The warm afternoon sun reflected off the canals of Lagoon Town, the waters glittering as boats glided lazily beneath arched bridges. The group slowed as they reached the town square, taking in the bustle of street vendors, musicians, and flower stalls that lined the cobblestone paths.
"This place is gorgeous," Bonnie said, spinning in place as her eyes darted from stall to stall. "It feels like a festival all on its own!"
Korrina skated a short loop around them, her rollerblades gliding smoothly over the stones. "Lagoon Town is famous for its Showcases. There's a performance hall nearby that's one of the best in Kalos."
Serena's eyes softened as she adjusted her hat. "I've heard of it... it's where some of the most incredible Performers make their debut."
Ash grinned, hands on his hips. "Then this stop is perfect before Coumarine City. I'll get to eat some good food, and Serena gets to enjoy the Showcase." Pikachu chimed in with a cheerful "Pika!" from his shoulder.
"Speaking of which," came a cheerful voice from ahead, "we were starting to wonder when you'd show up!"
Serena perked up immediately. "May! Drew!"
The two coordinators were waiting by a fountain, waving as the group approached. Bonnie ran ahead, waving both arms. "You're here too!"
May laughed as everyone gathered around. "Of course. After the Summer Camp, I thought it would be fun to meet up again, and what better place than Lagoon Town?"
Drew gave a calm nod, his ever-present rose in hand. "Besides, there's a certain event today that makes it worth the trip."
Ash clasped Drew's hand in a quick shake, grinning. "It's good to see you guys again. Feels like forever since camp."
"Forever for you maybe," May teased, giving Ash a sly smile. Then her gaze flicked toward Serena, whose cheeks immediately turned pink. "But it looks like someone's been enjoying their journey in more ways than one."
"M-May!" Serena stammered, fumbling with her bag strap.
Ash didn't flinch or laugh this time. Instead, he glanced at Serena with a steady, warm smile. "Well... she makes the journey better. I don't think I'd enjoy it half as much without her."
Serena froze, eyes wide as her blush deepened. Bonnie's mouth dropped open, and even Korrina raised her brows at how calmly Ash had said it.
May covered her mouth to hide her grin, clearly delighted. "Wow... someone's gotten honest."
Drew gave a small smirk, though even he seemed impressed. "Guess you're not as dense as people say."
Ash scratched the back of his neck, not embarrassed but thoughtful. "I mean it. Traveling with Serena... it just feels right."
Serena turned away slightly, trying to steady her racing heart, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. The simple words had touched her more deeply than she could admit aloud.
Korrina, sensing her friend's fluster, quickly jumped in. "So, what's this event you two came all the way here for?"
May's eyes lit up. "Today's a big one. The Kalos Queen herself, Aria, is performing before the Lagoon Town Showcase."
Serena's breath caught. "Aria... here? Performing live?"
"Exactly," Drew confirmed. "Her appearances always draw massive crowds, and you'll see why once she steps on stage. Her bond with her Pokémon is on another level."
Korrina's eyes widened. "The Kalos Queen... this is going to be amazing!"
Serena clasped her hands to her chest, hardly able to believe her luck. She had admired Aria's Pokévisions countless times, but to see her in person felt like a dream come true.
Ash pumped his fist. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get to the theater before it's packed."
"Now you're talking," May said with a grin. "Follow us, we know the way."
[Line Break]
The grand doors of the Lagoon Town theater opened wide, letting the crowd of eager spectators flood inside. The building itself shimmered with color and light, banners of ribbons draping across the ceiling. The air buzzed with anticipation, everyone chattering about the one name that drew them here—Aria, the Kalos Queen.
The group found their seats quickly. Ash leaned forward on the edge of his chair, eyes sparkling with the same excitement as the younger children around him. Serena clasped her hands together in her lap, already feeling her heartbeat quicken. Clemont adjusted his glasses, curious about the technical side of these performances, while Bonnie nearly bounced out of her chair. Korrina crossed her arms, smirking at the spectacle with Lucario standing faithfully by her side.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the stage. A tall man in a sharp, jewel-toned suit strode forward, his voice carrying across the hall with ease.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Pokémon enthusiasts of every age, bienvenue to Lagoon Town's grand Pokémon Showcase!" he declared, his arms outstretched theatrically. "I am your host, Monsieur Pierre, and tonight you are about to witness grace, creativity, and passion as our performers dazzle you with their bonds with Pokémon. But first... we begin with none other than our shining star! The Kalos Queen herself! The one who inspires us all—Aria!"
