1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 15: First Key

We arrive in Camphrier Town with Route 5 finally behind us, and the first familiar voice we hear belongs to Shauna. She hurries toward Serena with Bulbasaur at her side, waving so excitedly that Serena blinks in surprise before smiling back.

"Serena, I saw it," Shauna says, almost bouncing in place. "Your Pokévision video with Fennekin was amazing. I have been a fan of it ever since I watched it."

Serena's cheeks turn pink, and Fennekin sits straighter beside her. "Oh, wow. Thanks, Shauna. I guess you have your own videos as well?"

"Of course," Shauna answers proudly. "I have made a whole bunch, especially now that Bulbasaur is with me. But since you are here, have you heard the news? Aria is going to do an exhibition performance at the Pokémon Showcase here in Camphrier Town."

"Really?" I ask, looking toward the town center. "Aria is here? That is awesome."

Elline folds her hands with sudden excitement. "Her Pokévision videos are great, and she is the top Performer, the Kalos Queen."

Serena looks down at Fennekin, and I can see the same light from the PR Video Studio returning to her eyes. "I cannot wait to see her."

Fennekin's meaning reaches me with elegant anticipation. "If Aria's partner performs on stage, then I want to watch carefully. Serena may need that light someday."

That quiet thought makes me glance at Serena again. She does not say she wants to enter a Showcase yet, but she has been collecting little pieces of that dream since Lumiose. Maybe today is the day those pieces finally become something she can name.

Camphrier Town feels calmer than Lumiose, but the calm does not make it empty. The streets are lined with old buildings, flower boxes, and signs pointing toward the castle and the theater. After the noise of Route 5, the town almost feels like it is asking travelers to slow down and notice what kind of dreams are waiting inside the doors.

Shauna leads us through the town with the confidence of someone who already knows where the excitement is. Bulbasaur trots beside her, occasionally glancing at Fennekin as if wondering whether Serena's partner understands why Shauna is so excited. Serena keeps smiling, but I can tell the praise about her Pokévision still makes her nervous in a good way.

Bulbasaur gives a soft cry toward Fennekin, and its meaning reaches me with friendly admiration. "Shauna liked Serena's video because it looked sincere. Maybe we can make something like that too." Fennekin answers with a proud flick of her ears, clearly pleased that another starter noticed her work.

At the theater, we sit in the stands with Shauna while the crowd fills every row around us. Clemont leans forward with curiosity, Bonnie keeps Dedenne tucked safely in her bag, and David watches the stage lights as if studying their timing. Elline looks excited enough that Mareep would probably be out already if there were more space.

"I cannot wait to see all the Pokémon perform," Clemont says.

"Will there be a lot of different Pokémon?" David asks.

"Lots of them," Shauna answers. "That is part of the fun."

Before the lights dim, Samurott and Chespin pop out of their Poké Balls on their own. Samurott settles with dignified interest, while Chespin looks around as if he expects snacks and entertainment at the same time.

Samurott's meaning reaches me with calm curiosity. "This is a stage battle of beauty rather than blades. I wish to understand it." Chespin's meaning follows with cheerful hunger and pride. "If everyone is watching something exciting, then I should watch too, and maybe there will be food."

Serena sighs at Chespin, but she does not return him. "Fine, but no stealing anyone's snacks."

The lights glow, music rises, and a man appears on the stage with a grand sweep of his arm. "Bonjour, Pokémon lovers, and welcome. I am your humble host, Monsieur Pierre. Prepare yourselves for a competition magnifique. The Camphrier Town Pokémon Showcase begins with our Rookie Class Division."