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

Chapter 47

We have arrived in Gloire City, where the Pokémon Showcase Master Class is set to take place. I ask, "Serena, is that it?"

"What a gigantic castle!" Clemont says.

"We're finally here. The Gloire City Pokemon Showcase Master Class." Serena says.

"The big event we've been dreaming about." We are surprised to find Shauna arriving.

"Where the Kalos Queen will be crowned." Miette says as she also arrives.

"That's why we've all worked so hard to collect three Princess Keys, isn't it?" Nini is the third one to arrive.

"Well, looks like all of you have met before." And finally, Scarlet, or me, is here.

"We sure have. We all stood on the very same stage in the Rookie Class!" Miette says.

"And we're rivals till the very end." Nini adds.

"That's so cool you're all in the Master Class." Bonnie says.

"I'd say this is going to get a lot more challenging." Elline says.

"But I'm ready!" Serena says.

"So Ash, naturally you'll be cheering me on, won't you?" Miette asks.

"Yeah! I'll be cheering a lot for all of you!" Miette says.

"Even if Serena and I battle head-to-head?" Miette asks.

"In that case, I'll be cheering all I can for Serena!" I say.

"And what about me? What if Serena and I battle head-to-head?" Scarlet asks, and now I flinch a little. "Well..."

"Relax, I'm just joking, I know you want to cheer for Serena." Scarlet whispers in my ear, "Even though I'm a part of you."

Then the girls are having the competition with each other, and when the Master Showcase comes the next day, all of us are now in our seats, and we also find a lot of people watching.

As Monsieur Pierre takes the stage to welcome the audience and announce the start of the Master Class. He asks everyone to turn their attention to a part of the stage where several booths appear. Inside each booth is a Performer, who has to use three Princess Keys to open the door and access the stage.

"It's my pleasure to introduce you to our very special guest! Former Kalos Queen and well-known producer, she has launched the careers of countless performers throughout her career. Welcome Palermo! She's agreed to take on the role of special judge!"

It's Grandma! She is of course the Special Judge for this occasion. She says, "I'm very much looking forward to observing everyone's wonderful performances today. Good luck to all of you."

After that, Pierre introduces the current Kalos Queen Aria as she enters the stage together with her Delphox. She walks down a long staircase and heads to the center of the stage, where she greets her fans and the Performers competing for her title. Following Aria's speech, Monsieur Pierre starts explaining the rules, informing that the Master Class consists of Freestyle Performances only.

"What's up with that?" David asks.

"If I had to make a guess, I suppose the Theme Performance is intended to show off the strong bond between the performers and their Pokemon. They've come this far already and it must be assumed that the competitors are beyond those early stages." Clemont says.

Pierre continues explaining the tournament format, saying that Performers must perform with a single Pokémon in the first and second rounds, while the semifinals will feature Performers using two of their Pokémon. The winner of the semifinals will challenge Aria and, if successful, receive the prestigious title of Kalos Queen as well as a tiara.