The hall erupted into thunderous applause. Serena felt her breath catch as the spotlight swung to the center of the stage. There, Aria appeared in a flowing gown of deep crimson, her long hair shining under the lights. By her side walked her Pokémon partner—Delphox, tall, elegant, and confident, its fur gleaming like firelight.
"Let the performance begin!" Monsieur Pierre announced with a flourish.
Delphox stepped forward, twirling its staff. With a flick of its wrist, it unleashed Fire Spin, the blazing vortex rising like a golden ribbon that encircled Aria. The flames spun upward into dazzling patterns, glimmering like fireworks as the audience gasped in awe.
Aria joined in, moving with practiced grace, her every step in perfect harmony with her Pokémon. When Delphox tossed its staff high into the air, Aria caught it effortlessly, then spun and returned it. Delphox planted the staff with elegance, the tip glowing as it conjured a blazing Fire Blast, its radiant starburst expanding into a shower of sparks that lit the entire stage in crimson and gold.
The crowd roared in amazement.
Ash grinned wide, clapping furiously. "That was incredible! Look how in sync they are!"
Bonnie's eyes sparkled. "It's like they're one person! So pretty!"
Even Clemont couldn't hide his astonishment. "The control Delphox has over its flames... this is beyond just a battle technique. It's artistry."
Korrina raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "No wonder she's the Queen. That was intense."
But Serena... Serena couldn't take her eyes off Aria. It wasn't just the flames or the way Delphox moved so gracefully. It was the faces in the crowd. The laughter of the children, the way adults leaned forward with wide smiles, and the pure joy radiating throughout the theater. Every flicker of flame carried warmth into people's hearts. Serena realized, right there in that moment, that she wanted to create something just like this.
Her chest tightened, but this time with determination. "I want to... I want to make people smile like that, too," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling but firm.
On the far side of the hall, however, not everyone was impressed.
Hidden among the crowd, Jessie scoffed loudly enough to make James and Meowth flinch. She crossed her arms, tilting her head back with disdain. "Pfft, really? This is what passes for a queen? Spinning sticks and throwing around fire? Hmph! She's mediocre at best!"
James sweatdropped. "Well, I thought it was rather dazzling, if I'm honest..."
"Quiet!" Jessie snapped, striking a dramatic pose in her seat. "The truth is obvious. The only true queen worthy of the crown is me! Jessie! A natural-born performer, radiant beyond compare! Compared to me, this Aria is nothing but a warm-up act!"
Meowth sighed. "Here we go again..."
Back on stage, Aria bowed gracefully, Delphox lowering its staff as the audience gave her a standing ovation. Serena clapped until her hands stung, her mind already alight with the spark of a new dream.
The applause filled the hall, echoing like a wave. Serena's hands clapped almost automatically, but her eyes stayed locked on the stage. Her chest felt light, almost fluttery, as though the flames from Delphox's performance had settled inside her.
Ash leaned over slightly, noticing the way she hadn't looked away once. "Pretty amazing, huh?" he said with a grin.
Serena blinked, almost startled, then nodded quickly. "It was... incredible. The way Aria and Delphox moved together... it wasn't just about the performance. Everyone out there was smiling because of them. That's what made it so special."
Ash's smile softened. "Yeah. It's not just about being strong. It's about how much you connect with your Pokémon, and how that makes people feel." He tilted his head, eyes warm as he studied her. "I can tell it really meant something to you."
Serena hesitated, pressing her hands together in her lap. "I... I think I want to do that too. To stand on stage and make people feel the way I did just now. To share that kind of happiness with my Pokémon." She glanced at him shyly, her voice dropping. "Do you think I could, Ash?"
For a moment, Ash just looked at her, surprised by the seriousness in her tone. Then, without a shred of doubt, he nodded. "Of course you can. You and Braixen are already great together. If you work hard, I know you'll make people smile even more than Aria does."
Serena's breath caught. The certainty in his voice, the way he believed in her so easily—it made her heart feel full. She managed a small but genuine smile. "Thank you, Ash."
He leaned back with a grin, already turning his attention back to the stage as the next act was being prepared. "You'll show everyone what you can do someday. I know it."
Serena lowered her gaze for a moment, cheeks warm, before joining the applause again. Deep down, she made herself a promise: she would follow this dream, no matter what.
