual. A section of the crowd near her was unusually focused on something off to the side.
"Huh?" She squinted, curious. "What're they lookin' at…?"
On the main stage, Marian tilted her head, bemused. "Thanks for being here, Iono! Hmm… is something wrong?"
Iono waved a dismissive hand, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, nothin's wrong… it's just that people seem really into somethin'... other than me. Seriously, they're gathered like they've spotted a legendary Pokémon! Let's check it out!"
Without hesitation, Iono motioned for the cameraman to follow her as she made her way towards the cluster of people.
"Uh... should we... cut back to the stage?" Marian stammered, unsure.
"Nah, stay tuned! I've got a feeling this is gonna be a GREAT segment—let's give the people what they want!"
As the camera followed Iono through the crowd, viewers at home watched as she sneaked up behind the gathered fans. Peering over the shoulder of an older couple, she finally saw what was causing the commotion. Her expression turned blank.
There, in a tangled mess on the ground, was none other than Ash Ketchum—the reigning World Pokémon Champion—awkwardly lying on top of a young woman. His hand was questionably close to his pants, and the girl beneath him looked utterly bewildered.
Iono blinked, mouth slightly agape as she processed the scene. She turned to the camera, pointing at the sight.
She blinked again, then a third time. "...Is… is this for real? Like, is this actually happening right now? This isn't some kind of cosplayer prank, right?"
Serena's heart pounded as she stood amidst the buzzing crowd, her gaze fixed on the screen where Ash's familiar face filled the display. Just the sight of him, even captured on a massive monitor, sent a flutter through her. She could imagine his warm voice, maybe even calling her name—but the moment dissolved as reality crashed over her.
What she was seeing felt surreal. Ash, in such a close and mortifying position with someone else... Serena's eyes widened as the camera shifted, revealing a girl with long blue hair beneath him—Dawn Berlitz. Serena's heart twisted, her chest tightening as her mind raced with thoughts she couldn't control.
The pang of jealousy surprised her, igniting a feeling she tried to suppress. Though shameful, a part of her wished to be the one in Dawn's place, sharing that thrilling moment. She shook her head, trying to push the thought away, yet couldn't ignore the bitterness rising within her.
Then, Marian's voice broke through. "Oh my... Is that… Yes! The Pokémon Champion, Ash Ketchum, in person! And… is that Dawn Berlitz from Sinnoh?!"
Serena instinctively brought her hands to her face, struggling to contain the whirlwind of emotions building inside her. The commentators' lighthearted take only made it worse—what felt like a fun mishap to them struck Serena as a punch to the gut. Confusion, shock, even fear twisted within her.
Ash… and Dawn?
The world around her blurred as the crowd's murmurs mixed into incoherence. Of all people, why Dawn? Brave, beautiful, and always so sure of herself—everything Serena admired, but also feared. She had known about Ash and Dawn's close friendship, but now, jealousy clawed at her. Could their bond be stronger than hers with Ash? A poisonous fear began to seep in. What if she had waited too long, and now...
Serena clenched her fists, steeling herself to hold it all in.
--
Meanwhile, on the stadium's stands, Dawn was mortified. Her face burned as she caught snippets of Iono and Marian's commentary, the weight of countless eyes pressing down on her. She felt frozen, her body rigid with embarrassment.
"This… this CAN'T be happening…" she muttered under her breath, barely able to process the situation.
As whispers from the crowd intensified, Iono motioned eagerly to the cameraman to zoom in even closer, unable to hide her glee.
"Woo! This is gettin' juicier by the second!" she exclaimed. "I don't know about you, but I think this World Grand Contest just took a spicy turn! Let's see if we can get her attention."
Dawn's head shot up, catching sight of Iono pointing right at her, grinning. Every fiber of her being wanted to disappear.
Oh, for the love of Arceus, no... Not here, not now!
She clenched her fists as Iono approached, her voice practically echoing over the stadium. "Hey, Dawn! Dawnie! What's goin' on over there?! This is WILD!"
With her face hidden in her hands, Dawn desperately tried to sink into the ground. Her mind raced, trying to find a way out of this impossibly humiliating situation.
Finally, she drew a shaky breath and looked up, attempting a controlled response.
"I... I know it looks bad, but we just... stumbled. So please, everyone, stop staring! It's not what you think!"
