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

Chapter 32

The day has arrived as Serena is going for the Pokemon Showcase, and when we arrive at the arena, we find Shauna and Scarlet there as well.

"You two are also here?" I ask.

"I can't stand by and let Serena win." Shauna says. "Because from this point on, we're rivals, right? But there's no way I'm gonna lose."

Scarlet says, "Well, the reason I'm here is because Ms. Palermo is watching the Showcase this time."

I say, "Are you serious? Grandma Palermo is going to be here?"

While the three performers are now backstage, Elline, David, and I decide to find Grandma Palermo. If you're wondering, Palermo is my grandma from my mother's side, so Elline and David were not related to her until the marriage.

When we find her, she is also happy to see us, and she asks, "Ash? I assume you used your Double Team for the Showcase?"

"Of course, though Pikachu is going to help Serena this time." I say. She notices my Eevee on my hands and asks, "An Eevee... are you also planning to use her in the future?"

"Of course, this little one can dance really well." I say with a smile.

"I see..." Palermo sighs before looking from the VIP box, "I was worried when there will never be another Kalos Queen like Aria... but then there's you and Serena... I wonder if you two can actually do it..."

The first stage this time is Pokemon Styling, Shauna is in the first round, and her performance with Bulbasaur gets her the highest score. And then it's my turn, I mean, Scarlet's turn. She of course goes with Meganium and she is also the top in that round.

And finally, it is Serena's turn. Serena is with Pikachu, and she has been decorating Pikachu really well. But when it is time for the showcasing, Pikachu suddenly trips by the ribbon that he's wearing, and scattering the rest of its decorations everywhere.

"No..." We gasp in horror, as she gets the lowest score compared to the other two. I notice that my grandma is also giving me a disappointed look in Serena as well. I quickly mind-linked with Scarlet and I find that Shauna and I are trying to comfort Serena.

"I'm sorry, Pikachu." Serena says. "I guess I overdid it. I should have considered Pikachu walking next to me."

"You did a great job showing off Pikachu, though, really." Shauna says.

"Yeah, things will get better after your first loss." I say.

"Thanks. I'm going to be cheering for both of you in the next round." Serena says as she leaves with Pikachu following.

I end my link and we watch the Freestyle performance. Scarlet uses Meganium and Sceptile to create the Grass Garden performance, and Shauna uses her Bulbasaur and Flabébé to great effect. In the end, the one with the most votes is Scarlet.

"We did it." Scarlet says while hugging both Pokemon.

My grandma then stands up and says, "There. I've watched all of it. I'm impressed with your skills, Ash."

"Well, I haven't done any mind link with Scarlet yet, so all of the moves are her doing. I was planning to absorb her back once the Master Class is over." I say.

After we bid farewell to Grandma, we meet up with Serena, Scarlet, and Shauna again. Shauna says, "Too bad that we all lost our first Showcase, but we'll be able to catchup to you next time. Scarlet."

"I'm looking forward to it. And you've better hurry because I already got two." Scarlet says.

Then after Scarlet and Shauna leave, we all head back to the Pokemon Center to have dinner. Though I'm still worried about Serena, because she's obviously putting up a fake smile.