[Line Break]
The stage lights dimmed, signaling the transition to the next performance. Serena still felt the warmth of Ash's words lingering in her chest. She held onto that encouragement like a spark, determined to follow this new dream.
But just as the next Performer and her Pokémon began their routine, a sudden stir rippled through the crowd. A dark shape darted from the wings of the stage, sleek and sharp-eyed, its ivory blade-like horn gleaming under the lights.
"It's an Absol!" Clemont exclaimed, adjusting his glasses in disbelief.
The crowd erupted into murmurs, some gasping, others shrinking back nervously. Absol leapt gracefully across the stage, mimicking the Performer's Pokémon with an uncanny rhythm. It spun, twirled, and even attempted a flourish, but in its eagerness it knocked over one of the prop stands. The crash startled the other Pokémon, sending them scattering.
"Wait, it's... trying to perform?" Bonnie said, her voice caught between wonder and confusion.
On stage, the Performer tried to continue, but Absol bounded forward again, attempting to copy the Pokémon's movements. Its paw slipped, and the stage floor cracked beneath its weight. Sparks of panic spread across the hall.
Security rushed forward, calling for Absol to stop. The Dark-type Pokémon recoiled, then growled as they cornered it, knocking over more equipment in its frantic attempt to stay on stage. The audience's cheers turned to fearful cries.
Serena rose from her seat, her heart pounding. "No, wait... it's not trying to hurt anyone. It just wants to be part of the performance."
Ash's eyes narrowed. "She's right. Look at it—it isn't attacking, it's copying."
Still, the tension in the room thickened as the staff struggled to restrain Absol. One spotlight crashed to the floor with a loud snap, shattering glass across the stage. Monsieur Pierre, voice straining to keep calm, announced into his mic, "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated. The event will be... postponed for your safety."
The hall filled with disappointed murmurs as the Showcase was officially cancelled. Serena's gaze followed Absol as it slipped past the frantic security and bolted through a side door into the night.
She clutched her hands tightly. "I have to find it. That Pokémon... it has the same dream I just realized I want to follow. Maybe it needs someone who understands."
Ash placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "Then let's go after it. You're the only one who saw what it was really trying to do."
Serena nodded, determination gleaming in her eyes. This was her chance—not just to prove her feelings about becoming a Performer, but to reach Absol's heart.
The hall was buzzing with unease as security scrambled across the stage. Absol, with its sharp gaze and flowing mane, looked less like a menace and more like a misunderstood performer who had been chased off too harshly.
"Guess this is what they mean when they say Absol brings disaster," Korrina muttered, arms crossed, though her eyes followed the Pokémon curiously.
"No, look at it closely," Clemont argued, pushing his glasses up. "It wasn't trying to destroy anything. The damage came from it being startled. Its body language shows mimicry, not aggression."
Bonnie tugged at her brother's sleeve. "It was dancing! Just like the other Pokémon! Did you see how happy it looked before everyone got scared?"
Ash nodded firmly. "Serena's right. Absol didn't mean to cause trouble."
Serena kept her eyes fixed on the side door where Absol had disappeared, her heart thudding faster than the fading applause. "It wasn't just mimicking. It wanted to be seen. To perform. To shine, just like Aria and Braixen." She held her hands against her chest, her voice soft but certain. "I could feel it."
May tilted her head, smiling faintly as she watched Serena. "Sounds like someone's already thinking like a Performer."
Serena blushed but didn't back down. She turned to the group, her determination now clear. "I have to find Absol. If no one else understands what it was trying to do, then I will."
Drew gave a cool smirk, flipping his green hair out of his eyes. "Careful. Absol isn't an easy Pokémon to handle. If you're wrong about it, things could get dangerous."
Serena met his gaze with surprising steadiness. "Then I'll prove I'm not wrong."
The group exchanged glances. Bonnie beamed with excitement, while Clemont frowned with concern. Ash, however, stepped forward, placing a supportive hand on Serena's shoulder. "If this is what you believe, then we'll back you up. Absol deserves someone who gets it."
Serena's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. For the first time, her dream didn't feel so far away.
[Line Break]
The theatre emptied into a murmur of confusion, performers packing up their props as Monsieur Pierre made the official announcement of the showcase's cancellation. Still, Serena barely heard him. Her eyes darted toward the door where Absol had fled, its silhouette burned into her mind.
"There!" Ash pointed, spotting the white crest of Absol slipping between the festival stalls outside.