Iono chuckled, not convinced for a second. "Oh, 'stumbled,' huh? Interesting choice of word." She winked playfully at the camera, feeding off the crowd's laughter. "Looks like more than a stumble from here, but hey, who am I to judge?"
The crowd laughed and whispered even louder, captivated by the spectacle.
"As for stoppin' looking?" Iono added with a grin. "Not a chance! You two are givin' us the show of the century. Thanks for the trending moment!"
Dawn's eyes widened at Iono's teasing, mortification and outrage mixing in her chest. She clenched her fists tighter, helpless to stop the situation from spiraling further.
"Oh Arceus... no, it's not… Please, it's not!"
--
But as Iono's playful, dramatic commentary continued, Serena couldn't help but cringe inwardly.
Iono… can't you see how embarrassed they are?
She thought, her hands instinctively clenching into fists. Serena knew how it felt to be caught in awkward teasing about her feelings, but this… this was on another level. And in front of the whole world.
No one would deserve this..
Serena's eyes flicked back to the screen where Ash was clearly struggling to make sense of the situation. Despite everything, a part of her knew this was just an accident, but the way it looked…
Even she was reluctant, she couldn't tear her gaze away from the screen. It was like watching a trainwreck; it was terrible to see, but you couldn't look away.
Memories of their kiss flooded Serena's mind.
Everything kept drifting back to Ash, to that moment they shared at the airport. She had put so much hope into that kiss, into the possibility that it might have meant something more. But now, she wasn't so sure. Did Ash even remember it? Or had it been just another goodbye for him, nothing more than a sweet and fleeting gesture of friendship, easily forgotten among all the new faces and adventures he encountered?
Did it mean anything to him? Had he moved on? Serena's heart sank as she remembered how little contact they'd had since he left for Alola. She had tried to stay in touch, but Ash was always so focused on his next goal, his next region, that their conversations felt distant, more like catching up with an old friend rather than something deeper. Did he even think sometimes about her?
The question gnawed at her. She had hoped that one day they would reunite, maybe travel together again. But what if, in their time apart, Ash had found someone else—someone like Dawn? Could she handle it?
Meanwhile, Dawn couldn't even think straight anymore. As the sound of the audience's giggles grew louder, her irritation grew exponentially. She let out a quiet groan as she awkwardly wriggled her way out from under Ash's weight until finally success, walking back. Ash still kneels on the ground but begin to come back to his senses after the kick in the pokeballs.
Iono, of course, was loving every second of it. "And there she goes, folks! Our heroine finally breaks free from the mighty clutches of the World Champion— amighty struggle, for certain!"
She turned her gaze to Ash, who remained kneeling, his expression one of confusion and pain.
"Hey, Ash, my guy, you doin' alright down there? Lookin' a bit dazed! Did our dear World Championjust lost an important fight on direct live? Say a word for all the fans who wanted to hear news from you for months!
Ash blinked, still groggy as Iono shoved the microphone toward him. He looked up, squinting at the stadium lights and the massive crowd watching him. His face was flushed, and not just from the physical pain.
"Oouughhh... yeah, I'm... fine. Just... gimme a sec."
Iono couldn't help herself. "Oooof, looks like that super-effective hit finally caught up to our World Champion! Brought to his knees… literally!"
The crowd erupted into laughter as Ash grimaced. Iono, fully enjoying herself, crouched down slightly to meet his eye level. Her tone was teasing, but she couldn't hide her amusement.
"Listen man.. You just took quite a critical blow, literally and figuratively. But looks like you're handlin' it like a champ! Gahaha.. Sorry I shouldn't joke more about it. Take all the time ya need, buddy. We ain't goin' nowhere!"
Meanwhile, Marian, the presenter, just had enough. "Miss Iono, we don't have all day! Can we get back to the contest, please?"
Iono waved her off dismissively. "Don't pop a vein, I'm givin' the viewers what they want—some pre-contest drama!Can't blame the viewers for gettin' hooked! We'll get back on track soon enough, Miss presenter. Right, Ashie? Care to say somethin' beforethey fire me please !"
Serena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Come on, Ash… just… get up. Fix this…
She urged silently, her gaze never leaving the screen. The tension in her body reflected her unease, but deep down, she knew Ash would find a way to turn the situation around—somehow. He always did. But until then, she could only watch, waiting for the inevitable chaos to unfold even further.
Ash finally stood, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. His eyes swept over the massive crowd and the glaring camera lights..
