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

Chapter 30: Shining Stage

Geosenge Town feels quiet at first, but the quiet does not last long.

The stones around the town stand like old witnesses, and after what Team Flare did on Menhir Trail, I cannot look at any ancient rock in Kalos without wondering what kind of memory sleeps under it. Still, Geosenge has people walking, shops open, and banners hanging near the Contest Hall. For today, at least, the town is not only a mystery. It is also a stage.

Serena notices the Contest banner before I can say anything. "Ash, look. The Geosenge Contest is today."

My hand moves toward my ribbon case. I only have one Kalos ribbon so far, and the second one suddenly feels close enough to reach. "Then I am entering. This is going to be my second ribbon."

Bonnie cheers immediately. "A Contest after all those stones sounds perfect."

Clemont adjusts his glasses while looking at the building. "A controlled performance environment may also be good for Eevee. She can watch without being pushed into participating."

Eevee hides partly behind Pikachu when she hears her name, but she keeps one ear turned toward the Contest Hall. Pikachu looks back at her gently, standing still so she does not feel crowded.

Eevee's meaning reaches me through the way she leans forward despite hiding. "The stage is frightening because everyone can see you, but it is also beautiful because movement can speak without chasing anyone."

Serena smiles at her. "You can just watch today. Nobody is asking you to perform before you are ready."

That makes Eevee relax enough to step closer to Serena's leg.

Inside the Contest Hall, the lobby is busy with Coordinators, Pokémon, costume cases, and the kind of nervous excitement that always makes me remember Hoenn and Sinnoh.

Serena notices me looking at the stage entrance. "Nervous?"

"Excited," I answer. "Maybe both."

She smiles because she understands. "Then use both. That is usually when your appeals work best."

Then I see a familiar red-haired Coordinator near registration, and for a second the years between Sinnoh and Kalos shrink.

"It is Zoey," I say.

Zoey turns at my voice. Her surprise turns into a smile almost immediately. "Ash. What a surprise. It has been a while since Sinnoh."

"It really has," I say, walking up to her. "How are you?"

"Still training, still competing, and still looking for rivals who can keep me sharp," Zoey answers. "Are you entering this Contest too?"

"Of course. I have one Kalos ribbon already, and I am winning this one for my second."

Zoey folds her arms, but her smile stays friendly. "That sounds like the Ash I remember. I am looking forward to seeing what Kalos has added to your style."

I introduce Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Elline, and David. Zoey greets everyone warmly, but her eyes stop on Eevee when the little Pokémon peeks out from behind Pikachu.

"Is that Eevee yours?" Zoey asks.

"She joined us on Route 10," I say. "She is shy around crowds, but she dances beautifully. I want her to watch Contests and decide what kind of stage she might like someday."

Zoey lowers her hand instead of reaching for Eevee. "Then watching is a good beginning. A Pokémon that dances should never be dragged onto a stage before it wants to stand there."

Eevee studies Zoey for a moment, then hides again. That is not trust yet, but it is not fear either.

Zoey also studies Serena for a moment, not in a rude way, but with the eyes of someone who notices performance habits before names settle. "You move like someone learning the stage from more than one direction."