Without hesitation, Serena ran forward, and the others followed. "Serena, wait!" Clemont called, stumbling after her while trying to keep his backpack from bouncing off his shoulders.
The streets of Lagoon Town were alive with festival lanterns and music, but the sight of Absol darting through the crowd made people scatter in alarm. Children clung to their parents, whispers of "disaster Pokémon" spreading like wildfire.
Bonnie huffed, crossing her arms as she jogged alongside Korrina. "They're all wrong about it. If they actually paid attention, they'd see Absol just wanted to perform."
Korrina gave a small smile. "You really trust Serena's instincts, huh?"
"Of course," Bonnie replied proudly. "She's like a big sister. If she says Absol's not dangerous, then I believe her."
Up ahead, Serena slowed her pace, scanning the side streets. Absol was quick, but she caught the faint flash of its tail rounding a corner. She clenched her fists. "I won't let you run off again," she whispered to herself.
Ash caught up beside her, breathing hard but steady. "Serena, don't push yourself too hard. Absol's fast, and if it feels cornered—"
"I know," Serena interrupted, her voice calm but unwavering. "But it won't attack me. I can feel it."
They turned down a narrow alley, the faint glow of festival lights flickering behind them. And there it was. Absol stood at the far end, its head lowered, eyes reflecting both defiance and longing. Around its feet were scattered trinkets and decorations it had picked up from the festival stalls: shiny beads, ribbons, and even a broken mirror, as if Absol had been trying to create its own stage.
Serena's breath caught. "You really were trying to perform," she whispered, stepping forward slowly.
Clemont and Korrina caught up, both halting at the sight. Clemont adjusted his glasses, astonished. "It's... practicing routines."
"Or at least trying to," Korrina added softly. "Maybe it saw Aria perform and wanted to join in."
Ash gave Serena a quick nod. "This is your chance. Go to it."
Serena took a cautious step forward, her hands held close to her chest. Absol's red eyes locked onto her, sharp and unreadable, but she didn't falter.
"I saw you on stage," she said softly, her voice carrying in the quiet alley. "You weren't trying to ruin the Showcase. You just wanted to be part of it, didn't you?"
Absol flicked its head slightly, as if to deny her words, but its stance didn't look threatening. It seemed more... conflicted.
Serena smiled gently. "Everyone else was scared of you, but I wasn't. I know you just wanted to show your strength, to show your heart. That's what a real performance is. I... I want to do the same thing."
Ash stayed quiet at her side, letting her take the lead, his eyes fixed on Absol. Clemont and Korrina shared a glance, both recognizing the conviction in Serena's tone.
Serena's voice grew steadier, more determined. "I want to become a Performer. I want to make people smile the way Aria did today. And if you'll let me, Absol, I'd like for you to be a part of my dream."
For a moment, the only sound was the rustle of distant festival music. Absol lowered its head, eyes narrowing, and then it let out a sharp cry. Its body lowered into a battle stance, horn gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
Serena gasped softly, but Ash grinned. "Looks like Absol wants to test you first."
Korrina folded her arms, smirking. "It's a challenge. If you want its trust, you'll have to earn it."
Serena nodded, already reaching for a Poké Ball at her belt. She glanced at her partner, who stepped forward without hesitation. "Braixen, I need your help!"
The Fox Pokémon twirled its branch and barked confidently, ready to face Absol.
Serena placed a hand over her chest, steadying her breathing. "Alright... Absol, let's show each other what we've got."
Absol let out a low growl, pawing the ground before lunging forward with blinding speed.
"Absol, use Quick Attack!" Korrina called instinctively, analyzing like a Gym Leader even though she wasn't in the fight.
"Braixen, dodge and use Flamethrower!" Serena commanded.
Braixen twirled her branch, flames surging before she unleashed a scorching burst of fire. Absol darted sideways, the flames searing the ground where it had just stood. It landed gracefully, eyes flashing as it lunged again.
"Absol, Night Slash!" Clemont muttered nervously, recognizing the stance.
Absol's horn gleamed with a shadowy aura, slashing at Braixen. The impact sent Braixen stumbling back, but she steadied herself, stick still in hand.
"Braixen, don't give up!" Serena called. "Use Psybeam!"
Braixen aimed her branch and released a beam of radiant psychic energy. Absol leapt into the air, twisting mid-flight to avoid most of the blast, but a glancing hit forced it to skid on landing.