"Uh, yeah... um... yeah.. uh.. H-Helloo everyooone..?"
The innocent champion looks around at the growing crowd and the people watching on the screens, realizing the spectacle that they unwittingly became. Everyone, from the public to Serena had wide-eyes about his tone and words, totally silent. Even Dawn and Pikachu who was still around him facepalm herself so much it was embarrassing. He looks around at the crowd, hearing next their loud laughter and whispers. His face turns a little red at the spectacle they've unwittingly become. But he can't help but let out a chuckle himself.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just… needed some time to myself the past months and here I am for.. supporting my friends here. I just had a little accident.. Sorry for the, uh, distraction! Let's get back to the real show. Good luck to everyone! Haha..."
Serena couldn't help but feel a mixture of concern and embarrassment for him. She knew that he was trying to play it cool, but she could see the discomfort and embarrassment on his face. The Showcase performer couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease on her sighs. She knew that this situation was going to be the talk of the town.
Iono clapped her hands together, grinning from ear to ear. "There we go! Our World Champ, folks! A little roughed up but still going strong! Now THAT'S the spirit!"
The Magnemite-hairstyle teenagerturned toward the camera, offering a cheeky wink. "See? Nothing to worry about. Now, let's get this contest rolling!"
The cameras finally shifted away, and Marian, visibly relieved, prepared to regain control of the show.
"Thanks Iono.. it was time for history, I suppose?"
The murmurs of the crowd stung in the background: "Is that Ash Ketchum? Who's that coordinator with him? They look close…" Each word deepened the ache in her chest.
She glanced around at the crowd, her eyes scanning the sea of faces. No one else seemed to notice the turmoil raging inside her. To them, this was just another part of the contest, another spectacle to enjoy. But for Serena, it was something much more personal, something that hit far too close to home.
But she knew the answer. She had always known.
She loved him.
She had loved him for so long, even before she fully realized it herself. And now, seeing him with someone else—someone like Dawn—brought all those feelings rushing to the surface, raw and painful.
But what could she do right now beside enduring? She couldn't just yells to Ash with her microphone and demand an explanation. That wasn't who she was, and it certainly wasn't who she wanted to be.
Then, Marian notice the weird state of Serena who seems tense.. even slightly traumatized.
"I never thought that our Kalos Queen's spotlight would be stealed! S-Sorry for the inconvenience! ..Are you alright?"
The presenter put her microphone in front of Serena for letting react. As the presenter turned to Serena and asked if she was alright, she snapped out of her thoughts and tried to compose herself even with her emotions who were a storm inside her.
"O-Oh, um, yes. I-I'm fine." she said, her voice a little shaky. She forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just a bit...u-unexpected, that's all. I'm surprised.. like everyone here I think haha.." Serena replied, forcing a smile onto her face.
Inside, however, Serena's mind was still racing. The image of Ash and Dawn lying on the ground together was fresh in her memory, and she couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy bubbling up inside her. Despite the grandeur of the stage and the thousands of cheering spectators, her thoughts were elsewhere, swirling with confusion and frustration. Ash's clueless expression, Dawn's flustered face—everything about the scene kept replaying in her mind.
Suddenly, Marian, the ever-energetic host of the contest, broke through her thoughts. "Ladies and gentlemen, what a start we've had already! Now we're going to leave all that to those concerned and move on to your performance, right? We're getting serious now!" she exclaimed, her voice booming through the stadium speakers, pulling Serena back to reality. "But we're not done just yet! To mark this special edition of the World Grand Contest, we still have some surprises in store for you all!"
Serena blinked, trying to focus on Marian, who stood proudly at the center of the stage. The lights shifted, highlighting the star host in her dazzling attire. Serena's heart raced—not from excitement, but from nerves, knowing that soon all eyes would be on her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, coordinators and fans from around the world! It's time to take this show to a whole new level!" Marian's voice rang with enthusiasm. Just as Serena was about to steady herself, Marian turned with a knowing smile. "But, before we move on, we have one more surprise to share. Let me introduce a star from the same region, someone who brings a touch of magic wherever he goes!"
Serena's gaze snapped back to Marian, startled, as the lights dimmed and a soft, mysterious glow enveloped the stage. The crowd's excitement grew as whispers spread. Out of the dimness, a figure appeared—at first a silhouette, but soon revealed in a dazzling display of light and smoke.