Ash clenched his fist with excitement. "That's it, Serena! You're matching Absol step for step!"
Absol growled, its body glowing faintly. With a sudden roar, it unleashed a wave of darkness.
"Look out, that's Dark Pulse!" Clemont warned.
The attack ripped through the battlefield, shadows crashing toward Braixen.
"Braixen, counter with Flamethrower again, full power!" Serena cried.
Braixen planted her feet, channeling every ounce of determination into her branch. A blazing torrent of fire clashed against Absol's dark energy, the collision erupting into sparks and smoke.
Everyone shielded their eyes from the blast. When the dust settled, both Pokémon stood panting, their bodies low, neither willing to give in.
Serena took a deep breath, her eyes shining with resolve. "Braixen, let's finish this! Use Fire Spin!"
Braixen twirled her branch high, summoning a vortex of flames that spiraled around Absol, tightening like a fiery cage.
Absol snarled, leaping upward to escape, but Serena was ready. "Now, Psybeam into the Fire Spin!"
Braixen's eyes glowed, releasing a rainbow-colored beam straight into the swirling flames. The vortex erupted in a dazzling burst of fire and light, engulfing Absol.
The Disaster Pokémon landed heavily, its claws digging into the ground, then finally sank to its knees. The flames faded, leaving it breathing hard but no longer fighting.
Serena gasped, her hands trembling slightly. "We... we did it, Braixen."
Braixen barked proudly, twirling her stick before planting it firmly into the dirt.
Absol slowly raised its head, its sharp gaze softening. With a low, almost respectful cry, it stepped closer to Serena, lowering its head as if in acceptance.
Serena's eyes widened, her heart swelling with joy. "Absol..."
Ash grinned. "Looks like it's chosen you, Serena."
Korrina smirked. "You earned it. That Absol doesn't bow to just anyone."
Serena pulled a Poké Ball from her belt, her hands steady now. "Absol, would you come with me? Let's chase this dream together."
She touched the ball lightly to Absol's head. In a flash of red light, the Pokémon was drawn inside. The ball shook once, twice, three times... then clicked.
Serena held it to her chest, eyes sparkling. "Thank you... I promise we'll shine together."
[Line Break]
The group gathered around Serena as she held Absol's Poké Ball close, her cheeks still flushed from the battle. Braixen bounded up proudly, and Serena bent down to hug her partner tight.
"You were wonderful, Braixen," she whispered, her smile glowing. "We did it together."
Ash stepped closer, grinning. "That was awesome, Serena. You didn't back down, and Absol could tell how serious you were. That's why it chose you."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, nodding. "Your strategy was impressive too. That finishing combo was exactly the kind of creativity Showcases are about."
Korrina smirked with her arms crossed. "And catching Absol like that? Not bad at all. You've got some fire in you."
Serena blushed at their encouragement, her fingers brushing over the Poké Ball at her side. "Thanks, everyone. Seeing Aria perform... watching how she made people smile... I realized I want to do that too. I want to become a Performer."
May's lips curved into a teasing smile as she stepped forward. "Took you long enough to say it out loud." She gave Serena a playful nudge. "But you know what this means, right? You and I are rivals now. We're going to meet again on stage someday."
Serena's eyes widened, then softened as her smile grew. "Then I'll be ready for you. Don't go easy on me, May."
"Never," May replied with a wink.
With that, she waved to the group, turning toward the road. "I'd better catch up with Drew before he gets impatient. You guys take care!"
"See you around, May!" Ash called after her.
The group watched her go until her figure disappeared into the distance. Serena looked down at Absol's Poké Ball one more time, her reflection shimmering faintly on its smooth surface.
"Today... I found my dream," she said softly, determination sparking in her voice. "I'll make people smile the way Aria did. Someday... I'll stand on that stage as Kalos Queen."
Ash placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "And we'll all be there to cheer you on."
Clemont smiled. "That's right. Each of us chasing our own dreams."
Korrina pumped her fist. "And next stop is Coumarine City! Let's go!"
Serena clipped Absol's Poké Ball to her belt beside Braixen's and stood tall, her eyes shining with new resolve.
"From today on... I'll give it everything I've got."
With Serena earning her second capture in an Absol that loves to perform, and forming new rivalry with May, our heroes now begin the next leg of their journey to Coumarine City, where Ash will challenge his fourth gym in the Kalos Region and Serena will make her showcase debut.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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