A familiar voice rang through the arena. "Bonsoir, mesdames et messieurs!" Pierre's deep, charismatic voice filled the stadium as he appeared in a flourish of magic, tossing a deck of cards into the air, which transformed into glowing orbs. The orbs danced around the stage before bursting into flames, leaving a trail of sparks.
Marian clapped her hands in delight. "Yes, yes! You all know him—our legend of Pokémon Showcases, the master of magic on any stage! Let's give a warm welcome to your co-host for this grand event… Monsieur Pierre!"
The crowd cheered even louder, enchanted by Pierre's signature style. But while everyone else was entranced, Serena barely noticed. She caught a glimpse of the earlier fiery heart in the sky, still lingering like an unwelcome shadow in her thoughts.
With a theatrical flourish, Pierre tipped his hat to the roaring crowd, a grin spreading across his face. He winked subtly at Serena before turning back to the audience, seemingly ready for another surprise. "But you didn't think I'd arrive alone, did you?" he teased. With another wave of his hand, the lights dimmed further, and a large shadow began to form at the center of the stage.
A sea of anticipation pulsing as the lights dimmed, shrouding the vast space in a tense silence.
Suddenly, flames burst out in a spiraling pattern, swirling high into the air, forming the image of a giant dragon. The fiery creature roared, filling the stadium with heat and grandeur. The illusion was mesmerizing, and even Serena's attention was momentarily pulled back to the stage. The dragon flapped its massive wings, casting a shadow over the audience before dissolving into a dazzling shower of sparks.
From within that fiery display emerged none other than the undefeated Champion of Galar—Leon!
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers. Leon, with his trademark confidence and ever-present smile, strode onto the stage, his Charizard landing gracefully beside him. The intensity of the moment was undeniable, and for the first time in what felt like hours, Serena was forced to acknowledge the world around her. But even with Leon standing just meters away, the image of Ash and Dawn together wouldn't leave her mind.
Why couldn't I focus?
Serena shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had spent years building her own path, becoming her best self. She couldn't let this derail her. But no matter how hard she tried, the image of Ash and Dawn together wouldn't leave her mind.
What if he had feelings for Dawn?
The rational part of her mind tried to calm her. They're just friends. Ash had never shown romantic interest in Dawn, just like he hadn't fully shown it in her. He even told on TV that it was a accident. But a tiny voice of doubt whispered: What if? What if he had started noticing other girls?
She had spent so much time hoping he might return her feelings, and now that hope felt like it was slipping away
Charizard's wings spread wide, each flap sending a wave of heat outward, and its tail flame burned brighter, more intense than ever, illuminating the Champion and his partner in an otherworldly glow. The crowd's roar grew deafening, a chant building as fans from every corner of the stadium chanted Leon's name, the sound reverberating across the arena.
Leon raised a hand, a signal that even amid this storm of excitement, commanded immediate attention. Charizard responded, rearing back with a ferocious, thunderous roar that seemed to reach every corner of the stadium. The flames on its tail flared, casting a towering silhouette against the smoke-filled air. Then, with a swift motion from Leon, Charizard launched into the air, climbing in spirals high above the stadium. Its wings caught the light, reflecting as it spun through the remnants of smoke from the dragon illusion, leaving trails of heat and fire in its wake.
High above the stadium, Charizard unleashed a torrent of flames in a sweeping arc, igniting the morning sky with a fiery aura. For a breathless moment, Charizard hovered, then dove back down, gathering speed in a move that showcased both its strength and agility. As it neared the ground, Leon raised his hand again, and Charizard spun at the last second, landing with precision beside its trainer, sending a controlled ring of fire surging outward in a circle around them.
The stadium's lights flared back to life, and Leon gave a dramatic bow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He held his arms wide, as if embracing the roaring crowd. Charizard let out a final, earth-shaking roar, and the stadium erupted in applause, their cheers echoing far beyond the stadium walls.
Leon gave a confident wave to the audience, then turned to address the crowd with his usual charm. "It's an honor to be here today," he began, his voice steady and commanding, "even though contests aren't my usual stage, I'm thrilled to be a part of this incredible event. Coordinators bring something special to the world of Pokémon—beauty, creativity, and a different kind of strength. I'm here to celebrate that with you all!"
The audience hung on his every word, but Serena's mind kept drifting. Leon must have noticed because, with a playful smile, he turned toward her and said into the microphone, "You know, Ash has a knack for making an entrance—even when he's not trying. Looks like he's already caused a scene today!"
The comment sparked laughter through the crowd, and even Marian giggled. Serena forced a small smile, though her thoughts remained far away. Leon's words were meant to be lighthearted, but they only reminded her of the confusion she still felt.
The crowd around her continued to buzz, listening to their champion continue his passionnate speech, still unaware of the storm in her mind. Serena glanced at the screen again. Ash can wait. Right now, you need to focus on your incoming performance.
But the jealousy lingered. It wasn't just the image of Ash and Dawn—it was the idea of Ash being close to someone else, sharing special moments she wasn't part of. Moments she had imagined would be theirs.
Serena bit her lip, holding back the wave of emotion. She had loved Ash for so long, even if she hadn't said it out loud. And now this type of situation—made her question if she had ever truly been part of his world.
As Leon wrapped up his speech, he ended with a flourish befitting a champion, his arm raised high. "And now," he said, "it's time for the real stars of the day—the coordinators who've worked so hard to be here! Let's see some incredible performances!"
Monsieur Pierre stepped forward again, always the showman. "But of course, we can't just let the stage be handed over without a little more magic!" With a snap of his fingers, Pierre, Leon, and the fiery dragon vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving the audience gasping in astonishment. The crowd roared, the energy in the stadium reaching a fever pitch.
Serena stood motionless at the edge of the stage, barely registering the magical disappearance or the applause.
"Stop it", she scolded herself.
You're stronger than this. You've come too far to let this shake you!
Indeed, she wasn't that shy, timid girl anymore who would cry of this thought. But as much as she tried to push the thoughts away, they clung to her. What if she had been misreading everything?
Serena had always prided herself on her resilience. She had grown, matured, become someone who could stand on her own. But when it came to Ash, her confidence seemed to waver.
Marian seized the moment, stepping forward as the smoke cleared. "Well, folks, that was quite the show!
And now, as the real stars prepare to take the stage, let me remind you that our esteemed panel of judges will be arriving shortly. Oh, and Serena," she added with a teasing smile, "you look like you could use a breather. I know standing next to someone like Leon can be a bit overwhelming!"
Serena blinked, Marian's comment pulling her back to the present. She forced a small laugh. "Y-Yeah, a little… It's not every day you meet someone like him."
Marian chuckled. "With all these stars around, it's no wonder you're a bit starstruck! But don't worry—the stage is yours now."
Serena nodded, exhaling deeply. Marian's lighthearted words helped ground her. She shook her head, pushing away the lingering thoughts of Ash and Dawn. This is still your moment, she reminded herself.
Focus.
As Marian moved offstage to introduce the judges, Serena's heart began to pound again, but this time for the right reasons.
The stadium around her cheered as the next performance was announced, but Serena's mind was far away, trapped in that single moment. She knew she had no right to feel possessive—Ash wasn't officially hers. But the ache in her chest wouldn't go away.
And deep down, Serena knew that no matter how the contest turned out, she couldn't ignore her feelings forever. One way or another, she would have to confront Ash, to find out where they stood, to figure out if the kiss they shared had meant as much to him as it had to her.
Taking a deep breath, Serena straightened her posture and shook off her lingering feelings. It was time. The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the lights dimmed slightly for the next act. The weight of the moment pressed on her, but this was what she had prepared for.
"R-Right," she finally responded, her voice steady. "I'm ready. Let's give them a performance they won't forget."
She stepped forward, her heart racing—not because of Ash and Dawn, but because of the familiar excitement of being in the spotlight. As the lights focused on her, Serena closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself.
I'll talk to him later, she told herself. After my performance, I'll find out what really happened. But right now, I need to focus.
Ash could wait.
Her heart could wait.
I will..
She promised herself.
I'll find out the truth.
With a flick of her wrist, Sylveon appeared on stage, its ribbons swirling gracefully. The crowd cheered as the Pokémon sparkled in a dazzling burst of light. Serena took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, the hesitation was gone. It was time to perform, and nothing else mattered now.
"People over the world and most importantly juries, prepare your vote ! It's time..! Time to usher in the ball and steal back your spotlight, Kalos Queen!"
The Kalos Queen glanced up at the stage where her Pokémon were waiting, already in performance.
"S-howtime.."
